Everest North Face Expedition–Ama Dablam: Check…: Well, after that Arctic downer, we’d better check in on our always cheerful Russian buddies, who are warming up for an attempt on Everest, via the ridiculously extreme center of the North Face. When you are about to try one of the hardest climbs in the world, you’d better be ready. So this Russian climbing Dream Team has been off for a warm-up on Ama Dablam, a little old hill that happens to top out at 22,400 feet. Two climbing teams from the Russian group have already hit the summit and a third is on the way. And just in case the Russians aren’t kicking enough ass in the climbing world, another Russian climbing team is gearing up for an assault on the north face of Jannu, a massive rock wall that is known as the “Peak of Horror.” Many have tried, all have failed. If the Russians make it, they will be the first. It’s all part of a program called “Big Wall–Russian Way,” in which the Russians are trying to put up new routes on 12 of the planet’s most monstrous rock faces (and they’ve nailed seven so far). Just what are they putting in the vodka over there?



Russians Rule: “Sure, we’re incredible climbers. But sooner or later they’re going to have to update our equipment…”