How Wind Turns Cold into Danger on Expedition
The air temperature at the Mount Everest summit is rarely above freezing. But it’s the wind chill that makes a Mount Everest expedition lethal. Understanding the math of cold is key to Everest trekking safety.
Wind strips the warm layer of air from your skin. At the Mount Everest summit, a 50mph wind can make -20°C feel like -50°C. This is why windproofing is the first rule of high-altitude gear.
When the wind chill drops below a certain point, exposed skin freezes in under 60 seconds. This is the constant fear on the Mount Everest summit ridge for any expedition climber.
Climbers use face masks and thick buffs to protect against wind chill. Even a small gap can lead to a 'cold bite' that leaves a permanent scar from your Everest trekking adventure.
The wind is the ultimate decider of success on the Mount Everest summit. Never underestimate the cooling power of the Himalayan air.
