November 2, 2017

The Ama Dablam Team is resting at Base Camp for a few days before heading back up on their summit rotations.  Rest, recover and get ready to head back up the mountain.  The reports are that the climbing is fantastic and the mountain is in great condition.  I will let these great photos that Austin and Phunuru sent in do the rest of the talking for Ama Dablam.

All is well on Ama Dablam and thank you to the Team for sending in fantastic pictures!

Greg Vernovage

November 1, 2017

Yellow Tower on Ama Dablam (Justin Merle)

Austin checked in this morning from Ama Dablam Base Camp.  The Team had a great rotation up Ama Dablam, touching Camp 2 (19,350ft.) and spending 2 nights at Camp 1 (18,370ft.).  The combination of technical climbing and altitude is challenging on this rotation.  One of the more technical areas of the climb is the Yellow Tower (19,200ft.).  The Team has done a good job and has earned a few days’ rest at Base Camp.

The Team is on schedule and doing a good job taking care of themselves.  We want to give everyone plenty of time to gather strength and be ready for their summit rotation.

All is well on Ama Dablam!

Greg Vernovage

October 30, 2017

Camp 2 on Ama Dablam. (Austin Shannon)

Austin checked in this morning to let us know that “All is well at Camp 1.”  The Team had a good day of climbing up to Camp 1 (18,370 ft) and will spend two nights up high as they acclimatize.  The plan for the Hybrid Team is to touch Camp 2 (19,350 ft) tomorrow.  This is a great opportunity for the Team to make gains in acclimatizing as well as learn the route.  Our Classic Team is enjoying the night at Yak Camp and will be heading to Camp 1 in the morning.

Our Sherpa and Western Guide Team are looking high on the mountain.  They are interested in establishing Camp 2.7 or a new Camp 3.  The Team is working hard and climbing strong.

All is well on Ama Dablam!

Greg Vernovage

October 27, 2017

It was a perfect day for the Puja at Ama Dablam Base Camp.  Phunuru and Austin let us know that everyone is doing well and it was a great day.  The Puja Ceremony is very important to our Team.  It is time to give thanks and ask for permission to climb.  Our old friend, Mingma Dorge from Pangboche has been coming to our EBC Camp in the spring and made the journey to Ama Dablam BC from Pangboche.  He is a wonderful man who has all of our respect.  Thank you for helping us each year!

After the Puja, the Team rigged up and did some training close to camp.  Practice and training is important.  We want to know our systems inside and out, upside down and in a cold shower with the lights off.  Efficiency is one of the big keys to climbing big mountains.

Tomorrow, the Team is going to start their rotations.  The plan is to trek up to Yak Camp and see how everyone is feeling and moving.

It is time to do some climbing on Ama Dablam!

Greg Vernovage

October 26, 2017

The Ama Dablam Team pulled into Base Camp today (14,763 ft).  It always feels good when you arrive to your Base Camp and see how nice it is.  The Team has met the advanced Sherpa Team as well as a couple more guides that have also arrived.  Adam Clark and Phunuru came over from doing a trek in Rolwaling, Kevin Kayl trekked up from Lukla after his fantastic Mera Peak Climb.  Our advanced Sherpa Team arrived a couple weeks ago to get a good sight for Base Camp and organize gear and the kitchen.  Judging from the photos that Phunuru sent back, I would say that the Team is enjoying the food and scenery

Tomorrow is a Puja Day!  The Team will have their Puja in the morning and train in the afternoon.  Once the training has been done, our Guide team will evaluate the needs of our Team and begin rotations up the mountain.  The Team is strong and excited to do some climbing on Ama Dablam.

All is well at Ama Dablam Base Camp!

Greg Vernovage