10,000 skydives is a huge milestone. But hitting that mark over Mount Everest? That’s some next-level shit.
On January 15, 2024, Greg Crozier marked his 10,000th skydive in Nepal, jumping over the highest mountain on earth. At 23,000 ft, with limited free-fall time and no room for error, this wasn’t just another jump. Along wtih Karine Joly and caught on camera by the legendary Omar Alhegelan, is was a moment of pure adrenaline.
Pure legend. Pure, wild flight.
Table of Contents
- Meet Our Athlete
- 179 Drop Zones Later: Greg Crozier’s Skydiving Journey
- Why Everest? The Ultimate 10,000th Skydive
- What It Actually Takes to Skydive Everest
- The Jump: Freefall Near the World’s Highest Peak
- Greg’s Top Tips for Skydivers & Teams
- What’s Next? The Next Big Goal
- Keep Reading
Meet Our Athlete
Greg Crozier is a professional skydiver with over 10,000 jumps across 179 drop zones worldwide, known for high-altitude and landmark skydives.
179 Drop Zones Later: Greg Crozier’s Skydiving Journey
We caught up with Greg to get the low-down on his achievement after a busy year. Here’s what Greg had to say about achieving this wild dream.
“It was purely amazing. I could not have hoped for a better team for this 10,000th jump. Plus, Omar is a legend. We met in 2008 in Arizona.”
-
- 10,000 jumps later. Still hits.
-
- 10,000 jumps. Whole crew behind it.
-
- Karine after landing from the Everest skydive
When asked about the countries that stood out the most in his career, Greg’s enthusiasm was contagious.
“I’ve had the chance to be invited to jump in many amazing places. Right now, I’ve jumped at exactly 179 Drop Zones. It’s hard to say which locations hold the most special memories. The furthest countries often feel the most foreign for us; my jumps in Brazil, Australia, Namibia and Kenya instantly come to mind.
Each memory holds a different value, a personal souvenir to take away, depending on the people, the memories or the landscape. Namibian landscapes are quite hard to beat, Brazils’ genuine generosity and energy is infectious and the craziness of Australians and their A+ beaches stay with you. And then, Kenya?! Again-A+ beaches! Plus the warmth of the people and environment is unforgettable.”
Why Everest? The Ultimate 10,000th Skydive
At the beginning of 2024, Greg got planning.
“When you’ve jumped at so many incredible places over the years, it’s not easy to determine something that will feel unique enough,” he said.
Greg’s list of jumps over iconic landmarks isn’t short. Rio De Janerio’s Copacabana Beach, the Pyramids of Giza and Chichen Itza, and Australia’s Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). Plus paradise jumps across Bora Bora, Seychelles and Maldives.
-
- Greg, calm before something massive
-
- Everest is definitely a reason to smile
-
- Geared up for Greg’s 10,000th jump over Everest
On top of that, he’s ticked off BASE jumps, night jumps, HALO jumps and military jumps. Don’t forget hot air balloon jumps and a 12-way naked jump in Kenya (tick). With jumps from 23 different planes and 5 helicopters – including 74 jumps from a C-130 and 45 from a Blackhawk – number 10,000 had to be special.
Then it hit him.
“I remembered that my friend Omar Alhegelan goes to Nepal every year after the Egypt Boogie. That was it, that was the best idea ever. I was like, let’s call him and ask him if it is possible. He said YES, right away. He was as excited as me about this idea”
What It Actually Takes to Skydive Everest
Proximity to the mountain is spicy to handle. The two closest exit points come with a catch: one gives only 10 seconds of freefall and the other is strict hop-and-pop only.
Greg chose a sweet spot for the skydive, 25km from Everest, to maximise altitude and airtime, paint a picturesque backdrop and provide the ultimate experience. Just what you want for your 10,000th jump.
-
- 25 seconds. That’s all you get up here.
-
- Not just a jump. A moment in formation over Everest.
-
- Packing with Everest in the background
The Jump: Freefall Near the World’s Highest Peak
Aside from the mountain itself, challenges were numerous for this skydive over Everest. From sourcing equipment to finding sponsorship – a jump that would cost over 20K€t-.
To give us a sense of the effort involved, here’s his full breakdown:
- Find 2 identical rigs with 210 sqft canopies to land at 12800ft high
- Secure a sponsor to cover the heavy expenses of carrying all the equipment + Oxy + the helicopter cost
- Design a jump that will work with 25 seconds of freefall
- Get permissions
- Hike from 2800m to 3900m and acclimatise to the thin Himalayan air.
- Climb to 23,000 ft in an EC350 heli, managing oxygen use
- Nail the exit, freefall and capture it all on video
- Land safely at the most dangerous airport in the World, Lukla at 3900m, and avoid hypoxia.
No pressure then.
Greg shared the values that shaped him as a young jumper – principles that have guided him every step of the way.
“Skydiving teaches you more than just how to fly – it’s about courage, trust, dedication, self-improvement, kindness, and supporting each other. After 27 years in the sport, what I’m most proud of is the unwavering goodwill and support in our community. Across every unforgettable location, every moment in the sky has been possible because of the people.”
Wanna level up like Greg, build your dream team, or crush some big-ticket goals?
Greg’s Top Tips for Skydivers & Teams
- Pick a name that speaks to who you are – whether it’s a funny crew, an amateur team, or the pros. Own it (Fuck Yeah!)
- Get the right suits to match your vibe. If you’re going pro, think single colours with your federation’s logo and your country’s flag. Your suit is your uniform – represent. Even if you’re not directly supported by your federation. It’s all about how you show up to the judges, media, and everyone else watching.
- Precision + practice = the Game Plan. Stick to a schedule. Log jumps, perfect your objectives, and build solid team dynamics:
- Funny Team: Keep it fun, and aim for 60 jumps
- Amateur Team: Go all in with 120 jumps
- Pro Team: 300+ jumps
- Get advice from the pros – not your family and friends
- Dare to dream big. Reach out to the people who inspire you, share your vision, and you’ll be surprised at the support that might come your way.
- Tag the sponsors you want backing you. Share your journey, send updates, and keep the connection strong.
- If you’re aiming for sponsorship, send them your team plan – goals for 1, 3, and 5 years. Show them you’re in it for the long haul.
What’s Next? The Next Big Goal
He’s got us all on the edge of our seats, teasing “It’s a secret”.
No doubt it’s something massive, keep an eye on socials for the drop!
What he did reveal? Greg and the team are determined to complete what they started with the Pyramids of Egypt – a project years in the making. To turn this vision into reality, full sponsorship is essential.
We’ve got no doubt that Greg will give his all to make it happen. Here’s to the next 10,000 jumps!
Want More of this? Keep Reading:
Women in Skydiving: Project 19
Best Skydiving Stunts: 3 Examples From JYRO Athletes
Best of Skydiving Videos