Which policy did Krakauer propose regarding the guide-to-client ratio?

• A. Guide-to-client ratio of 1:1
• B. Remain roped to the guide at all times
• C. Ban bottled oxygen
• D. Use solo ascents

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how many clients each guide should supervise to keep climbers safer on high-altitude expeditions. Krakauer argued for a one guide per client arrangement—every climber would have direct, individualized guidance and oversight. This matters because at extreme altitudes, a guide needs to monitor each climber’s physical state, pace, oxygen use, and decision-making capacity, so they can spot trouble early and decide when to turn back. In the book’s context, crowded teams and pressure to keep moving contributed to risky choices, so a strict 1:1 ratio is presented as a practical safety measure. The other options don’t reflect that approach: staying roped to a guide at all times isn’t his stated policy, banning bottled oxygen isn’t what he advocated, and solo ascents run contrary to the safety framework he emphasizes.