Shishapangma (Xixabangma), winter attempt via the southwest face. Before last year no one had attempted to climb 8,012m Shishapangma in winter, and until recently permission had never been granted. But if you wait hours for a bus in the end two come along. First to arrive were British climbers Andy Parkin and Victor Saunders. These two had gained permission to attempt the southwest face in 2001-2002, but in the end were unable to go. This winter they arrived in November, hoping to summit in early December. The pair decided to attempt the unrepeated Corredor Girona, a couloir on the right side of the face climbed more or less alpine style in September 1995 by Spaniards, Carles Figueras and Josep Permañé. Unfortunately, very fierce and bitterly cold winds prevented the British climbers from getting above an altitude of 6,500m, close to the bottom of the face.

Lindsay Griffin, HIGH Mountain INFO