What did the Montenegrins do after moving toward the South Summit?

• A. They turned around due to wind.
• B. They made a new summit attempt.
• C. They reached Camp 4.
• D. They signaled for assistance.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how climbers react when weather at extreme altitude worsens. Near the South Summit, strong winds and deteriorating conditions can make continuing dangerous and draining, so retreat becomes a smart, safety-minded choice. In this moment, the Montenegrins moved toward the South Summit but then turned back because the wind made progress unsafe and exposed them to greater risk. Turning around allowed them to seek safer ground, conserve energy, and preserve their chances for a future attempt when conditions improve. The other possible actions—pushing on for a new summit attempt, reaching a lower camp like Camp 4, or signaling for help—don’t align with what happened at that moment, which was a wind-driven retreat rather than continued ascent or an emergency call.