Ama Dablam New Route: Mykyta Balabanov and Mykhailo Fomin climbed the West Face

Ukrainian climbers Mykyta Balabanov and Mykhailo Fomin successfully ascended a new route on the challenging West Face of Ama Dablam. After five intense days, they reached the summit on November 1, 2024.

This season, the Ukrainians initially aimed to establish a new route on Makalu. However, shortly after arriving at Base Camp, they encountered heavy snowstorms that forced them to turn back.

Three years after opening the new route on the Southeast Ridge of Annapurna III and facing the impact of a life-changing war, the climbers showed they still possess the skills, fitness, and determination needed to tackle remarkable new routes.

In 2022, they were conferred the prestigious Piolets d’Or award for their Annapurna III climb.

Mykhailo Fomin

Mykyta Balabanov

Photo Courtesy (Seven Summit Trek )