Local authorities have shut down a popular hiking destination on Mount Everest in China’s Tibet region because of heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Tourism officials said Zhufeng peak in Dingri county, where the Chinese side of Everest is located, is shut until further notice, according to an announcement Tuesday. Hundreds of hikers were trapped for days on Everest after a heavy snowstorm hit during China’s national holidays, a peak travel season. The local weather forecast predicted snowfall and icy conditions into Wednesday, potentially a hazard for visitors at higher altitudes as even moderate amounts of snowfall can hamper trails and road conditions. Earlier in October, rescuers ended up helping 880 people who were trapped at the altitude of 16,000 feet.
