Everest is so high that to reach its summit, climbers must pass into the Death Zone. See what life is like for climbers on Mount Everest. See more »

When most people spy a frozen waterfall, they get out their cameras. But an ice climber unpacks his ice tools. What conditions make a frozen waterfall safe to scale? See more »

If you're not acclimated to high altitudes, you may risk nausea, loss of coordination and even fluid leakage into your brain as you ascend. Can you avoid it? See more »

Some climbers wear slippers instead of soled shoes, so they can feel the rock with their feet while they climb. What other gear might you need if you're climbing El Capitan or the community rock wall? See more »

More than 2,200 people have succeeded, but nearly 200 have lost their lives attempting to climb Mount Everest. So why do it? The most famous answer, from from climber George Mallory: "because it is there." See more »

At 16,000 feet above sea level, the average person would get sick from a lack of oxygen. How do Tibetans breathe easily? See more »

Tourists flood Nepal each year to get a glimpse of Mount Everest. While the tourism means good money for the region, it's taking a toll on the mountains. See more »

Adventure seekers like to turn up the volume on danger. So it makes sense that rock climbers would set their sights on ice. What makes ice climbing such risky business? See more »

Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that involves strength, control and finesse. Find out what it takes to really get high on life. See more »

Spelunking, or caving, is a sport in which people explore caves. Why would someone crawl into a hole in the ground? And how do they return safely? See more »