Almost 28,000 feet, Makalu is just 12 miles away from Mount Everest — a mountain Ballinger has climbed several times, along with K2, the world's second-tallest mountain. But at Makalu, Ballinger wasn't there only to climb — he was making his third attempt to be the first person to ski down from the summit of the world's fifth-tallest mountain. Ballinger spent a year preparing to ski Makalu"Once I decided I wanted to try, I spent a year at home of focus, dedicated training, working towards being ready to try to ski Makalu," Ballinger said. From left, Dorji Sonam Sherpa, Sherpa Sirdar (lead sherpa), Ballinger, Phu Rita Sherpa. At base camp, Ballinger and his fellow climbers are fed by a Nepali chef who prepares fresh meat, vegetables, and fruit.

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