Outside Excerpts Dark Summit

russell brice 2
In a few weeks time a book entiled Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest’s Most Controversial Season by Nick Heil will be released. The book takes a look at the controversial 2006 Spring Season on Everest, in which David Sharp died on the mountain, and a lot of fingers were pointed at who exactly was to blame. One of the looming figures at the center of the maelstrom was the controversial and infamous Russell Brice, whose Himex Team lords over the North Face of the mountain.

Outside Online has published an excerpt from the book, both in their latest issue, and now online. The excerpt takes a look at Brice and his approach to guiding and climbing on the big peaks. The story offers some insight into the man that has been both vilified and deified by various people, depending on their encounter with him.

After reading this brief portion of the Dark Summit I came away with two thoughts. One, Brice is a complex guy. Not easy to figure out, and not easy to place blame, or absolve from blame. The second thought was that I had to read the rest of the book to find out more. Which is, of course, what Outside wants since they’re publishing it. Mission accomplished guys! 😉 I have a feeling if you’re reading this blog, you’ll probably want to read this book as well. If I can get my hands on a copy, I’ll write a review soon.

Also, the author did a Q&A session with the Outside Blog where he continues to answer questions in the “comments” section. Definitely worth a look as well. Interesting stuff.

Kraig Becker

4 thoughts on “<i>Outside</i> Excerpts <i>Dark Summit</i>”

  1. I read the full story in the magazine and it is a very interesting one. I am torn on Brice only due to I can not fatham what it takes to achieve the main goals of what Brice does on the mountain, to try to save the lives of his clients at all costs. I am stoked that this book has been done and hope to get my hands as I head to Alaska for my summer work.

  2. I believe it’s released on the 29th so only about a week and a half away. Seems like it’ll be a really interesting book, and may shed some new light on the 2006 season, David Sharp, and so on.

    I’m looking forward to it as well.

  3. Thanks for the preview of the book! It will be a great addition to my collection…I’m looking forward to some armchair mountaineering over the summer.

    I don’t know much about Brice, other than what I’ve read and seen on “Beyond the Limit,” but I will say this–you have to be amazingly smart and brave to do what he does, to take on the challenge of guiding clients the way that he does–safely and conservatively. I mean, everyone has a radio! It makes so much sense! Yet, it seems like that’s unheard of for other companies. If I were ever on one his expeditions, you can bet your bippy I’d listen to him. That man knows whats what.

  4. I agree Sara. He’s been very successful in getting his clients up and down the mountain, and doesn’t seem to skimp on costs like some expeditions do. He may be a harsh asshole at times, but he also has to keep people alive that are under his guidance.

    The book looks like it should be a good one. The excerpt definitely built my interest.

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