Climbers nearing the summit of Mount Everest often speak of one final obstacle that looms larger than the rest—not because of its size, but its legacy. The Hillary Step, a near-vertical rock face just below the summit, has long been etched into mountaineering history as both a physical and psychological tipping point. For decades, this jagged outcrop at nearly 8,800 meters stood as the last major hurdle before reaching the top of the world.
But what if that obstacle no longer existed the way climbers once knew it?
After the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, reports emerged claiming the Hillary Step had collapsed or significantly changed—sparking controversy, confusion, and concern among the global climbing community.
In this article, we’ll unpack the truth behind those claims, explore why the Hillary Step became such a defining feature of Everest ascents, and explain how its reported transformation affects climbers today. Whether you’re planning your own expedition, following mountaineering news, or simply curious about one of Everest’s most talked-about features, this guide clears the fog surrounding the Hillary Step and what it means for Everest’s future.
What Is the Hillary Step?
Origin of the Name “Hillary Step”
The Hillary Step on Everest is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the legendary mountaineer from New Zealand. Alongside Tenzing Norgay of Nepal, Hillary made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
During their final push to the summit, the pair encountered a daunting 12-meter (around 40 feet) rock face. Hillary famously tackled this vertical wall by climbing a narrow crack between the rock and snow, with Tenzing following close behind.
That crux section—later called the Hillary Step—became a landmark in Everest’s climbing history. It represented the last major obstacle before reaching the summit. Over time, it earned a mythical status, symbolizing both the challenge and triumph of standing atop the world.
For climbers today, the Hillary Step on Everest is more than just a physical feature. It’s a piece of mountaineering heritage that honors the grit and courage of the first ascent.
Location and Description
The Hillary Step is perched high on Everest’s southeast ridge, between the South Summit and the true summit. It sits at approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet), just 60 meters below the top.
Before 2015, it was a steep, narrow rock outcrop rising above a sharp ridge with deadly exposure on both sides. Only one climber could ascend or descend at a time, often creating long queues on summit day.
The terrain was mixed—rock, snow, and ice—requiring technical skill and calm nerves. Many climbers considered it the most difficult section above 8,000 meters.
Today, reports suggest that the Hillary Step may have changed or collapsed, altering the route’s character. Still, the location remains a psychological marker for climbers—a final gateway to the summit of Everest.
Though its shape may have shifted, the Hillary Step on Everest continues to capture the imagination of those who dare to climb it. Whether in its original form or not, it remains a symbol of Everest’s enduring challenge.
Why Is the Hillary Step So Famous Among Climbers?
Historical Importance in Everest Ascents
The Hillary Step became legendary after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic climb in 1953. Their successful ascent of this final barrier captured global attention and added drama to Everest’s already fierce reputation.
Since then, climbers navigating the Hillary Step have treated it as a symbolic threshold. Over the decades, it became a benchmark—a final test before achieving the summit. Reaching it meant you were just minutes from the top, yet still facing a critical challenge.
Every successful ascent of the Hillary Step reinforced its fame. Photos, documentaries, and first-hand stories elevated its mystique. It wasn’t just a rock formation; it was a rite of passage.
Climbers, whether professional or guided trekkers, would often mentally prepare for this section. Not just because of its difficulty, but because of what it represented—the line between ambition and achievement.
Technical Challenges at the Hillary Step
Before the 2015 earthquake, the Hillary Step was one of the most technically demanding parts of the standard South Col route. It involved climbing a near-vertical rock face with minimal oxygen and maximum fatigue.
The step’s narrow width allowed only one climber at a time. This bottleneck created long waits, especially during crowded summit windows. In freezing winds and extreme cold, those delays could become dangerous.
Exposure was a major concern. To the left, a drop into Nepal’s Kangshung Face; to the right, a fall into Tibet. A single misstep could be fatal. Even for experienced mountaineers, the Hillary Step on Everest was intimidating.
Rock conditions varied. Snow and ice sometimes masked handholds. Fixed ropes helped, but climbers still needed balance and focus. Sherpas often set these lines under grueling conditions.
With the reported collapse of the original Hillary Step, the technical demands have changed. Some say it’s now more of a snow slope, making it easier but also more avalanche-prone.
Still, even in its altered form, this section holds psychological weight. It remains one of the most talked-about features on the world’s highest peak.
For generations of climbers, navigating the Hillary Step has been a defining Everest moment—where history, altitude, and human effort collide.
Did the Hillary Step Collapse After the 2015 Earthquake?
What Climbers Reported Post-Earthquake
After Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, a wave of speculation followed about possible changes on Mount Everest—especially to the Hillary Step. Climbers returning from the summit in the following seasons began sharing conflicting accounts.
Some said the Hillary Step had completely collapsed, turning into a snow slope. Others argued it was simply covered in heavy snow and looked different. This uncertainty sparked heated discussions in the mountaineering community.
The keyword “Hillary Step collapse” quickly gained traction in news headlines and forums. Some veteran guides claimed it no longer posed the same technical challenge. Others insisted it still existed, just buried under seasonal snow and ice.
These conflicting observations made it hard to confirm the truth. Clear photos were rare due to summit-day conditions like wind, snow, and low visibility. The mystery only deepened over time.
Before vs After: Has the Hillary Step Changed Forever?
To better understand the situation, climbers began comparing images from before and after 2015. Photos from the early 2000s showed the Hillary Step as a jagged rock wall. More recent pictures taken in 2016 and 2017 showed what appeared to be a snowy slope in its place.
Eyewitness reports supported the idea that the original rock feature had either collapsed or become buried. Some climbers said the new route was easier but more exposed to snow-related risks. Others missed the sense of achievement tied to the original Hillary Step on Everest.
Experts have weighed in as well. Renowned climber Tim Mosedale stated in 2017 that “the Hillary Step is no more,” based on his summit experience. This view was echoed by other high-altitude climbers and supported by side-by-side photo comparisons.
In 2019, the Nepalese Department of Tourism acknowledged that the Hillary Step had likely changed significantly. However, they stopped short of declaring a complete collapse, citing the difficulty in verifying rock structure under deep snow.
So, has the Hillary Step changed forever? Most evidence points to yes. Whether collapsed or simply altered, its original form seems gone.
Still, the legacy of the Hillary Step on Everest remains intact. It’s no longer the same obstacle Hillary climbed in 1953, but it continues to challenge and inspire climbers from around the world.
How Has the Change Affected Climbing Mount Everest?
Easier or Riskier Without the Original Hillary Step?
The transformation of the Hillary Step has sparked debate among climbers and guides. Some say it’s now easier, while others argue it’s just as dangerous—only in different ways.
Before 2015, the Hillary Step was a vertical rock wall requiring careful moves and technical climbing skills. Now, many describe it as a steep snow slope, making climbing the Hillary Step today less technical for most.
However, this new route isn’t necessarily safer. Snow and ice are less stable than rock. There’s a greater risk of slipping or triggering a small avalanche, especially during crowded summit pushes.
Climbers no longer need to scramble up exposed rock, but they still face high-altitude fatigue and harsh weather. Fixed ropes help, but the section remains physically and mentally demanding.
In short, the Hillary Step might be less of a climbing challenge, but it still presents real risks. The change hasn’t removed danger—it’s just changed its shape.
Traffic Jams and Safety at the New Route
The Hillary Step has always been a natural chokepoint. Before the earthquake, only one climber could go up or down at a time, causing long waits during peak summit windows.
Now that it’s a broader snow slope, some hoped traffic would flow more smoothly. But in practice, climbing the Hillary Step today can still lead to bottlenecks—especially when large guided teams move slowly.
Crowding remains a serious safety issue. Waiting at nearly 8,800 meters with limited oxygen puts climbers at risk of frostbite, exhaustion, and altitude sickness. In worst cases, delays have contributed to fatalities.
The lack of a well-defined rock path makes it harder to control movement. Without solid anchors or natural handholds, guiding and rope management become more complex for Sherpas and team leaders.
Managing these crowds now relies more on planning and discipline. Teams stagger their summit pushes, but on busy days, it’s hard to avoid queues. The new route may look simpler, but it hasn’t solved the traffic problem.
Ultimately, the Hillary Step’s transformation has changed the climbing experience—but not the challenge. Whether rock or snow, that final stretch before the summit still tests climbers in every way.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the Hillary Step
The Hillary Step may have changed, but its legacy remains deeply rooted in Everest’s mountaineering story. Once a daunting rock wall and now a snow slope, it still tests climbers both physically and mentally—just in different ways. Whether you’re planning your own expedition or following Everest news from afar, understanding the Hillary Step gives valuable insight into the challenges of high-altitude climbing.
If this iconic feature fascinates you as much as it does seasoned climbers, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you trekked in the Everest region or dream of summiting one day?
Drop a comment below, share this article with a fellow adventurer, or explore more stories from the world’s highest peaks. Let’s keep the spirit of Everest—and the mystery of the Hillary Step—alive.
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