Join the Outdoor State

Recently our Climbing Alliance lead @grahamzimmerman and his team have been attempting to summit the West Ridge of Chogori/K2. Earlier this week, he posted an update regarding the climate impacts on the mountain and what that means for their attempt. As @conrad_anker said, thanks for being the eyes and ears of the high alpine, Graham. Learn more below 👇🏻 Repost from @grahamzimmerman
•
In this most recent weather window we attempted the West Ridge of Chogori/K2.

There we some brilliant moments including:

-Stunning climbing on ice slopes under a bright full moon.

-Walking narrow snow and ice ridges.

-Feeling as though we were climbing through history as we mixed climbed past signs of other climbers on the mountain

-Sitting out during the days and watching the sun's light move over some of the world's most stunning peaks.

But in the end we were stopped in our tracks by some of the warmest temperatures either of have experienced in the big mountains. At 7000m we were unable to go any further due to near constant avalanches and rock fall down the route.

At our 6900m bivy I recorded ambient (shaded) temperatures of 10+ degrees Celsius. Far too hot for climbing a route like the West Ridge. And with more high temps on the way we decided to bail and rapped all night.

I knew that the climate crisis was affecting these mountains but I can't say that I anticipated getting scorched off the second highest peak in the planet.

We are now back at basecamp with Fida Ali and Nadeem, safe and sound and caffeinated. No need to be concerned about us for the next few days as we loaf around, eat dhal and recover.

I'll address this more later, but there have also been a few accidents in the mountains around us. All I have to say currently, is that my heart goes out to those affected.

Be safe out there my friends. ...

POW x DESO SUPPLY CO

If ever there was a way to support imperfect progress, this might be it. We’re proud to have partnered with @desosupplyco in the creation of this merch collab, and to promote localized production (meaning everything including the fabric is produced within a 10 mile radius), factories meeting California emission and labor standards, and producing nearly negligible water waste from dyeing. Thanks to Deso for helping us walk the walk.

Shop all items now through our link in bio. ...