February 27, 2020
Heli Photo-Ang Jangbu Sherpa
We received an update overnight from Ang Jangbu in Kathmandu about the first Expedition Operators Association  (EOA) meeting of the season.  The local representatives of over 25 expedition teams gathered to review the details for rope fixing in preparation for the upcoming Everest/Lhotse season.  Currently the plan will involve 8 dedicated rope fixing Sherpa from Camp 2 to the Summit, in addition to the “Icefall Doctors†(employed by SPCC)  who will be working on the route from EBC to Camp 2.
The tentative plan is for the rope fixing team to reach the South Col by the end of April and fix to the summit during the first week of May, weather and conditions permitting. There are many factors that go into the fixing of Mount Everest, and we will be looking forward to getting updates as the season moves forward. The EOA has ordered the rope fixing gear and will be organizing the helicopter flight to Camp 2 with the gear, under permit from the Department of Tourism (DoT).
Greg Vernovage