Ecuador Climbers visit Cotopaxi

November 14th, 2023–

IMG Ecuador climbers on the ascent of Cotopaxi on an overcast day (Romulo Cardenas)

The IMG Ecuador team enjoyed their day yesterday by hiking on the lower mountain of Cotopaxi (currently closed due to active eruptions) and stopping by a local town to feed Alpacas and visit historic Inca Ruins. The team is feeling strong and well-acclimatized to begin their ascent of Chimborazo (20,561′), Ecuador’s tallest peak, today. Climbers are currently traveling towards the mountain and look to either stay at the Carrel Refuge (16,000′) or climb to high camp (17,400′) for the night depending on weather and conditions. Sending the best of luck to our Chimborazo climbers!

IMG Climbers in front of Cotopaxi, a summit unclimbable for the past two years due to active eruption (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Climbers beaming while feeding alpacas during a rest day (Romulo Cardenas)

Ama Dablam Team Celebrates Their Success on the Descent

November 14th, 2023–

Ama Dablam climbers smiling wide after successfully summitting Ama Dablam (Phunuru Sherpa)

Our Ama Dablam Climbers appreciated great weather and a quiet summit day to be able to reach the top of this peak (22,494′) at 6:50AM on the 12th. The team excitedly and safely descended down to Basecamp and was welcomed with tea and warm food. Tired but healthy, climbers enjoyed a well-deserved night of rest and relaxation and arrived at Lukla the morning of the 14th. Team members look forward to celebrating their accomplishment during their final days in Nepal before traveling home.

IMG climbers climb near Camp 3 on a blue bird day (Justin Sackett)

IMG Ama Dablam climbers embracing in a hug on the summit (Justin Sackett)

IMG climbers smiling wide (Justin Sackett)

IMG Ama Dablam 2023 Team (Justin Sackett)

Ama Dablam Climbers On Top!

November 12, 2023

Trekking to Phortse with Ama Dablam (Justin Merle)

We’re happy to announce that at 6:30 AM on November 13th, our Ama Dablam team reached the summit. After a lovely ascent, the team is now starting the long descent and will return to Kathmandu in the coming days!

2023 IMG Ama Dablam Summiters:

Ngima Sona Sherpa

Sonam Tasi Sherpa

Chhiring Tendi Sherpa

Justin Sackett

Stu Johnson

Annemie

Dean

We’re excited about the success of our team on both Mera Peak and Ama Dablam this fall and couldn’t be prouder of our climbers and guides.

Audrey Simonson

Antisana team on the descent

November 12, 2023

Antisana with an intense cloud cap (Romulo Cardenas)

Today our Antisana team pushed as far as they could but forfeited touching the top due to intense, high winds in a cloud cap. The team is back in camp now and doing well. Proud of our team and trying their best even when the mountains don’t cooperate.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Climbers at Camp 2.7

November 12, 2023

Looking up the fixed lines on the way to Camp 2.7 (Stu Johnson)

IMG Climbers on the fixed lines (Stu Johnson)

Our Ama Dablam team had a lovely day of climbing to Camp 2.7! The team had blue skies and mild temps. Now they are resting before continuing their ascent in the coming days.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Team on the move to Camp 2.7

November 11, 2023

Ama Dablam team at Bas Camp before their ascent to Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Prayer flags at Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Fresh snow at Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Our Ama Dablam climbers woke up this morning to a fresh dusting of snow overnight! After a good climb yesterday to Camp 1, the team is ready for their next push to Camp 2.7. Camp 2.7 is situated between Camp 2 and 3, positioning the team well for the coming days.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Team Ready to Climb to Camp 1

November 10th, 2023–

IMG Guide Adam Clark peering at the summit of Ama Dablam from Camp 1 (Harry Hamlin)

IMG Guides Justin Sackett, Stu Johnson, and PhunuruÂ Sherpa checked in and let us know the team is heading to bed to get a good night’s rest before climbing to Camp 1 (18,800′) in the morning. The team enjoyed their day yesterday resting after their previous acclimatization rotation. Climbers are eagerly awaiting their summit bid in a couple of days and look to maintain their strength and resilience to get to the top. Keep up the strong efforts team!

Ecuador Team Enjoys a Nice Day at the Hot Springs

November 10th, 2023–

Peaceful morning in the courtyard at the famous Papallacta hot springs and hotel (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador team enjoyed a well-desired and relaxing night at the famous Papallacta hot springs and hotel after a successful summit of Cayambe (18,997′). The team is using their beautiful and bright recovery day to rest in the hot springs and visit haciendas near Sangolqui. Climbers look forward to spending tonight at Hacienda Carriona before traveling to Antisana via 4WD trucks in the next couple of days. All is well in Ecuador!

Luscious greenery on a relaxing day in between climbs (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ama Dablam Team Takes a Day to Rest

November 9th, 2023–

Ama Dablam peeping through the clouds on the trek in the Khumbu Valley (Harry Hamlin)

The IMG Ama Dablam team made it back to basecamp after a successful acclimatization rotation yesterday. The team spent their rest day today relaxing and refueling by stretching, sharing laughs, and enjoying a clear day at Basecamp. Team members will look to use the next couple of days to finalize their training and preparation as they plan to climb later this week.

Alpenglow shining on the summit of Ama Dablam from near Camp 1 (Harry Hamlin)

IMG Ecuador Finds Success on Cayambe (18,990′)

November 9th, 2023–

IMG Ecuador team members at a rest break during their ascent of Cayambe (18,990′) on a stunning blue-bird day (Romulo Cardenas)

Congrats to our strong and persistent IMG Ecuador climbers on their successful ascent of Cayambe (18,990′)! Following an informative and restful day of training on Wednesday learning skills including knots and crevasse rescue, the team went to bed early to get up at 10pm to begin their ascent. In an exceptional 8 hours, the team returned back to the Oleas-Ruales-Berg Hut after standing on top of this magnificent peak. The team is now drying out gear and enjoying a well-deserved night at the famed Papallacta hot springs and hotel.

Stunning and clear views of the summit of Cayambe (18,990′) amongst rocks and plants in the alpine (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador team member enjoying a break with clear views of their destination, the top of Cayambe (Romulo Cardenas)