Mount Everest: Tourist Obligation

If the world was a perfect meritocracy, only the selfless and sagely would hold seats of power. Unfortunately the world is not perfect, allowing patronage, nepotism, and “generous donations” to play a huge role in who achieves what, leading to unqualified people making life and death decisions. It is the consequences from these purchases which emphasizes why skill-sensitive roles should not be for auction. Although it is not typically the first example to be recalled, Mount Everest is being essentially prostituted for profit. High altitude climbing is not made possible without much experience but the commercializing of mountain climbing has changed that. Now, for just about $35,000 one can have a team of porters to pre-set ropes, ensure that you have a hot meal after every day’s climb, have equipment and luxury items (at high altitudes with
Inexperienced climbers do not only put their life at risk but also those around them, more so than they already are. This is supported by the 1996 Mount Everest disaster in which eight climbers died, the deadliest day on the mountain up to that time. Many factors including bad weather and poor timing play into this tragedy but also the growing “tourist” business. Just above the summit, a “traffic jam” occurred as several expeditions tried to get their clients on top of the mountain. Rather than turn back, some expeditions continued forward, passed the safe turn-back time, and were caught in a snow storm later on their way back down. Since then, there has been much debate about the consequences of the pay-to-climb system which can lead to irreversible consequences. For some, the good life is partaking in an activity they thoroughly enjoy but the purchasing of a skill-intensive activity has been proven