Who we believe is Mountain Trip guide Erin Laine called in an update for the June 2 Denali West Buttress team, who are considering making their summit bid today June 16!

They have spent several days at 17,200′ High Camp watching the weather, resting and preparing to make their summit bid. The team, if the weather permitted, likely woke up early this morning to head up the route. Temperatures are frigid up high before full daylight hits, likely dipping down to about -25 degrees Celsius. Frostbite and altitude issues are a major concerns on summit day, and climbers must really tune in to how their bodies are feeling and pay attention to how they feel as they progress higher on the route.

On summit day, the team will follow the route pictured below to reach 20,320′. From High Camp to summit and back down normally takes teams between 10 and 12 hours, with approximately 6,000′ of vertical loss and gain.

Best of luck to the team! We will update you all at home on their progress as soon as we receive word.

Here’s Erin!