Ski Mountaineering is technical sport and not for the faint of heart. Some might call it the steroid version of backcountry skiing, but that description hardly does it justice. It is a highly technical sport, requiring knowledge in many areas.

The mountaineer must first research the route ahead of time. This may require using maps, computers, books, and even calling on other mountaineers for information who are familiar with the intended peak.

This initial information is necessary to determine notonly the route up, but to determine the best method for reaching the base of the route. Often, mountaineers seek out mountains in foreign countries once they have challenged themselves with peaks near to them.

The organization of a serious expedition can be time consuming. One has to determine the best time of year to attempt a summit on a high peak in glacier terrain, where the snow stays year round. Often summer is desirable, as the weather can be more stable. Visas may be required for entry into the country as well as for climbing. This paperwork process has to be submitted and accepted well in advance of the expedition’s arrival.A little research must also be done to determine the best time of year to submit that information.

Additional steps in the overall expedition process include picking teammates, determining which gear to bring, and often trying to solicit corporate sponsors to offset the high cost. The sponsors may also have requirements they would like to be fulfilled,such as photos taken or current updates while on expedition to their media outlets. How to best fulfill those needs require some forethought as well. Do they bring a photographer on the trip? A computer and a person to relay their updated summit attempt information? All this must take place before the the ski mountaineer even gets near the desired mountain!

Once the ski mountaineers arrive at the base camp of their desired peak, they can finally concentrate on what they have planning for so long. To climb the peak using all their technical skills and knowledge, and to carefully ski down. Yet the ending is not always that simple.

On June 23, 2009 an Italian man, Michele Fait fell to his death while skiing down the Cesen route on the southeast side of K2, which is the second highest mountain in the world. K2 is considered a more challenging ascent than Everest, and it borders Pakistan and China. Michele was at an altitude of 6,400 meters (nearly 21,000ft) when he encountered a sheet of ice, causing him to slide into rocks, which then sent him tumbling down the mountain.

Michele was an experienced ski mountaineering, having ascended and skied numerous high altitude peaks in Pakistan (Gasherbrum II from 7800 meters and Shisha Pangma 7900m), several 6000m peaks in Peru, as well as descents in the Alps and Dolomites. He had previously attempted K2 in 2007 but had to turn back at 8300m due to conditions.

While it is difficult to explain why mountaineers risk their lives, we know that their passion drives them. More than anything else, they want that adventure, and certain goals become their project, their dream. And what is life, if not about our dreams and attempts to achieve them?