Colin, Camilla, Alex and Ed have come together under the Team Norton banner to take part in the Everest in the Alps signature ski touring challenge. Described as the toughest four days on skis, we have plucked up the courage to join the few who have completed this monumental ascent, and face the height of Everest for the ultimate winter endurance challenge.

It’s a gruelling event which involves approximately up to 40 hours of ski touring, with up to a total of 20 individual ascents over 4 days. Each day the teams climb between 2,000m – 2,500m to reach the overall target of 8,848m. The average amount of time out on the snow is 11 hours a day, but it can be longer – however long it takes to keep on track. At altitudes of up to 3,500m, each Everest in the Alps challenger will burn through a daily average of 10,000 calories – the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons.

We will be staying at Cabane Mont Fort during the challenge. This Mountain hut is situated high up on the mountain which will allow the team to fully immerse in the event (think Alpine dormitory...) and enable us to start the climbs early each day (usually in the dark!).

The temperature is likely to hover around freezing during daylight hours at resort level (1500m) and drops by approximately 6.5 degrees for every 1000m gained in elevation. Previous years have endured temperatures of -30 first thing in the morning due to unseasonally cold weather. Wind chill, which can be significant at altitude, will reduce that temperature significantly. It is likely that the weather could include low cloud, snow and high winds! Wind speeds rise with altitude to gale force with driving snow. Visibility can be minimal. Weather reports will be received daily and briefed to the team. It is unlikely that weather will lead to a cancellation of the event, but it could lead to a change in tactics and routes.

So, as you can see, not a challenge for the light hearted and certainly not how we are used to spending time in the Alps (which would usually involve lifts and long lunches 😁).

We are undertaking the trip to raise funds for two organisations that operate under the umbrella of the Brain Tumour Charity:

The Everest Centre (https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/brain-tumour-diagnosis-treatment/child-brain-tumour-research/everest-centre/)

and

The Silas Pullen Fund (https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/our-supporter-groups/supporter-groups/groups/the-silas-pullen-fund/)

Please donate by clicking on the relevant team members icon below to generously support the incredible work that both organisations are undertaking to find a cure for brain tumours, which have caused the tragic loss of our friends, our friend's children and our children's friends.

Thanks and much love to you all.

Colin, Camilla, Alex and Ed

xxxxxxx