REPORTAGES
we were roped together in two groups of two, and one group of three. Experience at high altitudes and sound training are key to face the rest of the climb and complete it successfully. Some climbers choose to climb this mountain on touring skis, although most do it wearing snowshoes. Except for one member of the expedition, we all climbed up on snowshoes. Our trip would last 25 days all in all and, when planning the expedition strategy, we foresaw to time it in such a way that we would climb at a very gradual pace, so that
“After almost twelve hours of activity, we reached the summit at 14:45h�
89 / SPORTVICIOUS
our bodies would adapt well to the altitude and so, we would carry equipment to the higher camps very slowly. The biggest mistake people make when trying to climb these mountains is rushing; wanting to climb faster, not slowing down. Seeing the mountain so seemingly close and not slowing the pace down to climb gradually is usually a fatal error with less experienced climbers, which may, eventually, spoil their ascent. After the first few days spent linking flights and doing some last minute shopping for our