Everest Sherpa Supported Climb

What a difference a year makes for weather and pandemics! But the one thing that stayed consistent and true is Climbing The Seven Summits (CTSS). I returned this year for another shot at Everest (last year we were unable to go for summit bid due to covid infecting most of the climbing sherpa support on the mountain) and there is no other company I would choose other than CTSS. The caliber of guide, the attention to fine details, the accommodations, the CHEF and upper mountain cooks, the level of safety and backups plans prepared, the pre/post trip care, and on and on… ranks far above any company I’ve climbed with over my career. The camp is clean, stunning and always in a prime spot. Brining on an international chef this year made a huge difference to me, who has food allergies to work around! My Executive dome tent was SOOOOO worth it and allowed me more space for gear, warmth and rest! And my FAVORITE tiny comfort… the CTSS espresso machine and an actual barista serving it up!! It also means something when world renowned guides remain with CTSS year after year. High retention rates shows you a company is doing something right by their employees. That’s important to me. So, this “mountaineering company” becomes more than just getting you to the top of a hill and back down, it becomes life long friendships and a family. Last year, making it to camp 3 before the trip needed was also such an amazing benefit. I went into this year knowing what to expect, way more relaxed (which helps you sleep) and fully prepared (with the help of the CTSS thorough gear list and trip prep). Thanks to my AMAZING guide, climbing sherpa and CTSS, I was able to summit on May 12 this year. It was a long time coming for this climbing family and what a sweet celebration we all had! I will finish my 7th summit this fall WITH CTSS!! And then we’ll see what other fun we can get ourselves into! So many places to explore! And I know the quality and experience I will receive staying with CTSS!

Incredible experience all the way, from trek in, Basecamp, to summit and back. We were well-supported at every point. The crew was well-trained, and guides were very experienced. The lead guides worked well with Mike as a team, and placed climbers’ interest and safety first. Very well-executed. 👍

CTSS and their logistics partner TAG Nepal put on an amazing expedition, all the way from the insulated basecamp tents to the calibre of the climbing Sherpas to the high end oxygen systems. Basecamp was extremely comfortable with padded dining chairs, carpet, and heating, thick mattresses in the personal tents, and then there was the huge chillout tent known as the Big House. For those with extra Dollars an upgrade to exec level tents was possible bringing the comfort level up another notch. Intermediate camp 2 facilities also provided that little bit of comfort, with an insulated dining tent, decent food and a great placement high up in the Western Cwm. The higher camps were as expected, the Sherpas making sure that we wanted for nothing. Accurate weather forecasting ensured we eventually made the summit and as usual the highly qualified Sherpa team were faultless throughout. In my case, requiring a helicopter evac, the guiding team did everything necessary to get me off the mountain and on to Kathmandu for treatment. Wouldn't hesitate to climb with Mike Hamill and CTSS in the future.