Ed Viesturs weighs in on Everest 2014

Ed Viesturs gives his perspective on the April 18 avalanche and the risks of climbing Everest.

From Whittaker Mountaineering: In 2005, Ed Viesturs stepped firmly into the slot as one of the world’s leading high altitude mountaineers when he completed an 18-year goal by climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter-high peaks. At the time, he was one of only five mountaineers to accomplish the feat without supplemental oxygen.

When combined with seven repeats of Mt. Everest, Ed has summited 8,000-meter peaks a total of 21 times, all without frostbite or assisted descents — a further testament to his mountaineering abilities.

He has co-authored three popular books with writer David Roberts: No Shortcuts to the Top and K2: Life and Death on the World’s Most Dangerous Mountain and most recently The Will to Climb: Obsession and Commitment and the Quest to Climb Annapurna–the World’s Deadliest Peak. Less known about Viesturs is that he has received the American Alpine Club’s David A. Sowles Award for his part in two separate 1992 rescues high on K2.

For more information about Ed, go to www.edviesturs.com.

Ed Viesturs: A Perspective on Everest from Whittaker Mountaineering on Vimeo.