Dave Hahn and Melissa Arnot Return from Record Everest Climb
OutdoorHub 05.31.12
RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Melissa Arnot safely returned to Kathmandu after reaching the summit of Mt. Everest last week. Both climbers set records on their climb; Hahn marked his 14th summit of Mt. Everest, setting a new record for the most non-Sherpa summits of Mt. Everest, while the climb was Arnot’s 4th summit, setting a new record for the most number of summits for any American woman.
The team departed on their summit bid on May 21st, reaching their high camp at 26,000’ midday on May 24th. At high camp they encountered unfavorable climbing conditions and opted to delay their summit bid. “There were three things that didn’t work well for us… rock, crowds and wind,” said Hahn. “We made preparations for a climb, but we also began to explore the possibility of delaying 24 hours and shooting for May 26th as a summit day.”
The climbers waited for a day, departing on their summit bid at midnight. They found excellent conditions on Everest South East Ridge, reaching the summit at 9:31 a.m. local time on May 26th. “It was a slightly surreal day, as always, hanging out at 8000 meters,” said Hahn.
The team descended to Everest Camp 2 at 21,000’ that day, reaching Base Camp the following morning. Hahn and Arnot were guiding a team of climbers for RMI Expeditions.
“Hahn’s and Arnott’s ascent was quite remarkable given the environmental conditions this year, as well as the crowds. Everything had to fall into place at the right time. Dave is the ‘King of Patience!’” said famed American mountaineer and fellow RMI Guide Ed Viesturs.
The team returned to Kathmandu, Nepal on May 29th and are currently traveling back to the States. Hahn and Arnot are renowned climbers and mountain guides and guide exclusively for RMI Expeditions.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc (RMI Expeditions) is one of America’s most reputable and long-standing guide services with over 43 years of mountain guiding experience. An American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited guide service specializing in mountaineering expeditions, alpine climbing, trekking and ski touring programs, RMI is committed to leading exceptional mountain adventures.
