[1] In 1978, as member of an expedition led by Wolfgang Nairz, he made the first solo ascent of Mount Everest.

[3] It is possible that Mick Burke, climbing solo, reached the summit of Everest via the Southwest face, as part of the 1975 British Mount Everest Southwest Face expedition led by Chris Bonington; however, Burke did not return from his attempt after a snowstorm hit the mountain.

After Oppurg, Reinhold Messner was the next solo summiter; he climbed Everest alone, without oxygen, from the North side.

[3] Mayr said that Oppurg, who he said had always been an elegant climber, climbed VI degree routes as if they were graded IV.

[1] They stayed at the top for a long while, and according to Mayr, Oppurg expressed doubts about his abilities, said he had no real friends, and wondered which direction to take in life.