Trip Facts

• Peak: Ama Dablam (6,812m)
• Expedition Duration: 26 Days (KTM-KTM)
• Expedition Type: Technical Alpine Ski Mountaineering
• Climbing Route / Style: Southwest Ridge / Ascent with fixed lines / Ski descent
• Ski Descent Route: Southwest Face to Dablam Glacier
• Maximum Slope: Up to 55°
• Grade: Extremely Difficult (ED)
• Guide Ratio: 1+1 (1 member 1 Climbing Sherpa Guide)
• Group Size: 2–6 Members (Per team)

Trip Highlights

• Ski one of the most technically challenging peaks in Nepal: steep, high-altitude, rarely attempted
• Unique approach through Phortse, offering better acclimatization and Sherpa culture
• IFMGA/UIAGM-certified guides (additional cost applied) with ski-specific Himalayan expertise
• Opportunity to ski from just below Camp II (~6,000m) to Dablam Glacier
• Professionally rigged fixed lines for both ascent and emergency descent
• Full support from Base Camp to summit with a high-altitude Climbing Sherpa Guide

Why Climb and Ski Ama Dablam with Xtreme Climbers?

Partnering with Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expedition offers distinct advantages that ensure the highest standard of safety, professionalism, and logistical excellence:

• Expert Guidance: Led by seasoned high-altitude mountain professionals, including Everest and 8,000m peak summiteers with extensive ski descent experience.
• Sherpa Excellence: Our elite Sherpa team, with decades of Himalayan guiding history, provides unparalleled mountain support, fixed rope logistics, and summit success strategies.
• High-Altitude Ski Expertise: Specializing in organizing ski mountaineering expeditions on technical Himalayan peaks, offering route-specific insight and avalanche risk management.
• Authentic Approach Routes: By starting via Phortse village, we offer a quieter, culturally rich route with better acclimatization profiles.
• Safety & Support: Use of satellite communications, oxygen backup, comprehensive first-aid protocols, and a strong support network in Kathmandu and the Khumbu region.
• Custom-Built Itinerary: Our program includes training days in Phortse (Lurigo) to refine technical skills, ensuring readiness for both the ascent and ski descent.

Expedition Details:

• Climbing Route: The standard route via the South-West Ridge is the most popular and offers a mix of moderate to challenging climbing. The ascent includes:
  • Camp 1 (5,700m): A moderately challenging section with rock scrambling and mixed terrain.
  • Camp 2 (5,950m): A technical phase, involving steep ice and snow climbing along a narrow granite ridge.
  • Camp 3 (6,300m): The final high-altitude camp, where climbers navigate around the hanging glacier, cross a sharp ridge and bergschrund, and scale the summit.
• Climbing and Skiing Preparation:
  • Technical Skills: Required for negotiating steep ice, snow slopes, and mixed terrain. Proficiency in using crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes is essential.
  • Ski Descent: After summiting, skiers will experience thrilling descents on varying snow conditions, including packed powder and potentially icy patches.
• Camp Setup:
  • Base Camp (4,570m): Located in a protected area with ample space for acclimatization and preparation.
  • Camp 1 (5,700m): Set on a broad, snowy plateau with stunning views.
  • Camp 2 (5,950m): An exposed ledge with limited space, requiring careful setup.
  • Camp 3 (6,300m): Positioned on a narrow ridge, offering minimal space and high exposure.
• Climbing Schedule:
  • Acclimatization and Training: Includes hikes, technical training, and ski practice around Base Camp.
  • Summit Push: A challenging climb involving fixed ropes, ice, and mixed terrain, culminating in the summit and ski descent.

Expedition Features:

• Exclusive Experience: The XTREME CLIMBER’S Ama-Dablam 6,812m climbing and skiing expedition operates with a 1+1 ratio, providing each climber with a dedicated high-altitude Sherpa guide, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
• Expert Leadership: The expedition is reserved for climbers with proven high-altitude skills and technical experience, aiming for a successful and safe ascent of one of the world’s most technical peaks.

Climbing Route & High Camps Details: 

• Ama Dablam 6812m Climbing Facts: From Base Camp, each day of climbing will last four to eight hours. The elevation from Base Camp to C1 is just over 1,000m (3,300 feet), which you can manage in about four to six hrs. You will also pass Yak Camp (5,100 meters/16,700 feet), an advanced base camp that may or may not be used. Once at Camp I, you will prepare for the technical part of your climb.
• C1 to C2: Covers just over 300m (980 feet) in three to five hrs. You will make your way over granite blocks and head to the Yellow Tower, which features modest 4.11- and 4.8-grade climbing. The exposed ridges are exciting and will fill you with the necessary adrenaline to take on the Yellow Tower itself. From bottom to top, you will make 5.8-grade climbs. Once you top out, you are practically at C2 5900m.
• C2 to C3: is a 3 to 5. hrs endeavor and arguably the most challenging of your trip. It opens with an exposed ridge traverse to the Grey Tower, a loose but short multi-pitch. This portion of the climb is as challenging as it is fun. The next airy traverse leads you to Mushroom Ridge and a thin ridge walk. C3 sits at 6,277m (20,594 feet).
• C3-Summit and back to C1: The final push from C3 to the summit is another five to six hours ' affair. This is a great combination of mixed climbing that will reward you for the hard work (and any slogging) you had to do in the previous days. Fighting the cold, you don’t have to worry about any false summits before hitting the peak and looking out over the immense landscape below.
• C1 to Base Camp: same way, easy descent back to Base Camp, rest, and relax overnight with a Hot meal.

Ski Route Description: Southwest Face to Dablam Glacier

• Start: Just below Camp II (6,000m) accessed on fixed line
• Route: Drop into the Southwest Face, skier’s left under the Dablam ice cliff
• Angle: 50–55°, highly exposed, requires precise technique
• Hazards: Serac fall from Dablam, wind crusts, steep terrain
• Snow Conditions: Best in autumn (firm, stable snowpack)
• Descent: Traverse toward the upper Dablam Glacier, ski moderate glaciated terrain to 5,400m
• Exit: Return to Camp I/Base Camp or ski down valley depending on snow coverage