What Caused the 1996 Everest Disaster?

In this week’s short update of The All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall shares exciting podcast news and the latest stories from the Himalayas. Pauline talks about re-editing and upgrading older episodes, listener feedback, and upcoming replay choices — while giving shoutouts to the amazing Everest community.Then, she dives into this week’s Everest updates:– The repatriation and burial of Bipin Joshi in Nepal– A massive storm dropping over a meter and a half of snow across the trekking regions– The announcement of Tom French’s new book, “The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back” (coming April 2026)– And the brand-new National Geographic trailer for “Everest North”, featuring Jim Morrison’s bold north-side ski descentStay tuned for more Everest insights, community updates, and upcoming replays of listener favorites.Follow & Connect:Join the conversation in the free Everest Skool Group, or follow Pauline on social media at Mama Bear Outdoors for the latest mountain news, books, and behind-the-scenes updates.Listen now and climb your own climb!

In this week’s episode of The All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall revisits the 1996 Mount Everest disaster — one of the deadliest seasons in the mountain’s history — to explore what really went wrong and how it changed climbing forever. Discover why eight climbers, including Rob Hall, Doug Hansen, Scott Fischer, and Yasuko Namba, lost their lives in a single storm, and how inexperience, overcrowding, and summit fever led to tragedy.Pauline also shares the latest Everest 2025 updates — including the dramatic rescue of 900 stranded trekkers in Tibet and the northern ski descent attempt by Jimmy Chin and Jim Morrison on the North Face.In the second half, we look at how Everest has evolved since 1996 — from better weather forecasting, GPS tracking, and helicopter rescues to modern gear, oxygen systems, and stricter climber regulations. Learn how these innovations have saved lives and reshaped the culture of climbing the world’s highest mountain.Whether you’re an armchair mountaineer or a lifelong Everest enthusiast, this episode blends history, survival, and the mountain’s ever-evolving story. Listen now to learn:What caused the 1996 Everest tragedyWho the climbers were and why they perishedHow Everest expeditions have changed since 1996The truth behind the “1,000 stranded climbers” headlinesUpdates on Jimmy Chin and Jim Morrison’s Everest projectFollow and subscribe to The All About Everest Podcast wherever you listen — and join our free Everest Skool Group to discuss climbs, gear, books, and breaking news from the world’s tallest peak. Follow us @mamabearoutdoors and @allabouteverest. Mamabearoutdoors.comShout out to Nathan Medina and his awesome audio editing.

In this episode of The All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall takes listeners deep into the Death Zone — the deadly region above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels plummet and every breath is a fight for survival. Discover what really happens to the human body at extreme altitude, why even experienced climbers collapse without warning, and how technology, oxygen, and genetics help Sherpas and mountaineers survive the world’s harshest environment.Before diving in, Pauline shares the latest Everest fall 2025 updates — clearing up sensational headlines about “1,000 climbers stuck on Everest.” The truth? Over 1,000 trekkers on the Tibetan side were stranded in a freak blizzard, not climbers on the summit. She also discusses a new ski descent attempt on the northern face, rumored to connect with last year’s discovery of Andrew “Sandy” Irvine’s remains.From frostbite and altitude sickness to miraculous survival stories and cutting-edge safety tech, this episode explores why Everest’s Death Zone remains both terrifying and awe-inspiring.Listen now to uncover the science, the danger, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to climb Mount Everest.Follow, rate, and subscribe to the podcast. Join the free Skool Everest group for more stories, news, and community discussions.Liked the audio edit? If you need audio help, Nathan Medina worked magic. You can find me online @mamabearoutdoors or @allabouteverest. My website mamabearoutdoors.com

The All About Everest Podcast dives into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of Mount Everest’s story: the Sherpas. These incredible men and women are the backbone of Himalayan climbing, carrying loads, fixing ropes, guiding climbers, and saving lives in the world’s harshest conditions. Without Sherpas, Everest as we know it would not be possible.In this episode, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall explores the history and culture of the Sherpa people, from their roots in the Khumbu Valley to their vital roles on every major expedition. Learn about legendary climbers like Kami Rita Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, Ang Rita Sherpa, Lhakpa Sherpa, and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, and discover the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped their legacy.We also discuss the risks and sacrifices Sherpas have faced, from the 1922 avalanche that killed seven porters during George Mallory’s expedition, to the devastating 2014 Icefall tragedy and 2015 Nepal earthquake. Plus, Pauline shares Everest updates, recommended gear, and a list of books and documentaries that highlight the Sherpa story.Whether you’re an armchair mountaineer or a passionate climber, this episode will deepen your understanding of Everest’s unsung heroes.Subscribe now, rate, and join the Everest Skool group to be part of the community!

In this episode of the All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall delivers the latest Fall 2025 Everest updates before diving into the Top 10 most Googled questions about Mount Everest.Hear how Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel just made history as the first person to ski down Everest without supplemental oxygen, and how American climber Tyler Andrews is attempting a daring unsupported speed record from Base Camp to the summit in under 20.5 hours. Plus, learn about the 50th anniversary re-release of Chris Bonington’s classic book Everest: The Hard Way.Then, stick around as Pauline answers the most searched questions: How tall is Everest? How much does it cost to climb? Who climbed it first? How many have reached the top — and how many never made it home?Follow along for updates, stories, and history from the world’s tallest peak. Join the free Everest Skool group for community discussions and find us online at Mama Bear Outdoors.

Ever wondered what it’s like to watch Mount Everest in real time? In this episode of the All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall explores the world’s highest webcams and live feeds — why they fascinate armchair mountaineers, how they survive brutal weather, and what they reveal about the mountain’s moods.But that’s just the beginning. We dive into 50 years of Everest technology: life-saving oxygen systems, radios, and weather forecasting; the rise of helicopter rescues (including Didier Delsalle’s legendary 2005 summit landing); Nepal’s new mandatory reflector devices; and the evolution of gear and clothing that’s boosted summit success and survival rates.We also look at drones, GPS, and satellite internet that bring Everest into the digital age. Plus, a quick update on Nepal’s new political calm and historic appointment of its first female Prime Minister.Find us on social media at Mama Bear Outdoors and join the free Everest Skool group for updates, discussions, and maybe even a book club. Subscribe today and climb your own climb!

In this episode of the All About Everest Podcast, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall explores one of mountaineering’s greatest mysteries: the 1924 disappearance of George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine. Did they stand on the summit decades before Hillary and Norgay? Discover their personal lives, how they met, their final climb, the 1999 discovery of Mallory’s body, Jimmy Chin’s 2024 find, the missing camera, and even Chinese conspiracy theories.This week also includes a fall 2025 Everest update, with Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel as the only climber on the Nepal side, plus discussion of the current unrest in Nepal and youth-led protests shaking the country. Pauline highlights the inspiring book Beyond Everest – One Sherpa’s Summit and Hope for Nepal by Corinne Richardson with Pem Dorjee Sherpa, and shares two favorite outdoor essentials: Sawyer bug repellent and the Duracell 3000-lumen lantern.Find us online at Mama Bear Outdoors on social media and join the free Everest group on Skool for updates, community discussions, and even a future book club. Subscribe, rate, and follow so you never miss an episode of All About Everest.

The 2025 Mount Everest season brought record-breaking summits, tough weather, and fewer fatalities than in recent years. In this episode of All About Everest, host Pauline Reynolds Nuttall recaps the official spring 2025 climbing season, including Kami Rita Sherpa’s record 31st summit, Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa’s four ascents in two weeks, Kenton Cool’s 19th climb, Passang Dawa’s 29th, and Anja Blacha’s no-oxygen success. We also cover Tyler Andrews’ bold speed ascent attempt, the season’s challenging winds, and the five confirmed fatalities on the Nepali side.Looking ahead, we preview the Fall 2025 season with Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel’s daring attempt to ski Everest without oxygen, plus renewed intrigue after reports of Andrew “Sandy” Irvine’s foot discovery. We also spotlight new Everest books in 2025, including Enough by Melissa Arnot Reid and Climbing Mount Everest by Dalton Rains. Finally, Pauline shares updates on the podcast, now available on YouTube with a free listener community on Skool. Subscribe for Everest news, records, history, and stories from the top of the world. You can find Pauline on socials @mamabearoutdoors.com or @allabout everest and on her website MamaBearOutdoors.com.

Discover the All About Everest podcast — your go-to source for Mount Everest stories, history, news, and adventure. From legendary expeditions to modern challenges like the Everest cleanup and climate change, each episode explores what makes the world’s tallest mountain so captivating. Perfect for climbers, travelers, and mountain enthusiasts.

I’m back! After a year away, All About Everest is returning with fresh stories, new insights, and exciting updates from the world’s highest mountain.In this short update, I share why the podcast has been quiet, why I’m coming back now, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. From Everest’s ongoing environmental challenges to its incredible history and legendary climbers, we’ll dive into the stories that make Mount Everest unforgettable.If you love adventure, mountains, and real stories from Everest, this is the perfect time to rejoin the journey. Subscribe so you don’t miss the upcoming full episode: Everest 2025 – Spring Season Recap.Find me on social media @allabouteverest or @mambearoutdoors or at my website MamaBearOutdoors.Com