Expedition participant in 1952

Ernst Hofstetter 1911

The tireless cross-country skier Ernst Hofstetter acted as the materials and supplies manager. He hung around longer in the middle camp, and only arrived at the higher altitude with the second South Col group. His absolutely striking level of fitness was undoubtedly due to the extended period of acclimatisation. Hofstetter was strong and less vulnerable to altitude problems, and was a welcome help during the evacuation of Camp VI for the group stuck on the South Col with their battered supplies.