Are You Everest-Ready?

Everest is not just the world's highest mountain; it's a two-month expedition that demands everything you have. At 29,032 ft (8,849 m), altitude alone is enough to end a climb. But the real challenge is everything that comes with it: weeks of acclimatization, multiple rotations through the icefall, brutal cold, storm cycles, and the psychological weight of living at the edge of human endurance.

We do not accept climbers without a well-rounded resume of climbing experience. If you are unsure whether you have the requisite experience, we can help answer your questions and create a custom progression for you.

Our CTSS Everest Readiness Test will help you measure where you stand across the six areas that matter most: fitness and endurance, technical skills, big mountain experience, expedition mindset, gear systems, and your No Dckheads* factor.

Instructions: 

• For Sections 1 - 5, rate yourself on each statement from 1 (Not at all true) to 5 (Absolutely true).

• For Section 6 (Pre-Requisites & Experience), check all that apply. Each selection adds points toward your total. In addition, please add addition details about your experience below so we can make recommendations tailored to you. 

• Your answers will be scored automatically, giving you a result out of 100 points and showing which category you fall into.

Section 1: Fitness & Endurance

Everest is a climb of a lifetime, requiring an extremely high level of fitness. No trick, technique, or technology can make up for a lack of fitness on the mountain. You need to simulate long physical days; traditional gym routines aren't enough; your training has to mirror the mountain.

Section 2: Technical Skills

Everest requires proven confidence with crampons, fixed lines, and in mixed terrain. The Khumbu Icefall, the Lhotse Face, and the Hillary Step demand technical competency, not just familiarity.

Section 3: Expedition Mindset

You will spend 6-8 weeks on Everest, far from home, far from comfort, in a sustained and stressful environment. Patience, adaptability, and psychological resilience are not optional. The mountain decides the schedule, and there is no rushing it. Success is about flexibility, positivity, and remembering that the summit is never guaranteed.

Section 4: Gear Systems

At 8,000-meters, every system has to work. Your boots, down suit, glove setup, and layering system must be tested and dialed before you arrive. Gear failures at altitude can end a climb or cause serious injury.

Section 5: No D*ckheads Factor

Two months in a tent at altitude will test even the strongest relationships. Everest is no place for egos. The best teams operate with humility, mutual support, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.

Section 6: Big Mountain Experience:

Everest is a serious undertaking, and previous big-mountain experience is required to ensure you'll be safe and successful.

Ready to see your score?

Enter your email address below to unlock your Everest Readiness results, along with a personalized plan for your next steps.