Dave Hahn is a professional mountain guide, ski patroller, journalist and lecturer. In May 2010 he reached the summit of Mt. Everest for the 12th time – the most for a non-Sherpa climber. Among Hahn’s other notable accomplishments are his world-record 26 summits of Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest mountain. He has been to the summit of Mount McKinley (originally called Denali) in Alaska, North America’s highest peak, 19 times over the course of 26 expeditions. As part of the Eddie Bauer First Ascent Video Series, Dave discusses one of the hardest parts of his job as a mountain guide – having to turn clients around from making a summit bid.

Like other aspects of risk management in the outdoors, knowing when and how to turn a group around is a key skill for leaders.