Two Cumbrian mountaineers have joined forces to launch a new expedition business designed to incorporate the highest ethical standards in mountaineering adventure.
With 50 years of climbing experience between them, Pete Brittleton, of Kirkby Stephen, and Sedbergh-based Paul Etheridge have developed Impact Ascents, which they say is a mountaineering and trekking company where the summit of a mountain is never the main goal.
Paul said: “We were both fed up of seeing the large expedition companies exploit people in the countries of the world’s largest mountains, Nepal, India and Pakistan.
“We have seen at first hand that both the human support in terms of porters and base camp staff are treated poorly and the animals used in expeditions, such as mules, donkeys and yaks, are also abused — certainly not how we would want to see them treated.
“Impact Ascents is a new type of company where we ensure no animals are used or exploited and we pay all staff an appropriate wage, based on the country’s economic guide. No staff work just for tips, all are appropriately clothed for the weather and expedition and all have access to our personal medical facilities and are treated as well as we are.”
Pete and Paul have climbed together for many years, including on Broad Peak and K2, two of the world’s highest and most dangerous mountains. Pete — who, like Paul, works as a builder when not away climbing — has also reached the summit of Everest. Closer to home, he is a keen fell runner.
He says the new business is different from others in providing a personalised training plan for all customers and free UK training prior to each expedition. No use will be made of animals, there will be no exploitation of resources, all rubbish and waste will be removed and free female chaperones are to be provided for lone female clients if requested.
Additionally, two to five per cent of fees will be donated to in-country youth development, education and sustainability work — known as YES projects — and there will be free training for all support staff.
“Our YES project is like no other expedition company,” said Pete. “We give back directly to the community and education, and not just a token donation. We personally lead on training of the staff to ensure they are both prepared and qualified to be on expedition.”
“We are both looking forward to our first trekking adventure to Everest base camp with a small group and then a very full summer in Pakistan and then back to Nepal to run a two-week training school for porters and Sherpas.”
He added: “At Impact Ascents we have a true passion for adventure and mountaineering which is kinder to the environment and the people that truly believe in sustainability. At the heart of Impact Ascents lies the determination to make a difference for each and every expedition.”
