Ten-Year-Old’s Decision to Turn Back so Close to Summit Proved to be the Right One
In the shadow of the recent tragic fatalities on the Matterhorn, Joe Evermore and his young son, Sam Evermore, offer a gripping and heartfelt account of their own harrowing experience climbing the mountain recently. As the Matterhorn remains one of the most formidable climbs in the world, their story underscores both the awe-inspiring beauty and the inherent dangers of this iconic mountain.
Joe and Sam, passionate climbers with a shared love for adventure, recently attempted the Matterhorn’s daunting ascent. Their journey was marked by determination and excitement, but it was their decision to turn back just 1,000 feet from the summit that proved wise. This decision, made in the face of mounting challenges, now appears to have been a fortuitous choice considering the recent fatalities.
Joe Evermore, a seasoned climber, and his son Sam, who is already making a name for himself by setting world records, encountered the Matterhorn’s treacherous conditions firsthand. Despite their extensive preparation and experience, they were forced to abandon their summit attempt due to rockfall and other increasing risks. Their story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of high-altitude climbing and the importance of heeding the mountain’s signals.
“Turning back was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made,” Joe reflects. “We were so close to achieving our goal, but the safety of my son and I had to come first. In light of the recent fatalities, I’m incredibly grateful we chose to prioritize our well-being overreaching the summit.”
Sam, who looked up to his father’s climbing prowess, shares his perspective: “The Matterhorn is an amazing and humbling experience. I learned that no summit is worth risking your life. We made the right call, and though we didn’t reach the top, we came back with a deeper respect for the mountain and a stronger bond.”
Their experience provides a poignant lesson in climbing ethics and safety, reinforcing the idea that the mountains will always be there, but our lives are not guaranteed. Joe and Sam’s tale is one of caution, respect, and the enduring thrill of adventure, offering invaluable insights for climbers and adventurers alike.
As they reflect on their near-tragic encounter, Joe and Sam Evermore urge the climbing community to respect the dangers of high-altitude climbs and to prioritize safety above all else. Their story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of climbing and the critical importance of making wise, informed decisions in the face of danger.
Relevant Article:
‘The Matterhorn is No Joke’: Rogue Climber Filmed Before Falling to his Death (yahoo.com)
Click the link to see if you recognize the mountain Sam is about to climb!
Matterhorn – Wikipedia
Check out these NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN videos and photos from Sam’s previous climb at El Capitan!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Su4grNeYJBxIj3hnNUwf5wGR1wpJfRjH/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neosGyese9AwR6ECt-1Xn3NsHF55AmR0/view?usp=sharing
Q&A
- Joe, what was your initial reaction when you first saw the IG comments suggesting that CPS should be called?
- How do you and Sam handle the negative attention and threats you receive online, especially when it targets your child’s safety?
- Can you elaborate on the safety measures you and Sam take before and during your climbs to ensure his well-being?
- What motivated you to start climbing with Sam at such a young age, and how do you balance his passion for climbing with safety concerns?
- How do you respond to the criticism that your climbing adventures could be considered reckless or dangerous for a child?
- Has the criticism and online harassment impacted your decision-making process or affected how you plan future climbs?
- What kind of support have you received from the climbing community or other parents in response to the online backlash?
- How do you address the concern that social media might be influencing public perception of your parenting choices?
- What is your perspective on the “safe space” culture and its impact on children pursuing challenging or adventurous activities?
- Can you share any specific examples of positive feedback you’ve received from your followers or the climbing community that have helped you through this situation? What do you teach your kids about fear?
- I understand you not only encourage your kids to set goals, but you also have RULES for every goal. Can you talk about that?
Watch some recent interview with Joe and Sam about their Matterhorn climb:
https://youtu.be/11ggoZ0SoPg?si=7pTPGQiIrWltBB0X
About Sam, Joe, and the Evermores…
Sam is a kid who loves to climb mountains with his dad. Each rock face they scale is one more chance to get to the top, look out over the world, holler, “Whoop!” and give out high fives. He’s been doing this since he was three years old.
But to dad, Joe, their tandem climbs each have a different purpose. Each mountain is intended to be another challenge that Sam will learn to overcome. Joe is banking each ascent, creating a stash of victories upon which Sam can make withdrawals throughout his life, so he can not only climb a few mountains, but move a few too.
To learn more, go to Sam Adventure!
Sam Adventure
Here is a link to a video showing Sam’s training regimen
https://youtu.be/FBK-R6Me8iU?si=QSSvDlp10rHB5mjR
MEDIA CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or Todd@specialguests.com
