International Mountain Guides (IMG), an esteemed mountain-guiding company headquartered at the foot of the renowned Mt. Rainier in Ashford, Washington, has etched its mark in the annals of mountaineering since its inception in 1986. Founded by seasoned Mt. Rainier guides Eric Simonson, George Dunn, and Phil Ershler, IMG has led countless climbers on expeditions across the globe, from the icy slopes of Mt. Rainier to the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
Under the leadership of Eric Simonson, IMG maintains its status as one of the premier guiding companies worldwide, facilitating adventures to conquer the planet’s most formidable summits. Among these, Mt. Everest holds a special place in IMG’s history, with a legacy deeply intertwined with the mountain itself.
First American Ascent on the North Face
In a historic feat in 1984, IMG Co-Founder Phil Ershler achieved the first American ascent of Mt. Everest via the treacherous North Face route. Accompanied by the legendary climber Lou Whittaker, Ershler demonstrated unparalleled determination as he tackled the final 1,000 feet of the climb solo, braving perilous weather conditions and navigating a sheer 80-foot rock face to reach the summit, etching his name in the annals of mountaineering history.
Ghosts of Everest
IMG Co-Founder Eric Simonson played a pivotal role in the 1999 and 2001 Mallory and Irvine Research Expeditions, delving into one of mountaineering’s most enduring mysteries. The disappearance of George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine during their 1924 Everest expedition remains shrouded in intrigue: did they succumb on their descent or vanish in pursuit of the summit?
In 1999, Simonson’s team unearthed Mallory’s well-preserved remains at an altitude of approximately 26,755 feet on the North Face, sparking renewed interest in the decades-old enigma. Returning in 2001 in search of clues, Simonson’s quest for Irvine’s camera and other artifacts yielded no conclusive answers, leaving the fate of the intrepid duo unresolved.
IMG’s Triumphs on Everest
IMG has cemented its position as a leading guiding force on the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Over three decades, IMG has guided over 800 successful summits on 8,000-meter peaks, with 600 of those achievements on Everest alone. In 2024, IMG continues its legacy on the southern side of Everest.
IMG Everest 2024 Expedition
In the present year, IMG embarks on two ambitious expeditions with the goal of summiting Everest. As both teams approach Basecamp, they meticulously acclimatize to the altitude, a crucial step in their journey. The impending Puja Ceremony at Basecamp will bestow blessings upon the climbers before they confront the perilous Khumbu Icefall, marking the initial stage of their ascent. Stay tuned for updates on their progress as they endeavor to conquer the world’s highest peak.