They Inhaled a Gas and Scaled Everest in Days. Is It the Future of Mountaineering?

nytimes.comPublished: 5/27/2025

Summary

The four British climbers completed their ascent and descent of Mount Everest in less than a week by using xenon gas, despite skipping the usual acclimatization period. This achievement has sparked debates among mountaineers about whether such an extreme challenge can be made easier for everyone, with the Nepalese government investigating its use. Organizers acknowledged that while xenon may help adapt quickly, its broader implications remain uncertain.