Blake Penson on the Geneva Spur, Everest

Expedition Advisor

Nobody has a clearer picture of today's expedition operators.

Two decades in the mountains. The Seven Summits, and two Everest expeditions. Technical peaks in the Alps. Years as a client of dozens of guides, and hundreds of guiding companies worked with as founder of ExpedReview. I know what separates a great operator from a dangerous one.

Ask BlakeFree to you.

For climbers planning Everest, the Seven Summits, Greenland, Antarctica and other big expeditions.

Founder of ExpedReview, working with hundreds of guiding companies todayTwo decades in the mountainsThe Seven Summits, and two Everest expeditionsSurvived the Everest earthquake at Camp 2Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, DenaliMont Blanc, the Matterhorn and countless more

Why the operator matters

On a big expedition, the operator you choose decides your Sherpa team, your logistics and how decisions get made high on the mountain. Most climbers pick from websites and price lists. I help you pick from experience.

The questions most climbers never ask

Radios
Who carries them, and who's listening when it matters?
Oxygen
How many bottles, what flow rate, and who checks the system?
Weather
Where do the forecasts come from, and who makes the summit call?
Loads
What does your Sherpa carry, and what's left on your back?
Food
What you eat at base camp and high on the mountain.
Sleep
Tent types, who you share with, and conditions at each camp.
Logistics
Permits, flights, rescue cover and what happens if plans change.

I'll make sure you have the answers before you pay a deposit.

How it works

Tell me your goal, timing and experience.
I shortlist the operators I'd trust for that climb and your level, and explain why.
You speak to them directly and book only if it's right for you.

About Blake

I've spent two decades in the mountains, from Mont Blanc to Denali and Aconcagua. I've climbed Everest twice: my first attempt ended in the earthquake at Camp 2, and I went back and summited via the South Col. Today I run ExpedReview, where climbers review the guides they've used. ExpedReview rankings come only from verified reviews, and no one can pay to change them.