Garrett Madison to Lead Expedition up K2

Seattle-based mountaineering guide Garrett Madison will lead a group of 14 climbers* to summit K2 this weekend, according to a press release from Madison’s outfit, Madison Mountaineering. (Madison was at Everest base camp on April 25, when the Nepal earthquake triggered an avalanche that resulted in 19 deaths.)

Madison led the first successful guided expedition of K2 in July 2014. One year later, he has assembled a team of two guides, six Nepali Sherpas, seven climbers, nine Pakistani porters, and a group of camp helpers to make a push for the summit of K2. 

Among the climbers to attempt the climb is Vanessa O’Brien, who holds the world record for the fastest woman to complete the Seven Summits. If Madison’s team is successful, she will become the first American woman to summit K2.

*This line was updated to correct an error