Everest 2021: Video Interview with Lukas Furtenbach After Cancellation

The Podcast on alanarnette.com

Lukas Furtenbach, of Austrian-based Furtenbach Adventures, made global headlines after he canceled his spring 2021 Everest expedition on the Nepal side last Friday. This follows the Chinese decision to cancel their only team on the Tibet side. Meanwhile, the officials responsible for the safety of guests climbing in Nepal deny climbers have COVID at Everest Base Camp. I interviewed Lukas from Everest Base Camp and we covered a lot of other topics including:

Planning knowing COVID was a possibility at base camp Furtenbach Adventure COVID protocol from vaccines (members and Sherpas) to time in Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp, and the High Camps

-Quarantining members and Sherpas

-COVID Testing

-Other teams at EBC

-Final events leading to the cancellation decision

-Getting members and support back home with the airport closed

-Donating Furtenbach's oxygen and bottles to hospitals in Nepal

-Pakistan climbing plans (also canceled)

-What could have been done differently?

-Any regrets?

Background: Furtenbach told his entire team that he was canceling their expedition due to an "out of control situation at Everest Base Camp." Furtenbach was one of the few operators who imposed stringent controls over his base camp to minimize the impact of COVID-19. He brought thousands of test kits, hired a team doctor, and limited any exposure with anyone outside his team, including his Sherpas, cooks, and other base camp staff. Yet, he still felt the risks were too high for his 20 customers, 4 mountain guides, and 27 Sherpas. His entire team had completed their acclimatization and were waiting for the winds to recede for their summit attempt.

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