Mount Everest Tragedy: The 1996 Disaster

This discussion explores a case study from Harvard Business School detailing the tragic 1996 Mount Everest climbing season, specifically focusing on two commercial expeditions led by Rob Hall (Adventure Consultants) and Scott Fischer (Mountain Madness). It outlines the history of Everest climbs, the increasing commercialization of expeditions since 1985, and the preparation and challenges faced by both teams. The document extensively covers the acclimatization process, the logistical issues, and the personal struggles and decisions of climbers and guides leading up to and during the fateful summit bid on May 10th, when 15 individuals lost their lives amidst a severe storm. Ultimately, the source explores the competing theories regarding the causes of the tragedy, debating whether it was primarily due to human error or the inherent dangers of climbing Everest.