Alpinist and Nat Geo photographer Cory Richards prepares to tackle a new route on Everest. Dive deep into who Cory is and what led to him to setting this daring and dangerous goal for himself. In ‘The Line’ series, we look at the training, psychology, and routines associated with the goal of creating a new line on the world’s tallest peak. We also look at Cory’s outlook on life and how he is using climbing as a platform to talk about mental health. “When you’re riding the line between life and death, the clarity is tack sharp,” Cory says.

Surviving an avalanche changed Cory Richards’s life. It kick-started his career, but the lingering effects of trauma led to a path of self-destruction. In Episode 2 of The Line, we look back at pivotal moments in Cory’s life and career as he prepares to return to Everest to attempt a new route up the mountain.

Cory wrestles with the associated mental challenges of daily life as he nears his departure date. Strong body and mind are requirements for a successful ascent of Everest, along with positive climbing partnerships and a bit of good luck. Balancing the highs and lows of preparation, Cory takes the process one day at a time. “It’s not about the summit, it’s about the process.” – Cory Richards

Bomb cyclones, canceled flights, and difficult goodbyes are par for the course as the team makes their last-minute preparations. This episode follows Cory and Topo through the chaos of their final 48 hours before departure and explores what success and failure look like on the mountain. “There are tiered levels of success. We don’t die and we don’t lose fingers and toes, success.” – Cory Richards

The team finally arrives at Mount Everest base camp. We gain more insight into Cory and Topo’s climbing partnership as the first steps towards acclimatization are taken and the true reality of the goal comes into focus. Careful preparation is essential as the team approaches their first steps on the new route. “There’s anticipation. There’s desire. There’s all the things that make goals worth pursuing”. – Cory Richards

After trekking up the Miracle Highway, the team arrives at Advanced Basecamp (6,340m /20,800ft) and begins the next phase of their expedition. Cory and Topo spend the next few weeks exploring the route and acclimatizing on the established route, discovering new challenges along the way. As summit day draws closer, every decision counts. “Part of what I’ve tried on this climb is to not regret, you know like, now there is no excuses for not giving our best. Now we need to put substance into our dream” – Esteban “Topo” Mena

The culmination of training, travel and mental preparation comes to a head as the team attempts to summit during a tight weather window. After scaling near-vertical walls and enduring a sleepless night at thirty below zero temps, they are faced with a difficult decision – turn back or risk their lives to reach the top of the world. “There is a line that exists that I cross when I start climbing and it is a line of surrender, its a line of acknowledgment, its a line of willingness to accept the outcome” – Cory Richards