Translation by Dr. Jean-François for EverestNews.com
News of 24 january 2006


The attack is finally on!  Jean-Christophe has left Makalu’s BC and summit is right now his legitimate target!   As weather forecasts remain very unstable, Jean-Christophe will have to adapt to a constantly changing climate, maybe waiting one or two days in high altitude camps.  He plans to reach Makalu’s summit in 5 to 6 days.  Moral is good and so is motivation, even tough conditions are harsh.  There’s a huge difference between climbing a 8000m summit and a mountain of almost 8500m; acclimatization is longer and harder above 8000m, progression becomes a lot slower, a good window is essential (about 48 hours for Jean-Christophe on Makalu), so everything is a lot more difficult, especially when you’re on your own!  

Remember that Makalu is still awaiting its first successful winter climb; in the past, about a dozen of expeditions tried, without success, to climb the mighty giant in winter.  Makalu is Nepal’s only 8000m mountain that remains unclimbed in winter!  Jean-Christophe’s actual challenge is very ambitious!  After last winter’s solo success on Shishapangma (December 2004) in alpine style, you can be sure that Jean-Christophe will do his very best to conquer the fifth highest mountain on Earth, which stands at almost 8500m!

See you soon! Katia.