Last climbing season was, by most people's reckoning, a huge success as there were estimated to be in excess of 500 climbers who summited Everest, a huge total by any standards, though the successes have, as always, come at a price with the death toll and ever present statistic, though somewhat over shadowed in many ways by the reported successes.

The questions I should like to pose are these:

1. Is the summit of the highest mountain on earth becoming just another summit, to be climbed not only by those who's life's work, dedication and ambition has lead them to this point, but also by those who's credit cards have made it possible?
2. Has the summit of Everest simply become another major tourist attraction?
3. And is the cost of climbing Everest worth the price that some ultimately pay?

Impossible? Some said the same thing in 1953, and some still wish that it had been, and should have always been, impossible!

Tappy, I have to admit you have some extremely valid points. I truly am undecided if the huge numbers of summit successes of Everest is good or bad for our sport. I made the Summit five years ago and it was a rather expensive proposition. The fact is though that regardless if someone puts a mortgage on their home like I did, or has the riches to go at will, there are some huge dues that need to be paid prior to even considering the expedition. I am not aware of any guide services that will allow a newbie on the expeditions, no these people have climbed many peaks to achieve the chance to travel to Everest. There are many who shun the thought of using a guide service and quite frankly those people usually end up as statistics. Communication, weather monitoring, medical specialists all are available to those that use the guides and in this day and age it is truly foolish to go without such a service.

Some people feel that Everest is the pinacle of the climbing quest when in my opinion it is no more than a training expedition for K2. Now when I have to wait in line for a summit attempt on K2, I will be the first to admit things are out of hand. lol But then again most guide services hang up the phone when you are asking for their service to guide you on such a expedition, so it appears your comments are valid in many ways.