Four Ex-Military Friends Plan Everest Ascent Using Xenon Gas

Four ex-military friends from the UK plan to climb Mount Everest in a record time of seven days by using a novel acclimatization method involving inhalation of xenon gas ten days before their ascent. Xenon, sometimes used as an anesthetic, is believed by the expedition's organizer, Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, to stimulate erythropoietin (EPO) production in the body, thereby boosting red blood cell levels and improving oxygen delivery at high altitudes. This approach aims to reduce the typical six to eight weeks of acclimatization and minimize risks associated with prolonged exposure, such as adverse weather or altitude sickness. However, experts and organizations like the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation and the World Anti-Doping Agency caution that there is insufficient evidence that xenon improves climbing performance and warn of potential health dangers including impaired brain function and respiratory issues. Critics further argue that using xenon for this purpose amounts to doping and undermines traditional mountaineering ethics, framing the expedition as more of a stunt or mountain tourism than authentic climbing. Despite these concerns, the climbers are proceeding with the expedition, accepting the risks involved.