Practice makes perfect so today we’ve been doing drills in the lower part of the icefall. Going over both lower angle and steep fixed line work as well as repelling and descending via an arm wrap and back up. Things that might feel easy down here in a relaxed (and relatively oxygen rich) environment at Base Camp can quickly start to feel more complicated up high in heavy gloves or mittens so it’s important to get everything dialled in so that skills becomes second nature and climbers fall into good habits that feel effortless.

It was toasty warm out there in the sun so the team have been rocking a new look – base layers & t-shirts paired with triple boots and down mittens!

Sadly we waved goodbye to our trekking support team who are heading off back down the valley. They’ll hit Pheriche today, followed by Namche and then Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu. The impact of support can never be underestimated and having family and friends share part of the journey by trekking into EBC has been incredible. We’ll miss them dearly as the next chapter begins.

CTSS Team