Today, amidst deep snow, the team pushed up to 18,000′ in very difficult conditions.  It was an extremely challenging day, with the team first needing to dig their tents out of the thigh deep snow and then break trail uphill for hours, “post holing” with each step.

In a phone call to our office this morning, Fermin again reiterated that he has not encountered such tough conditions on the mountain.  Not only has the snow been falling in earnest, but it has been very cold, with daytime temperatures near 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  There is a big wind event in the forecast for the coming days, which might blow some of the snow from the route and make conditions a bit easier on the upper mountain.

Stay warm guys!