May 4, 2021

IMG EBC looking at the Icefall (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

Kazi Sherpa (Jonathan Schrock)

IMG Expedition Leader Jonathan Schrock checked in this morning to let us know that our first group of climbers are ready to head up for their Camp 3 rotation.  They have had a beneficial rest at Base Camp the last few days, and are feeling strong, in part due to the efforts of our Head Cook, Kazi Sherpa.  Kazi has been busy working his magic, feeding the team and even baking a birthday cake for one of our climbers!   The plan for tomorrow is breakfast at 1:30am and walking at 2am.  With the weather trending in the right direction, we are excited to get back on the mountain.

Our Sherpa Team has also been working hard and have made carries to Camp 3, with two of them pushing up to the top of the Geneva Spur.  They report the Lhotse Face was tough climbing with the recent snowfall that plastered the upper mountain.  They had to kick steps and pull fixed ropes out of the snow to open the route back up, but with some nice weather in the forecast, there should soon be some better steps chopped into the face.

Greg Vernovage

May 3, 2021

2021 Everest Guide Team from left to right-Phunuru Sherpa, Andy Politz, Ang Jangbu Sherpa, Jonathan Schrock, Ang Dorjee Sherpa, Kevin Kayl

Expedition Leader Jonathan Schrock has been watching the weather and looking for the best time to have the team head back up on their second rotation.  With some precipitation in the forecast for Mount Everest, the team has decided to go into a holding pattern at EBC to wait out the snow that is predicted for tonight and tomorrow.

Everest with a Lenticular (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

The team is strong and ready to get back on the mountain for their next rotation.  A day or two more of rest will only help the team get even stronger as they are going up on an important Camp 3 rotation.  With the additional rest at EBC, Teams 1 and 2 are now going to be on the same schedule.

We also have some of our Sherpa Team at Camp 2 who will take a look at the weather in the morning and see if they can get a load of oxygen and gear up to Camp 3 and the South Col.

Ready to climb when the weather breaks on Mount Everest!

Greg Vernovage

April 30, 2021

Descending the Khumbu Icefall (Jonathan Schrock)

Camp 1 (Kevin Kayl)

Ang Jangbu checked in from EBC to give us an update.  The big news from up high today was that the rope fixing team have now reached the South Col.  Good news!  Our IMG Sherpa Team is focused and healthy.  Their plan is for another big carry to Camp 2 with more oxygen, followed by some rest days at Base Camp, and then they will move up to Camp 2 in preparation for building and stocking our Camp 3 and Camp 4 (on the South Col).

Team 1 are all doing well back at EBC, enjoying their rest days. Although not a perfectly sunny day, many of the climbers found time today for a shower and to do a bit of laundry.  They will be taking several more rest days at EBC to recharge and prepare for their next rotation to Camp 3.

Laundry day at EBC (Adam Clark)

Many of the Team 2 climbers descended to Base Camp today, with a handful remaining up at Camp 2 for a bit more acclimatization.  We work hard with our climbers to make sure they are setting themselves up for success, so if some require additional time to acclimatize or extra rest days, that is not an issue.  The best part of the story is that all the IMG climbers are doing great and making excellent progress with their climbing and acclimatization!

Progress being made on Mount Everest!

Greg Vernovage

April 27, 2021

Predawn light at EBC (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

The weather has been nearly perfect for the start of this rotation, which always helps make things more enjoyable.   Last night was made extra special with a full moon (this one known as the Pink Moon).  With a full moon overhead, the night is much brighter and climbers can practically go without a headlamp!

Our climbing Teams are split between Camp 1 and Camp 2 and are doing very well with acclimatization.  Expedition Leader Jonathan Schrock checked in from Camp 2 to let us know all is well with the Team 1.  Their plan is a leisurely morning, followed by hike up towards the Lhotse Face to get a closer look of the steep climbing above.  Phunuru reports that our Camp 2 looks great , the “best ever”.

The rest of our climbers are at Camp 1.  They will take a hike up the Western Cwm in the morning to get their heart rates up and then spend another night or two at Camp 1 before moving up to Camp 2.

All is well on Mount Everest!

Looking down valley with a full moon (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

Greg Vernovage

April 26, 2021

Ang Jangbu checked in from EBC to let us know that all is well on Mount Everest.  Team 2 had a great climb through the Icefall and are now at Camp 1.  Team 1 had an active rest day at Camp 1 and took a short hike up the Western Cwm towards Camp 2.  The remaining Sherpas and climbers at EBC will be departing at 3am for Camp 1 and Team 1 will head up to Camp 2 at 5am.

Beautiful weather is in the forecast and all is well on Mount Everest!

Greg Vernovage

April 25, 2021

Icefall Climbing With Team 2 (Andy Politz)

IMG Expedition Leader Jonathan Schrock checked in from Camp 1 to let us know the Team made great time in the Icefall and all is well at Camp 1.  The team will take a couple of nights at Camp 1 acclimatizing before making their move to Camp 2.  Tomorrow, the team will take a short hike to stretch their legs towards Camp 2.

Sunset of Everest and the West Shoulder (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

Down at EBC, Ang Jangbu let us know that Team 2 was packed and ready to head up the Icefall to Camp 1 in the morning.  Breakfast at 2:15 am and walking by 3am.  Our Sherpa Team will also be on the move with Sherpa carrying to Camp 1 and Camp 2 with additional supplies for our rotations.

All is well on Mount Everest with IMG!

Greg Vernovage

April 24, 2021

2021 Everest-Lhotse Team (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

Great news from EBC overnight as Team 2 departed EBC for their Dry Run up the Khumbu Icefall.  The Team performed well and are now back to EBC for additional rest and preparations for their first rotation in a couple more days.

Team 1 is on the launching pad and will be departing EBC at 2am for their climb to Camp 1.  The Team will spend a couple nights at Camp 1 before making the move to Camp 2.  All members of the team including clients and guides have been tested for COVID again and have all received the green light (negative test results).

All is well with IMG on Mount Everest!

Greg Vernovage