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The Risks and Rewards of High-Altitude Mountain Climbing

Explore the thrill of reaching the top of the world while facing the dangers of altitude and nature. Discover the fame, financial opportunities, and personal triumph, but also consider the heavy toll of physical and mental challenges, environmental impact, and the ultimate price some pay. Delve into the dichotomy of victory and sacrifice in this extreme endeavor.

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The Risks and Rewards of High-Altitude Mountain Climbing

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  1. What Price Victory? Advantages and Disadvantages of High Altitude Mountain Climbing

  2. Advantages/Victories

  3. Fame & Fortune • Member of an elite club • Few have actually reached the top

  4. Personal Satisfaction • Achieve a goal • Overcoming an obstacle • Pride in achieving a goal or just trying is enough • Pushing oneself to the outer limits of one’s abilities • Adrenaline rush or ego trip • Setting world’s records • Bragging Rights—accomplish something few have done • Thrill & excitement + fun • The view from the Top of the World above the clouds (29, 035 feet)

  5. Gain Scientific Information • Predict earthquakes • Predict avalanches • Study the effects of altitude on the body • Geographic information, plate tectonics • How tall? Is the mountain growing? • Geological information, prehistoric rocks

  6. Business Opportunities • Climbing business—costs $60,000 - $100,000 per person • Improve the life of the Sherpas • Film & books, public speaking

  7. **Without risk society would not grow & develop. For example: • Westward expansion • Advances in medicine • Advances in technology

  8. Disadvantages/Price Paid

  9. Death • Die on the mountain, become part of it • Currently over 200 bodies are entombed on Mount Everest

  10. The Risk of Serious/Permanent Injuries • Frostbite = amputation (Beck Weathers, Makalu Gao, Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal) • Hypothermia • Snow Blindness • Acute Mountain Sickness • Often fatal • Swelling of the brain • Swelling of the lungs = fluid = drowning • Rib cracking cough • Congestive Heart Failure

  11. Mental Anguish • Survivor’s Guilt • Depression • Lasting psychological problems • Stress on family • Divorce • Loss of a spouse or loved one • Jealousy & Resentment

  12. Financial Risk • The price of $60,000 - $100,000& no refund if you don’t summit • Medical expenses (surgeries) • Loss of wages due to illness/injury, takes 2 - 4 months to climb

  13. Environmental Hazards • Mountain is being trashed • Health hazards • Littered with dead bodies, approximately 200

  14. Obsession • Irrational desire to climb at all costs • Deal with the devil

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