The renowned German climber, Jost Kobusch, has embarked on an extraordinary journey up Mount Everest with unprecedented speed. On his initial ascent, he surpassed the Lho La pass and is now rapidly advancing along the West Ridge. According to his tracking device, Kobusch reached an impressive altitude of 6,800 meters today, demonstrating no signs of slowing down. He is currently approaching both the West Shoulder above the Western Cwm and the second col, situated just above Camp 2 on the standard route. Meanwhile, other winter expedition teams are preparing their climbs on different peaks.

Kobusch's Remarkable Progress on Everest

Jost Kobusch's ascent of Everest is making headlines due to its exceptional pace. In a single day, he managed to cover significant ground, reaching altitudes that were initially planned for much later stages of his expedition. His current position puts him ahead of schedule by approximately 800 meters. This early success can be attributed to his strategic approach and meticulous planning.

Kobusch's strategy involves setting up ropes on the mixed face leading to the Lho La pass, which separates the west ridge of Everest from Khumbutse Peak. Unlike traditional methods, he opts for an ice-climbing route rather than traversing bare rock. By doing so, he minimizes the risk associated with loose rock formations. Once at the top, Kobusch secures a rope for rappelling and continues his ascent. This technique showcases his expertise in both ice and rock climbing, as well as his ability to adapt to challenging terrains.

Winter Expeditions: Other Teams Prepare for Challenges

While Kobusch focuses on Everest, other notable climbers are also gearing up for winter expeditions on different mountains. The Manaslu winter team, led by Simone Moro, Nima Rinji Sherpa, and Oswald Pereira, has been acclimatizing on Ama Dablam since December 22nd. Their preparation on this peak aims to build endurance and adjust to high-altitude conditions before tackling Manaslu.

In contrast, the Annapurna expedition remains in its early stages. Alex Txion returned to Spain before Christmas, leaving the team at Base Camp. Despite the delay, the remaining members continue to prepare for the challenges ahead. These teams highlight the diverse strategies employed by climbers during winter expeditions, each facing unique obstacles and adjusting their plans accordingly.