Oasis Peak Expedition

Following their research in advance of the expedition, the partnership believed they were likely the first documented expedition to North Baird Glacier in over 40 years. They set themselves two objectives: to make the first ascent of the West Face of Oasis Peak and explore further unclimbed mountains north and west of the mountain. They reached the glacier from the village of Petersburg by helicopter but found that conditions were extremely unfavourable, with heavy snow lying everywhere, building into large cornices and snow mushrooms. The temperature was also warmer than expected, and with little overnight freezing, they moved instead to the North Arm of the North Baird Glacier, abandoning any attempt on Oasis Peak. From the North Arm, they noted a large number of unclimbed peaks, the largest of which was P7180m. With a 24-hour gap in the weather they made a successful ascent of a 1200m route up the south east face and north east ridge and went on to successfully climb a further four peaks of around 5800m during subsequent weather windows.