REDMOND, Wash. — May 12, 2005 — On May 12, 2005 renowned mountain climber Ed Viesturs made history as he successfully completed the treacherous climb to the summit of Annapurna in Nepal. MSN® Travel is the only Web site carrying exclusive coverage of the trek. Complete coverage can be found on http://www.firstandbest.msn.com.
Viesturs is the first American to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter (approximately 26,000-foot) peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen – an incredible feat that has taken him nearly 20 years. MSN was right there at Annapurna, allowing viewers to experience American mountaineering history as it unfolded. A media crew at base camp fed stories, videos and photos for use in the coverage. Viesturs also called in phone dispatches along the way to provide his view on the challenges of the climb.
Viesturs acclimatized for the attempt on Annapurna by first climbing Cho Oyu in April. He arrived at the Annapurna base camp April 30. After resting and studying weather conditions, Viesturs progressed from base camp up to various staging camps before making his ascent of the mountain.
Viesturs’ climb team included chief trek photographer Didrik Johnk, renowned Himalayan photographer Jimmy Chin and climbing partner Veikka Gustafsson.
Through an agreement with MSN Travel, Sony, the exclusive advertising sponsor for this coverage, provided digital imaging products to assist Viesturs and the MSN Travel crew with documenting this historic climb, including equipping the travel team with Cyber-shot M1 and Cyber-shot F828 digital still cameras.
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