Alex Txikon has made the difficult decision to abandon his winter attempt on Annapurna. The setback occurred when a significant amount of essential gear, stored in Camp 3, was lost. Despite still having seven weeks of winter remaining, Txikon prioritized safety over summiting.
In an official statement, Txikon described the mountain’s conditions as “exceptionally good, but at the same time committing and risky.” The choice to prioritize the guarantee of life over the summit was a difficult but necessary one.
Winter Annapurna – Facing Risky Conditions
In a more comprehensive report on his website, Txikon elaborated on his decision, explaining that he was not willing to undertake the perilous ascent of Annapurna’s avalanche-prone great couloir (located between Camp 2 and Camp 3) again. He acknowledged having taken significant risks already and confessed that he might lack the intense drive to reach the summit, especially considering his successful ascent of Manaslu just a year prior.
Challenges for Fiamoncini
Moeses Fiamoncini from Brazil has also confirmed the conclusion of his expedition, citing an extended period of forecasted high winds on the mountain as a significant factor. He expressed the undesirable prospect of restarting the expedition after such conditions.
Fiamoncini further highlighted the danger of avalanches caused by breaking seracs, providing additional context to the challenging conditions. This marked his fourth attempt on Annapurna, and looking ahead to the spring, he plans to undertake Cho Oyu and Everest without relying on bottled oxygen, showcasing his determination and resilience in the face of formidable challenges.
Resource: ExplorersWeb
