B. Baker

In reviewing my recent Denali climb logistics, I was struck by how my guides used their heads to minimize the effects of unusually nasty weather and maintain an efficient schedule.

We avoided the hot lower glacier by climbing at night. We were in a whiteout on Ski Hill, so camped at 10,000 ft, rather than trying to locate wands as we rounded the corner en route to 11,200. The next afternoon, we had a brief weather window, and single-carried up to 11,200, avoiding a lost day. Every day of the climb varied from the general itinerary, because the mountain dictated it; and my guides found creative ways to deal with it efficiently.

Mountain Trip guides don`t just drag clients up the climb…they involve clients in the dynamic process of decision making, and create an environment that enables clients to perform to their abilities.