Surviving the Killer Mountain: Three Nights in the Death Zone | E198

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into one of mountaineering's most dramatic stories: the 2018 winter ascent of Nanga Parbat by Élisabeth. Revol and Tomasz Mackiewicz. Experience the grueling journey and impossible decisions that unfolded on the 'Killer Mountain.' This episode takes you through the extreme challenges of high-altitude climbing, including Tomasz's severe altitude sickness and Élisabeth's fight for their survival. Learn about the heroic rescue mission led by elite climbers from a nearby K2 expedition and the extraordinary efforts that were mobilized to save Élisabeth. This compelling story highlights the indomitable human spirit and the remarkable will to survive in one of the most hostile environments on Earth.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:30 Setting the Scene: Nanga Parbat

02:10 The Climbers: Élisabeth and Tomash

03:53 The Dangers of Nanga Parbat

06:08 The Summit and the Descent

11:35 The Crisis Unfolds

14:30 The Desperate Descent

17:23 The Rescue Attempt

21:43 Unbelievable Human Endurance

22:26 The Call for Help

23:09 The Rescue Mission Begins

24:43 Helicopter Risks and Challenges

26:16 Night Climb to Save Élisabeth

27:21 Finding Élisabeth

28:21 The Agonizing Decision

30:21 Descent and Evacuation

31:49 Aftermath and Scrutiny

32:19 Medical Perspective on High Altitude Sickness

38:39 The Power of Community and Resilience

39:18 Élisabeth's Recovery and Return to Climbing

41:46 Recognition for the Rescuers

42:28 Final Reflections on Human Capability

43:47 Podcast Closing Remarks

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Primary Sources Book by Elisabeth Revol:

• Revol, Élisabeth. To Live: Fighting for Life on the Killer Mountain. Translated by Natalie Berry. Vertebrate Publishing, 2020. AlpinistAdventurebooks (Originally published in French as Vivre in 2019)

Major News Coverage & Mountaineering Publications Wikipedia Articles:

• "Élisabeth Revol" - Wikipedia article documenting her mountaineering career and the 2018 Nanga Parbat rescue Wikipedia
• "Adam Bielecki" - Wikipedia article covering his role in the rescue operation Wikipedia

American Alpine Club:

• AAC Publications - "Nanga Parbat: Second Winter Ascent, First Complete Ascent of Northwest Face, and Rescue" (2018) American Alpine Club

Planetmountain.com (extensive coverage):

• "Nanga Parbat: ordeal ends for Elisabeth Revol!" (January 28, 2018) Planet Mountain
• "Nanga Parbat, Elisabeth Revol reached by Adam Bielecki and Denis Urubko" (January 27, 2018) Planet Mountain
• "Drama on Nanga Parbat, fears for Tomek Mackiewicz and Elisabeth Revol" (January 26, 2018) Planet Mountain

Other Major Sources:

• NPR: "After Harrowing Weekend Rescue, One Climber Saved, One Lost To 'Killer Mountain'" (January 29, 2018) NPR
• France 24: "Rescued French climber recalls horror descent on frozen feet" (February 2, 2018) France 24
• UKClimbing.com: "Elisabeth Revol and Tomek Mackiewicz on Nanga Parbat" (2018) UKC News
• Alpinist Magazine: "Elisabeth Revol's book 'To Live' is an ode to Tomasz Mackiewicz and Nanga Parbat" Alpinist

National Geographic:

• "Meet Denis Urubko and Adam Bielecki, National Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year" National Geographic

First Winter Ascent of Nanga Parbat (2016) Referenced for context about the first winter ascent:

• AAC Publications: "Nanga Parbat: First Winter Ascent" (2016) - documenting Simone Moro, Alex Txikon, and Ali Sadpara's achievement American Alpine Club
• Planetmountain: "Nanga Parbat: summit and first winter ascent by Simone Moro, Ali Sadpara and Alex Txikon" (February 26, 2016) Planet Mountain

Awards and Recognition For the rescue team:

• David A. Sowles Memorial Award 2019 (American Alpine Club) Wikipedia
• "The Spirit of Mountaineering Commendation" (British Alpine Club, 2018) Wikipedia
• Legion of Honour (France's highest civilian distinction) Wikipedia
• National Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year (Bielecki and Urubko) National Geographic

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