Every Denali trip has its ups and its downs. On the way up, Andy told us climbing the Autobahn to Denali Pass was one of coolest things he had ever done. On the way down, we all did our best to enjoy challenging (roped) ski descents. The only thing harder than some of the surfaces…
We heard from the May 3 Team late last night. They pushed up towards the summit yesterday, but the weather deteriorated as they climbed. They reached a prominent flat area known as The Football Field at about 19,500′, but the winds above them were guarding the final 800′ of the mountain too ferociously. They are…
We just received word that Andy, Sean and Brian are headed up towards the summit of Denali! They left about 20 minutes ago and it looks like a beautiful day, so let’s hope that the weather holds and that the team members have enough gas in their tanks to make it to the top of…
Andy Forbes just called in an update on the team. They are enjoying a rest day at high camp, getting prepared for a summit attempt tomorrow, weather permitting. Best of luck to the team! After nine days at 14 Camp, it must feel good to be on the move again. Here’s Andy: recording
The team took advantage of the break in the weather to push up the fixed lines to the 17,200′ high camp. I don’t have much other information, but they made good time and are nestled in at camp, hoping for a good day to go to the top. Today looks like it might be a…
Brian called in a very nice and descriptive post about the conditions the team has been dealing with of late. Cold and wind!!! recording
The snow continues to fall on the mountain, with teams reporting significant accumulations at all elevations. The forecast is for more of the same, with winds increasing on the upper mountain over the weekend. Everyone is just sitting tight, working on their camps, which is a never-ending routine when the snow falls. Tents need to…
We’ve not heard much from the teams, and I can’t really blame them for not being too excited to step outside to call in an audio post, as the weather on the mountain has been pretty rough in recent days. Winds and snow have kept our teams hunkered down at their respective camps, and I…
Brian called in to recap the team’s carry up the fixed lines yesterday and to catch everyone up on their progress. All is well and they are taking an acclimatization/rest day at the 14,200′ camp. Tomorrow, weather permitting, they will make the big push up the fixed lines again and establish themselves at the site…
Sean called in from the big basin at 14,200′ to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there! They did great on their move up and around Windy Corner and everyone is happy and doing great. recording