The Everest Obsession

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Is an obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there?

Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993, explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993. In this series, she explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

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The Everest Obsession: 2. Disaster on the mountain

2. Disaster on the mountain

BBC Radio 4 - The Everest Obsession, 2. Disaster on the mountain

'I heard the rumble of the avalanche. This one just felt different.’

As climbers get ready to summit Everest in April 2014, an avalanche caused by ice fall buries sherpas above Base Camp.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies.  The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas. 
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit in 1993.  
She hears how the deadly avalanche unfolded, plus the role sherpas play on Everest, and the risks they have to take. 

Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE
Producer: Laura Jones 
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Sound design: Craig Boardman 
Editor: Clare Fordham 
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover 
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams 
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

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The Everest Obsession

2. Disaster on the mountain

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