E88 - Meet Kenton Cool Live from Everest Basecamp - Scaling Everest for the 20th Time

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)The White Out Podcast – Live from Everest Base Camp with Kenton CoolDom Killinger and Rob Stewart speak live to British mountaineer and mountain guide Kenton Cool from Everest Base Camp, just days before he attempts his 20th summit of the world's highest mountain.Broadcast directly from Nepal at an altitude of more than 5,300 metres, the interview offers a unique insight into life on Everest, the realities of high-altitude guiding and the challenges of leading clients in some of the world's most extreme environments.Kenton discusses his journey from growing up in Buckinghamshire to becoming one of Britain's most accomplished mountaineers, his long-standing relationship with Nepal and the Sherpa community, and why he continues to return to Everest year after year.The episode covers:• Preparing for a 20th ascent of Everest• Life at Everest Base Camp and how expeditions operate• The physical and mental challenges of climbing at extreme altitude• How mountain guides make difficult decisions under pressure• The relationship between guides, Sherpas and clients• Learning to ski as an adult in Chamonix• Ski touring, mountaineering and skiing 8,000-metre peaks• The similarities between guiding in the Alps and the Himalayas• The rewards and responsibilities of being a mountain guide• Why saying "no" is sometimes the most important decision a guide can makeThe panel also discuss:• Climate change and its impact on glaciers in the Alps and Himalayas• The future of skiing in a warming climate• Avalanche risk and decision-making in the mountains• The next generation of climbers, skiers and mountaineers• Skiing in Pakistan and other remote mountain regions• Kenton's favourite ski destinations around the world• The enduring appeal of the Arlberg ski regionHighlights include:• Kenton speaking live from Everest Base Camp just before leaving for his summit push• His reflections on nearly two decades of Everest expeditions• Honest discussion about client pressure and mountain safety• Insights into the effects of climate change on mountain environments• Stories from Chamonix, Pakistan, Nepal and some of the world's biggest peaks• Kenton's answer to The White Out's regular "one ski resort for life" questionSelected quotes from the show:"Summits are kind of irrelevant. The number is irrelevant. It's the environment that I get to be in and working in.""It is work. I'm an Everest guide. This is one of the ways I pay the mortgage.""If it's good for climbing, it's crap for skiing. If it's good for skiing, it's crap for climbing.""There is pressure on the mountain guide, whether it's here, whether it's the Matterhorn or skiing the Vallée Blanche.""We are employed as guides for a reason. To be the decision maker.""We think we've underestimated it. By the end of this century there won't be a single glacier left in Europe.""If you're passionate about it, just do it."Check out: www.kentoncool.comSupport the showIn the meantime Enjoy the mountains :)  And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us! And don't forget to check us out on the following channels inthesnow.cominstagram.com/inthesnowTikTok@inthesnowmag youtube.com/inthesnowmagfacebook.com/inthesnowTo contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at [email protected] / [email protected]