Everest Climbing Season Begins
The 2026 Everest climbing season is underway, with 'Icefall Doctors' setting up routes https://snowbrains.com/the-2026-mount-everest-climbing-season-is-now-underway-as-icefall-doctors-set-up-routes-through-the-khumbu-icefall/. Climbers may need a 7000m+ summit first https://kiwiblog.co.nz/2026/03/a_good_change_for_everest.html.
The "Icefall Doctors" are a team of experienced Nepali climbers who establish and maintain the route through the Khumbu Icefall, a notoriously dangerous and constantly shifting glacier. They fix ropes and ladders to help climbers navigate the treacherous terrain. A new rule for Everest climbers in 2026 requires them to have already summited a peak of at least 7,000 meters. This aims to ensure climbers have sufficient experience and acclimatization before attempting Everest. This requirement may reduce the number of less experienced climbers attempting Everest, potentially improving safety and reducing crowding. Some operators are concerned it may disproportionately affect climbers from certain countries or economic backgrounds.
