Ueli Steck

Shortly before we went to press, Swiss speed climber Ueli Steck died in a fall while preparing a new route linking Everest and Lhotse (8516m). Steck (40) was most famous for making blazingly fast ascents of technical climbing routes – such as the Eiger North Face in 2hr 22min 50s in April 2015, a perilous, unprotected journey – and for his strength at high altitude, making the first solo ascent of Annapurna in 2014. His charm and warmth belied the persistent nickname the ’Swiss machine‘ and his influence stretched beyond the climbing world, leading to selection as

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. ”When I’m in the mountains, I’m where I want to be. That’s where I feel happy and content.” His own words, written shortly before he died.