This is our last dispatch for the June 15 West Buttress Denali Ski team. The team has arrived back in civilization and everyone is doing well. They accomplished a pretty impressive ski descent, first from the summit at 20,310′ (6190m) to High Camp at 17,200′ (5242m). Then they descended through the Rescue Gully down to…
Our rockstar ski team made it back to High Camp after a 10 hour day yesterday. Jon says he skied the best powder ever! Wow! That is the benefit of a mid June ski trip, usually later in the season is when you find better ski conditions on Denali. Sounds like they had perfect weather…
Aaron Diamond with the June 15 ski team called in from 20,310′ (6190m)!! This has been a monumental year for guiding on Denali, as it is the first time the Park Service has allowed us to ski guide unroped during descent! After trying to get this approved with the Park Service for about a decade.…
Yesterday our crew took the opportunity to rest at High Camp, 17,200′ (5242m). The weather was a bit on the windy side, and the team is hoping winds will die down overnight allowing them to attempt the summit today. Can’t wait to hear their update later tonight! Not much else to report, but we look…
Our rugged ski team made the move from Camp 3 at 14,200′ (4328m) to High Camp at 17,200′ (5242m). It was a sunny, but windy day as they climbed up the Bunny Hill about 1,000′ to the Fixed Lines that drape down the Headwall. Here, each climber tied an ascender to their harness and attached…
Yesterday the team chilled out at Camp 3, 14,200′ (4328m). They enjoyed a little sunshine, warm lunches, and hot drinks while getting ready for their move up to High Camp soon. Sometimes on these rest days, teams will check out the Edge of the World. Which is where Genet Basin drops a dramatic 6,000′ (1828m)…
Yesterday our ski team had another active rest day. They climbed up to the bottom of the Rescue Gully, one of the gullies (or couloirs) that drops from the ridge above 17,000′ (5181m) back into Camp 3 at 14,200′ (4328m). Often used as an alternate ascent or descent instead of the Fixed Lines on the…
Yesterday the team descended from Camp 3 at 14,200′ (4328m) back into their cache above Windy Corner at 13,200′ (3413m). They dug up their supplies, packed them up, and climbed back up to Camp 3. The rest of the day they did some “snow school”, practicing using ascenders and running pro (more on that later).…
Yesterday the team pack up at Camp 2 (11,200′ 3413m) and began their journey to Camp 3. Retracing their steps to the cache site, they rounded Windy Corner, dropped down a small incline, and climbed a short, gentle hill back up and into Camp 3 (14,200′ 4328m). Camp 3 lies in Genet Basin. The backdrop…
Yesterday the team was able to put in their first cache at 13,500′ (4114m). Caching is indicative of an expedition style of climbing. It allows teams to break up their super heavy loads (usually around 110lbs) into smaller, lighter loads. The team will pick through and choose gear and supplies that won’t be needed for…