“How Dangerous is it to climb Mount Everest Today?” – (according to ChatGPT)

Mount Everest is still considered one of the most dangerous mountains to climb in the world. While improvements in technology, equipment, and infrastructure have made the climb somewhat safer than in the past, it remains an extremely challenging and risky undertaking.

One of the primary dangers of climbing Everest is the extreme altitude. At the summit, the air pressure is only about one-third of that at sea level, and the amount of oxygen available is severely limited. This can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Another major risk on Everest is the weather. Sudden storms can arise at any time, bringing high winds, extreme cold, and blinding snow. Climbers can easily become disoriented or lost in these conditions, and the risk of frostbite and hypothermia is high.

The terrain on Everest is also extremely challenging. Climbers must navigate steep ice walls, narrow ridges, and deep crevasses. Falling or slipping on this terrain can be deadly, and accidents are not uncommon.

In recent years, overcrowding has also become a significant safety issue on Everest. As more and more climbers attempt the mountain each year, there have been instances of traffic jams on the narrow ridges and in the high-altitude camps. This can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, as well as exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness.

Finally, the high cost of climbing Everest can also be a safety issue. Some climbers cut corners on equipment or services in order to save money, which can increase the risk of accidents or illness. In addition, some less experienced climbers may attempt the mountain without proper training or preparation, putting themselves and others at risk.

In conclusion, while some safety measures have been put in place to make the climb somewhat safer, Mount Everest is still a very dangerous mountain to climb. Climbers face extreme altitude, harsh weather, challenging terrain, overcrowding, and other safety risks. Anyone attempting to climb Everest should be well-trained, well-prepared, and aware of the risks involved.

(All taken direct and unedited from ChatGPT. I’d say the final paragraph sums it up rather well.

Now if we could just get it to scrape the Himalayan database for stats. to back all this up.

Then add in our own climbing resume.

And find out our own likelihood of reaching the summit?)