Renowned Everest Guide Says Using Xenon Speeds Climb and Makes It Safer, Better for Environment

Climbing Mount Everest usually takes weeks, and most of that time is spent at the foot of the mountain adapting to the air. But last week, four British men drastically reduced that timeline, traveling from London to the summit and back in less than a week, according to the organizer of their expedition. They skipped the adaptation period, in part, inhaling a secret weapon: xenon gas. Their feat has shaken the world of mountaineering and has prov…

Renowned Everest guide says using xenon speeds climb and makes it safer, better for environment

The renowned mountain guide who used xenon gas treatment to put clients on top of Mount Everest and return them home within a week defended his technique, saying it is making climbing Mount Everest not just faster and safer, but also better for the environment by cutting down on garbage and waste.

Everest in 5 days: British team's speed climb sparks Nepal probe

KATHMANDU – Four former British special forces soldiers have set a startling new precedent on Mount Everest, reaching the summit in under five days without the traditional acclimatization process. Their rapid ascent of the planet’s tallest peak has drawn sharp scrutiny from Nepali authorities, not for the climb itself, but for the controversial use of xenon gas prior to their arrival in Nepal. The team, comprising Major Garth Miller, Colonel Ali…

It usually takes weeks to climb Mt Everest due to altitude a...

It usually takes weeks to climb Mt Everest due to altitude acclimation. A group of British climbers did it in less than a week by inhaling xenon gas, which allegedly helps acclimatize people to high altitudes more quickly. 💬 Join the discussion on kottke.org →

Everest Climbers Inhaled What? Team Uses Xenon Gas to Speed Ascent

A team of climbers managed an Everest expedition in just seven days—and that includes travel time to and from their homes. Key to the team’s success was the use of xenon gas to help prevent altitude sickness during the actual ascent, which took the team mere days. Compare this to the weeks it typically takes humans to safely adjust to the extreme change in altitude as they climb Earth’s highest peak. Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures led…

The treatment with xenon gas and the latest technology are making climbing Mount Everest not only faster, but also better for the environment, reducing garbage and waste, noted a renowned mountain guide on Monday.