Client-Guide Relationship Garners Everest Lawsuit

February 29, 2008

Volker Kuebler is in the process of filing a lawsuit against Kari Kobler, a guide on a 2007 Mt. Everest Expedition. The lawsuit has come about over supposed favoritism on Mt. Everest between Kari Kobler and a few of her clients.

Volker claims that Kobler would not allow a couple of days of rest, allowing him to recuperate from a slight ailment before making an attempt up the world’s highest mountain in 2007. Volker also claims that Kobler used all the sherpa power to guide two clients and himself up, leaving the rest to wait and hope that the Sherpas were strong enough to make a second ascent.

ExplorersWeb, who has been covering this issue had the opportunity to talk with Kari Kobler about the lawsuit, of which Kobler denied the supposed favoritism and other allegations.

The expedition leader stated he had 6 high altitude Sherpas for his main group, out of which he used two in the first attempt. Out of the four clients he guided, two summited with him at the time. Kari Kobler states that Volker suffered an ailment unknown to him which prevented a successful climb, and that he has new guidelines for evaluating clients in upcoming expeditions.

It will be interesting to see how this comes out. Client-Guide issues have been a pretty frequent discussion topic over the past year, many of these arising after guides do not allow a paid client to try for the summit. Where high dollars are being paid for a chance at the summit, and success is not a guarantee, you are bound to have a few issues along the way. Will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months.

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