Alpinist Nagovitsina's Quest for the Snow Leopard Badge Met with Unsuccessful Outcome: Investigating the Errors Committed by the Late Mountaineer
Russian Alpinist Nataliya Navagitsyna Perishes During Mount Victory Climb
Russian alpinist Nataliya Navagitsyna has tragically passed away during a climb of Mount Victory in Kyrgyzstan. The mountain, standing at 7,439 meters above sea level, was the final peak needed for Navagitsyna to complete her "Snow Leopard" achievement – a title awarded to alpinists who have climbed all five seven-thousanders in the former USSR.
Navagitsyna was part of an international climbing group consisting of four people: two Russians, a German, and an Italian. On August 12, her comrades left her in a tent with a small food supply and went for help when deteriorating weather conditions made rescue efforts impossible.
However, the last drone flyby showed that Navagitsyna is not moving, raising concerns about her condition. Unfortunately, this sad news comes after Navagitsyna broke several climbing rules, which may have impacted her chances of obtaining the "Snow Leopard" title.
In Soviet times, climbing groups were more structured, with joint training and a clear understanding of who was going where. But in modern commercial alpinism, there are fewer rules, leading to less experienced people agreeing among themselves and going on climbs.
Navagitsyna's first violation occurred when she attempted a 4B climb (Mount Lenin) without first completing two 4A routes, as required by the rules. She also attempted a 5A climb (Khan Tengri) after only one 4B route, which, according to the rules, should not have been counted.
This lack of adherence to climbing regulations is not without precedent. A unique case occurred in August 1984, where an alpinist from Sverdlovsk was lowered from a height similar to Mount Victory after an injury during descent.
Navagitsyna's "Snow Leopard" dream may have been tainted by these violations, as if she had climbed Mount Victory for the title, this climb would not have been counted.
Vladimir Shataev, a legend of Soviet and Russian alpinism, has been leading the statistics of ascents in the "Snow Leopard" count. Navagitsyna's passing serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in alpinism and the importance of following established rules and guidelines.
Our thoughts are with Nataliya Navagitsyna's family, friends, and the wider alpinism community during this difficult time.
