K2 - 09, effort and tragedy

After cruising some mountaineering forums, blogs etc... in search of armchair mountain excitement - I was deeply sadend to learn of a tragic ski accident on K2 this past June. Michele Fait,  partners with with Fredrik Ericsson fell to his death on an acclimatization ski/climb in-between camps on K2. Michele apparently lost an edge on a steep open slope, and slid a great distance over snow, rocks and cliffs.

I remmember hearing of Fredrik's plan to ski the three highest mountains of the world last year, and thinking to myself - what a badass dude! I think every mountaineer wether they admit it to themselves or not - possess some shred of desire to climb the highest mountain in the world. This desire is the same for ski mountaineers (except for the + skis part) Though Everest is difficult far beyond my experience - K2 is on a differant page - being considerably more technically challenging and dangerous than the standard route of Everest. A ski from the summit would be a first, and a damn proud first at that. What an incredible objective! Kanchenjunga looks formidable as well - but I have read little about the mountain. Planning to ski all three of them is the raddest plan I've ever heard! my hat's off to Fredrik and Michele.

I've heard of another team - American I think, that are at K2 HIGHCAMP right now, and preparing for a climb/ski any day or hour! they will apparently try and ski neighboring Broad Peak as well. Good luck and safe travels to them!

A friend of mine has skied the lower portion/half of K2 on an acclimation trip in preparation for his successful solo climb to the summit - stories like that as well as the above mentioned drive a stake of ambition into my soul, although there is a wealth of worth while ski objectives in our own back yard and around the block - that is for sure.

Having spent most of the summer of '78 trying to climb that mountain, I don't remember many ski lines. My hat is off to anyone of this generation who can work out the line and most importantly survive it to get down to base again. Cheers.

I don't know Michele Fait at all, but my condolences go out to his family and friends.

I wonder what effect this will have on his partner, Fredrik Ericsson, and his goals to ski K2 and other high peaks.

The accident reminds me of my brother's fall in Argentina: Skier and partner begin descent of steep open slope. Skier falls inexplicably and partner watches him tumble for agonizing minutes. Partner descends slope hoping for a miracle but fearing the worst. No miracle--skier is dead.

I once was ambivalent about extreme skiing. But after reflecting on my brother's fall, the haze of ego and ambition cleared from my eyes and I saw that it wasn't worth it. I love ski mountaineering, but I can't justify seeking out descents where to fall is to die. (I also love rock climbing, but I can't justify free soloing.) There's plenty of other cool stuff to do on skis.

Update on ski attempt from Everestnews.com :

"Dave was on the attempt last night. He turned around but is very happy with his effort. he is coming down to Base camp and back home.

He got some skiing in , we will let him tell you the details..."

- they don't call it extreme for nothing. "If you fall, you die". Yaa I've seen a lot of Fredrikson in the mags. Hans Saari, Alex Lowe, Shane Mcconkey, Doug Coombs, Billy Poole (UT, Black Diamond) have perished. And I think they had a mountaineering accident on K2 in the past 2 years.
   In the Wild Snow book, by Lou Dawson, Lowell S. says how he's not interested in "extreme". Neither am I. I do love 50 degrees on an open slope. "Dav" has been doing well in his accomplishments.

I agree; however, if there wasn't other cool stuff to do on skis, I believe that regardless, greater consideration should go to those that have a wife & kids. There's always this talk that they knew what they were getting into when they hitched up with so & so, etc. I feel in part, from personal experience, that it sucks to miss out on the experiences/parenting that both a mom & dad can bring to the table.