Russell Brice (expedition leader). Owner of Himalayan Experience and Chamonix Experience guide services. A New Zealander living in Chamonix, France, Russell is a U.I.A.G.M. certified guide, with over 25 years of professional experience. Highlights include 9 seasons on Everest, twice to the top via the North Ridge. Speed records on the SW Ridge of Ama Dablam and the Tichy route on Cho Oyo. He has participated in over 35 Himalayan expeditions. Russell is a founding member of IGO8000, a professional organization which is working to improve the quality of commercial expeditions to the world's highest peaks. While not guiding, he devotes himself to organizing the logistics of extreme balloon trips (ballooning over Everest, the circumnavigation of the globe, and a trip to the stratosphere).

Andy Lapkass ( Breckenridge, Colorado,USA). Andy has been climbing in the Himalaya since 1984, with over 27 expeditions in Pakistan, Tibet and Nepal. He has summited Everest twice, both via the South Col (1990 & 1999). Other summits include: Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyo, Ama Dablam & Pumori. He has 15 years of experience as a guide. Andy is also a physician's assistant, providing valuable medical training to the team.

Chris Warner (Ellicott City, Maryland, USA). Owner of Earth Treks' Climbing Center and an A.M.G.A. certified Alpine Guide. Chris has guided over 60 international expeditions. Highlights include new routes on Ama Dablam and Shivling and ascents of Cho Oyo and over one hundred 6,000 meter peaks.

Mark Whetu (Queenstown, New Zealand). Owner of Mountain Works, a guide service and gear shop on the South Island. Mark has climbed over two dozen peaks in the Himalaya. He has twice summited Everest via the North Ridge. Other highlights include: Cho Oyo, Shishapangma (2x), and Island Peak (5x). Mark is a very accomplished high altitude cinematographer and will be filming the expedition.