Everest is how it is right now. We have to fix ropes up there; we have the commercial expeditions. If you don’t like that, go on another mountain or choose another part of the mountain. There’s still space for everybody. Ueli Steck Read Quote
Once you start, if you’re still afraid, don’t do it. Either it’s too hard, or you’re not prepared. I’ve never done something when I was scared. Ueli Steck Read Quote
I’m getting older, turning 40 this year. I had a period where I thought each expedition had to be something harder, something faster. But you can’t go on like that, or you’re going to die. Ueli Steck Read Quote
It’s like a living process. You start out, and you see the Eiger north face, and you think, ‘That’s impossible.’ Then you start to dream. Then you climb the Eiger north face. Then maybe you go to the Himalaya. Ueli Steck Read Quote
Climbing Everest is so big now, with so much money involved, and the Sherpas are not stupid. They see this, and they want to take over the business and kick out the westerners. This is a big fight. Ueli Steck Read Quote
Right now, I’m just focused on the 8,000-meter peaks. I don’t know what’s next. I don’t think I will get tired of climbing. Ueli Steck Read Quote
When you go to the mountains, you really have to accept that there is always a risk. It’s more dangerous than sitting at home watching TV. It’s really sad. Ueli Steck Read Quote
That’s what it’s all about. It doesn’t matter if you climbed the Eiger’s north face in two hours and forty-seven minutes or in two days. If it’s your challenge, and you’re happy with it, that’s the most important thing. Ueli Steck Read Quote
