Sky Caves of Nepal, Part 1: The Climber

Peter Athans

His most recent accomplishment was leading the 2002 National Geographic Everest Expedition, filming a special two-hour program celebrating fifty years of Everest exploration to be released next April. Peter was accompanied by the sons of Famous Everest Climbers Barry Bishop, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in what is certain to be a memorable film..

During his frequent visits to Nepal, Peter has taken a particular interest in the Sherpa people, an indigenous population of western Tibetan descent who reside in the southern foothills of Everest.  To honor their contribution to Himalayan mountaineering and Everest history, Peter spearheaded In 1991, Peter organized the Sherpa Everest Expedition and documented the event for ESPN and National Geographic Magazine.

In December of 1997, Peter was granted the David A. Sowles award for his dramatic rescue efforts high on Everest in 1996, assisting two frostbitten and exhausted climbers from Everest's south col. The Sowles medal is the highest award conferred by the American Alpine Club, given rarely and only to climbers who have distinguished themselves through assuming great personal risk, sacrificing their own objectives and going to the assistance of those in need.

Everest looms from Peter's resume, but his accomplishments on other peaks are equally impressive. Over a twenty-year period, Peter has been active on each continent, climbing, guiding and exploring. He has led expeditions to Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Manaslu, K2 and has succeeded in forging a new line up the rarely climbed south face and ridge of Annapurna's South Peak. Peter’s rapid ascents of Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and Pumori have been remarkable in their lightweight efficiency and speed.

Peter is a member of The North Face Design and Development team, guides mountaineering adventures throughout the world and is a high altitude film-maker, earning him credits on films for NOVA, National Geographic Society and in the feature film, " Seven Years in Tibet".