9th Everest Summit for Ryan Waters and the Team

On 23 May 2026, Mountain Professionals once again safely guided clients to the summit of Mount Everest, marking the 9th Everest summit of owner Ryan Waters’ career. The expedition, which began on 6 April, reached a successful conclusion after Ryan patiently waited for the best weather window before launching the final push.

Despite early-season challenges (click here to read more), 2026 turned into a strong Everest season. A blocking serac delayed access through the Khumbu Icefall but once the route opened, conditions improved and the mountain offered a far better climbing window than many had expected. Summit day brought light winds and generally favorable weather, giving the team a solid chance to move efficiently and safely above the South Col.

The summit team included climbers from the United States, the Cayman Islands, and Ecuador, all of whom reached the top under the leadership of Ryan Waters and the Mountain Professionals staff, including an outstanding team of highly experienced Sherpas. It was another proud result for the team, reflecting careful planning, patience, and the kind of mountain judgment that matters most on Everest.

This year’s success adds another chapter to Ryan Waters’ long Everest career and reflects Mountain Professionals’ approach to expedition leadership, where safety, sound decision-making, and responsible guiding always come first.

Congratulations to everyone on this huge success!