By Islam El-Sakka
German climber Jost Kobusch is set to depart this week for a rare winter attempt to scale Mount Everest solo, without supplemental oxygen, via the formidable West Ridge route.
Previous attempts and challenges
The 34-year-old from Borgholzhausen has made three previous attempts in 2019, 2021, and 2024 but was turned back by strong winds above 7,540 metres (24,737 ft). No climber has ever summited the West Ridge in winter, and only 14 people have reached the summit in winter by any route, according to official data.
Motivation and preparation
Kobusch said he is drawn to the West Ridge for its beauty and the wilderness experience winter offers, when the mountain is not crowded. He aims to make his summit push at the end of December after training on smaller peaks.
Extreme conditions and history
Temperatures in the death zone above 8,000 metres (26,246 ft) can drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower, with high winds making winter climbing far more challenging than the popular spring season. Climbing experts note shorter daylight hours add to the difficulty.
In 2020, four Sherpa climbers were forced to abandon a winter West Ridge attempt due to heavy snow. Since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first summited in 1953, more than 10,000 people have climbed Everest, but winter ascents remain extremely rare.
