Evgenii Lepikhin

Maciej Bereta, a Polish traveler, made the first winter solo ascent of Mt Pobeda in Yakutia, one of the coldest mountains on the planet, and was awarded the 11th Shackleton Award for crossing the Anabar Plateau.

Unless you live in Siberia or Canada's Arctic, you likely don't know cold like Maciej Berbeka, a Polish computer science specialist and traveler who has been undertaking solo climbs for over a decade in what he calls some of the coldest and most inaccessible mountain ranges and plateaus on Earth. Berbeka's latest expedition took place in February. It was the first winter solo ascent of , and it perfectly illustrates his longstanding interest in extreme cold and autonomous travel. The Coldest Mountain on the Planet? Pobeda, the highest peak in Yakutia, was previously climbed in winter in 2018 by climbers Simone Moro and Tamara Lunger. Moro called it "the coldest climb in history, on the coldest mountain on the planet," as temperatures as low as -70˚C have been recorded in the region. Berbeka started his winter solo from the same point as Moro and Lunger. He ascended in a single day, tracing a line through deep, loose snow all the way. "Of all my solo winter ascents in North Siberia, this was definitely the most challenging," he said. "Others were just as cold, maybe even colder, but none were even close in terms of technical difficulties and snow conditions," he added. Berbeka reached the start of the route on skis, then switched to crampons and ascended via the south wall, repeating the route through the central couloir taken in 2018. Summiting in the Dark

Borge Ousland's polar traveler's first-aid kit for the Ellesmere Island expedition: antibiotics, analgesics, wound care products, and other medications.

Borge Ousland, the greatest polar explorer of the last 30 years, shared the composition of his first-aid kit. This list was used by him to cross Ellesmere Island from north to south in 2025. It seemed to me that some ideas would be useful in expedition alpinism as well. The first-aid kit is compiled based on the actual problems that Ousland or his partners faced. Always consult a doctor before using any medication. Note that some medications are banned from free circulation in most countries! Apocillin 660 mg, 50 tablets. Broad-spectrum antibiotic, particularly useful for joint infections. Flagyl 400 mg, 10 tablets. Antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections. Also useful for preventing appendix and dental problems. Azitromax 500 mg, 6 tablets. Antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, especially respiratory ones, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Doxylin 100 mg, 18 tablets. Broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective for skin infections. Paralgin Forte, 50 tablets. Analgesic for moderate to severe pain relief. Paracetamol, 50 tablets. Over-the-counter analgesic for mild to moderate pain relief. Ibux 400 mg, 40 tablets. Relieves headache, rheumatic, and muscular pain. Acetylsalicylic acid, 1 tablet per day. Aspirin.

Sasha Moroz shares his experience on the trek to Mera Peak and the summit ascent, and talks about his further plans to climb the west face.

In a beautiful video, Sasha Moroz describes his impressions of Nepal, and also talks in detail about the trek to Mera Peak via the pass , and the ascent to the summit. Further plans include climbing via the American Direct route on the west wall. Source: Moroz Mountains, Alexandr Moroz - Mountain Guide | Moroz Mountains

American climber Connor Herson established a new challenging thread route Drifter's Escape in Squamish, British Columbia, grading it 5.15a (9a+).

Connor Herson from the USA has set a new standard in trad climbing by ascending the route Drifter’s Escape in Squamish, British Columbia. The route, which he graded 5.15a (9a+ in the European classification), is claiming the title of the world's most challenging trad route. The route follows meager cracks on , a 700-meter granite monolith. It is a very popular wall with numerous multi-pitches. A key moment in Drifter’s Escape is a complex dynamic move called the "chase". "I didn't grade the route for several months after the ascent," Herson said. Herson announced the grade only in spring 2026 to draw media attention ahead of a film about his ascent and other notable achievements in 2025. The four-part series Born From the Climbing Life, filmed by Erik Bissell, will air next month on Black Diamond channels. Additionally, the director's cut of the first ascent of Drifter’s Escape will be featured as part of the Mellow Film Tour, starting February 27 in Boulder, Colorado. Source: ExplorersWeb, Angela Benavides

Nepal introduces new rules for climbing Everest: climbers must first ascend a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal to prevent inexperienced climbers from attempting the ascent.

New Everest Climbing Regulations: Climbing a 7,000-meter Peak in Nepal First is Now Mandatory Nepal's National Assembly has passed a new tourism bill that requires climbers to first ascend a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal before tackling Everest. This new regulation aims to deter inexperienced or unprepared climbers from attempting the mountain and to develop the expedition business in the country. Every year, new regulations are proposed for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal, and now they are on the verge of becoming national law. The requirement for climbers to have prior experience ascending a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal before attempting Everest is the most notable innovation. According to officials, this provision is designed to curb the growing number of inexperienced climbers attempting the world's highest peak, which often leads to congestion, accidents, and strain on rescue services. Nepal has 86 peaks between 7,000 and 7,999 meters, and the climbing fee for foreigners ranges from $500 to $800 during the spring season. Some of the rules outlined in the bill have also featured in other recent ordinances, such as the requirement to provide a recent medical certificate to obtain a climbing permit. The bill also lays the groundwork for a general environmental fund that will collect money from climbers.

### Everest Statistics as of December 2025 - **Total Ascents:** 13,737 - **Total Deaths:** 339 - Notable trends include a steady **increase in climbers** and **fatalities** - The role of **supplemental oxygen** and **Sherpa support** is significant.

Overall Statistics (as of December 2025) As of December 2025, there have been 13,737 summits of Everest, corresponding to a 43% success rate. Of those who reached the summit, 7,563 different people have stood on the top. 339 people have died on all routes. Nepal remains the more popular and more deadly side. 9,887 summits and 229 deaths were recorded on the Nepalese side, corresponding to a death rate of approximately 2.3%. On the Tibetan side, there were 3,850 summits and 110 deaths, a death rate of 2.8%. The use of supplemental oxygen remains one of the strongest predictors of survival. 180 of the 339 deaths occurred among climbers ascending without supplemental oxygen. Tibet or Nepal? The Nepalese side remains the most popular route and has recorded the highest absolute number of fatalities. The Tibetan side has recorded a slightly higher percentage of deaths — 2.8%, but a comparable normalized mortality rate — 1.05. Deaths Rise with the Number of Climbers Since 2000, Everest has experienced an unprecedented influx of climbers. 15,781 people climbed above Base Camp in Nepal from 2000 to 2025, nearly triple the total number for the previous 80 years. Throughout Everest's history (1921–2025), 339 people have died on the mountain. The average number of deaths increased to approximately seven deaths per year from 2010 to 2025. Standard Routes — 98% vs. Non-Standard Routes — 2%

The UIAA declaration calls on mountaineers to respect human dignity and not to publish photos of bodies of the deceased in the mountains in public without necessity.

Recently, an article appeared on the UIAA website with which I couldn't help but agree. Every time someone dies in the mountains, a wave of outrage spreads across social media: people who are not in the know post for the umpteenth time a photo of the "green boot" and discuss how inhumane climbers are for not removing another body from another eight-thousander or some extremely dangerous mountain. Please, take photos of bodies only if it is necessary for the prosecutor's office. Never post these photos publicly. I am posting the news with minimal edits. UIAA Declaration: Human Dignity and Respect for the Dead Discovering a body is likely to be disturbing. We must respond to this with sensitivity and common sense. The UIAA Declaration on Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering, published in 2024, sets out the generally accepted norms of behavior that the UIAA considers optimal. This includes the ethics and style of ascents, as well as environmental and social aspects. The above quote is taken from the section “Balance between Risk, Success and Failure.” Due to climate change, the discovery of bodies on the upper slopes of high mountains is becoming more frequent. Documenting these finds has become easier thanks to smartphones with cameras. In some cases, documentation may be necessary and justified. However, it has also led to an increase in social media content, where videos of dead and dying people have sparked moral debate and raised questions about respect for human dignity. Posting graphic images without filtering or context is abhorrent and shows disrespect to the deceased and their loved ones. The UIAA, which represents member federations from more than 70 countries, recognizes that cultural and religious differences affect attitudes toward the bodies of the dead.

**Beal Sunrise 92 rope recall**: defective product serial numbers and replacement procedure are listed.

The manufacturer reported defects in a batch of climbing ropes. Ropes with serial numbers 004A01235824, 005A01235824, 006A01235824, 007A01235824, 009A01235824, 012A01235824, 014A01235824 on the packaging and label with the rope type must not be used and are subject to exchange. Other ropes manufactured by the company are not affected by the recall.

Mammut is recalling some Skywalker Pro Via Ferrata Set safety equipment due to a potential carabiner defect that manifests at low temperatures.

If you purchased a bundle including a helmet and Via Ferrata Set, you only need to check the Via Ferrata Set and return it if necessary. All other products can be used safely. Possible Fault Two possible faults have been identified in the carabiner of the Skywalker Pro Via Ferrata Set safety equipment. The issues are particularly evident at low temperatures and may affect safety. The cause lies in the carabiner's plastic latches, which can slightly deform inwards due to external factors during production, transportation, or storage. Subsequent exposure to low temperatures may cause the latch to jam, restricting the carabiner's movement and preventing it from closing completely. Check your Safety Equipment The check applies to all Skywalker Pro & Pro Turn Via Ferrata carabiners without batch number 07/2021 or 11/2022. To ensure safety, follow these steps: Check the batch number on the carabiner. If it is batch number 07/2021 or 11/2022 without an additional "R", you can skip the check and return the products. For other batch numbers: Place the safety equipment in a refrigerator at a temperature between 0°C and 10°C. Leave the equipment in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Remove the equipment and immediately check the carabiner by opening and closing it several times.

Decathlon is recalling Simond Probe Ski Touring 240/280cm probes due to a defect that hinders proper deployment during search for someone buried under snow.

Decathlon has issued a warning about their Simond Probe Ski Touring 240cm and Probe Ski Touring 280cm products due to a detected defect. The defect may prevent the probe from deploying properly, which is critical when searching for a person buried under snow. The risk is assessed as serious. Full details can be found in the warning information sheet. Additional Information You can view a complete list of recalls and warnings in the special database. Source: UIAA, Communication