AMERICAN CLIMBERS SEEK NEW ROUTE TO SUMMIT OF MT EVEREST

©Fantasy ridge. A close up to the chalenge ahead

In 2006 a group of experienced and dedicated climbers will attempt to reach the top of Mt Everest by a new route.  Among the more than 2000 Everest summits to date, no one has ever reached the Summit by way of the Fantasy Ridge. The new route will offer an entirely new exploration of the great mountain.

The name, Fantasy Ridge, was given by George Leigh Mallory.  It is believed that the name reflects the almost impossible difficulty of the route.  It is thought that the route was attempted twice to a height of 6400 m. and then abandoned. Next Spring, a team will try to turn “fantasy” into reality!

Although the exact details of the plans will be kept strictly confidential for the climbers and sponsors, it can be announced that the approach will not be the traditional Kangshung Glacier.  The proposed route was photographed, video taped, and studied over the last couple of years to explore the new approach via East Rongbuk Glacier.  The results were so encouraging that climbers saw in this a real opportunity to explore new territory leading to a successful summit by the new route.

Departure will take place in early March 2006 giving enough time for acclimatizing and completing all planned climbs, as well as taking advantage of the colder temperatures.  Fantasy Ridge is an exposed
major ridge with a greater chance of avalanche.  The colder temperatures will be an advantage.   Several vertical pitches offer a high altitude challenge testing the ability to perform under severe circumstances.

Because the Fantasy Ridge has never been climbed before, we acknowledge the unknown factor and therefore need to be prepared for any surprises.  Simply put:  a better prepared team has a better chance of success.

While the Fantasy Ridge is a real challenge for any respected climber, its top ends more than 1000 meters below the summit of Mt. Everest.  From the top of the Ridge, climbers must continue across the notorious Pinnacles, another high altitude technical undertaking.  Just above the third Pinnacle the route eases above the last camp of the traditional route (8300 m).  With luck the team will stay on the Northeast Ridge completing the first true Northeast Ridge traverse.

The expedition is open for sponsorship.  In addition, access to the video/photo documentary will be available in exchange for financial support.  The expedition will report exclusively to EverestNews.com.

POTENTIAL SPONSORS:  FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM AND DETAILED PLANS FOR THE CLIMB, PLEASE CONTACT EverestNews.com

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

   Ascenders

   Atlas snowshoes

   Atomic

   Big Agnes

   Black Diamond

   Brunton

   Carabiners

   Chaco

   Cloudveil

   Columbia
   CMI

   Crampons

   Edelweiss ropes
   Eureka Tents

   Exofficio

   FiveTen

   Featured

   FoxRiver

   Gregory

   Granite Gear

   Harnesses
   Headlamps

   Hestra
   Helmets

   Helly Hansen

   HighGear

   HornyToad
   Ice Axes

   Julbo

   Kavu Eyewear

   Katadyn

   Kelty

   Kong

   Lekisport

   Life is Good

   Lowa

   Lowe Alpine

   Lowepro

   Millet

   Motorola

   Mountain Hardwear

   Mountainsmith

   MSR

   Nalgene

   New England Ropes

   Nikwax

   Omega

   Osprey

   Outdoor Research
   Patagonia

   Pelican

   Petzl

   Prana

   Princeton Tec

   Primus

   Rope Bags

   Royal Robbins

   Salomon

   Scarpa

   Scott

   Seattle Sports

   Serius
   Sleeping Bags

   Sterling Rope

   Stubai

   Suunto

   Tents

   Teva

   Thermarest

   Trango

   Tool Logic

   Trekking Poles
   Yaktrax
   and more here