LVS for Nepal

In the summer of 2022, we received a donation of CHF 12,180 from the Heinrich and Carina Harrer Foundation.

The Sherpas, an ethnic group living in the Khumbu region of Nepal, migrated from Tibet to the southern valleys of Mount Everest several centuries ago. Members of this distinct ethnic community traditionally carry the surname “Sherpa” as an indication of their heritage. Today, Sherpas play a vital role in Himalayan mountaineering, serving as high-altitude porters, guides, and essential members of expedition teams.

Many of the participants in our avalanche training courses are Sherpas, as their work as high-altitude porters often places them in the most dangerous avalanche-prone areas.

Thanks to the donation from the Heinrich and Carina Harrer Foundation, we were able to purchase 40 new PIEPS avalanche transceivers (beacons), as well as 40 shovels and avalanche probes for our avalanche training programmes. The proper use of this equipment will be taught in future avalanche courses in Nepal.

All devices have been numbered and will be loaned to Sherpas during expeditions, ensuring that they are properly equipped in the Himalayas. In the event of an avalanche, they will be able to begin search and rescue operations immediately on site.