You To Can Ski Down Mount Everest
by Robin Shortt
Getting to the summit is optional, getting down is
mandatory.- David Breashears-
Extreme Skier Maegan Carney
Extreme skier Maegan Carney had made a bid to be the first
woman, and second person to ski down the world's tallest
mountain.
Because of the high winds of Mount Everest at that time,
Maegan Carney abandoned her first summit attempt.
To find more information about Maegan's quest, go to the
mountainzone.com website.
Preparation Is The Secret:
Before you climb a mountain, you need some major
preparations:
You definitely need to be physically and emotionally fit.
You should have people in the group who know first aid and
of coarse you have a first aid kit.
Make sure you have a schedule set up, because of the dangers
involved.
The mountain you're climbing, how long it should take, how
many and who are going, and where will you start your
assention.
Bring a camera for breath taking views and to record your
trip.
A cell phone for emergencies and to call someone to share
your excitement when you make it to the top.
If you have the proper climbing gear with you, there's no
worries about staying the night if you get lost.
Also you know you'll get rescued by morning because the
proper people have been notified.
Some Guidelines For Climbing:
It's not a good idea to be flown or driven to altitudes
higher than 3000 metres. Begin your walk at below that.
Once over the 3000 metre altitude, travel up in 300 metre
increments each day, thats it, no more than that.
Climb up high during the day and sleep at lower altitudes at
night.
If high altitude symptoms start to affect you, stop climbing
higher. If symptoms worsen, go down right away.
You will need to drink plenty of fluids, hiking dehydrates
your body very fast when climbing at high altitudes and this
increases as the temperature does.
Do the climb at a slow pace and you'll enjoy your climb
more.
Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other vices that will
play havoc with your body and mind at these high altitudes.
A high-carbohydrate diet will really benefit you here.
In the USA there are many resorts above the 3,000 metre
level, meaning you will need to keep a watch out for
mountain sickness.
Some Mount Everest Facts
Historic Mountain Climbing Deaths:
George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on June 6 1924, made an
attempt on the summit from which they never returned.
An eyewitness claimed he saw the group reach the summit.
A total of 808 climbers have reached and stood on the
summit, 764 men and 44 women. There were 161 that died, 36
on the descent.
More About Mountain Climbing Deaths
In 1965, was the best year for climbing, nine climbers
summitted and there were no deaths. In 1996, the worst
single year for deaths, 15 climbers died.
About Mount Everest Itself
The Highest Peak: At 29,035' (8850m), thats about five miles
up,the highest summit in the world, and is close to the
cruising altitude of a jet, or it is 23 times the height of
the EmpireState building.
Above 26,000, the body gets a third of the oxygen available
at sea level.
Even after getting acclimated, the body starts to shut down,
and if someone stays at that height long enough, they will
die.
A lot of the climbers use oxygen here for climbing and
sleeping.
The weather on Everest allows for climbing only in May and
October between winter snows (December-March) and summer
monsoons (June-September).
As you can tell, this article is just giving you the basics
of what information you'll need to find your way to the top
of the world's highest peaks.
Amazon.com has a great source of books on this subject.
Robin Shortt is a father of five children and five step
children and thoroughly enjoys the outdoors. He is also a
Cub Scout leader,who sees the big picture when it comes to helping
our children to love and explore the great outdoors.
Visit: http://www.goodnightcampingequipment.com
