Is an Orizaba climb dangerous?
Orizaba is a relatively safe climb by the Jampa Glacier normal route. Usually, but not always, there are a few small crevasses and the avalanche danger is minimal. There is ice on the summit climb making the steep summit slopes slippery thus requires crampons, ice axe and experience with self arresting a fall. Three people died in a rope fall in 2000 and another four in 2007. There is no organized rescue process and no helicopters so if you get in trouble you are pretty much on your own. Sr. Reyes in Tlachichuca in trying to provide some kind of medical and/or rescue service but it was not available as of 2008 to my knowledge.
