Mount Everest Foundation
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Six Climbs by MEF-Backed Expeditions Recognised Among 'Significant First Ascents' of 2024

The Piolets d'Or list of significant first ascents of 2024 features six climbs achieved with the support of the Mount Everest Foundation.

Patrasi 1
Vinayak Jaya Malla, Pasang Kami Sherpa, and Pasang Rinzee Sherpa on the summit of Patrasi I

Each year, the Piolets d'Or, which recognise excellence in mountaineering, release a list of significant ascents from the previous year that they consider to be innovative, noteworthy and adventurous. While these ascents are not a list of nominees for the Piolets d'Or awards themselves, they are representative of some of the most impressive climbs from around the world.

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Miška Izakovičova on the packraft approach to Qaqarssuasia/The Thumbnail 📷 Tim Miller

We were therefore extremely pleased to see several climbs achieved with the support of the MEF included in the list. These were:

  • The first ascent of Virjerab Sar (6616m) in Pakistan by Philip de-Beger, Lorenzo Heis and Aleksi Mujirishvili. (MEF Report)

  • The first ascent of Yawash Sar (6258m) in Pakistan by Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders. (MEF Report)

  • The first ascent of the west ridge of Gasherbrum III (7958m) in Pakistan by Aleš Česen and Tom Livingstone. (MEF Report)

  • The first ascent of Dreaming of Rotisserie Chicken (ED2, M6, WI3, 2500m) on the north spur of the northwest top of Linkhu Chuli II (6659m) in Nepal by Jack Morris and Nathan White. (MEF Report)

  • The first ascent of Patrasi I (6521m) in Nepal via the northwest ridge of Patrasi II (5a, WI3, M4) by Vinayak Jaya Malla, Pasang Kami Sherpa, and Pasang Rinzee Sherpa. (MEF Report)

  • The first ascent of Mussels for Tea, Packrafts in the Sea (E6 6b, 1350m) on the east face of Maujit Qaqarssuasia/The Thumbnail (1590m) in Greenland by Miška Izakovičova, Callum Johnson, Tim Miller, and Simon Smith. (MEF Report)
Rolwaling Rock Band
Jack Morris climbing one of the challenging rock bands on Linkhu Chuli II 📷 Nathan White

Commenting on the announcement of the list, MEF Secretary John Porter commented:

"The Piolets d'Or only recognise climbs achieved in the best possible style and with a minimum of impact. The recognition of several climbs achieved by MEF-supported teams celebrate not only the outstanding abilities of the teams involved, but also their highly ethical approach and respect for the mountains, local communities and the environment; requirements the MEF place on teams that receive our funding.

"The list overall is a brilliant demonstration of how much exciting, cutting-edge alpinism takes place throughout the globe each year and we're immensely proud of our part in contributing to that."