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

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.

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.