Denali 2021 – The May 7th West Buttress Team Has Arrived in Kahiltna Basecamp

Our first team of the Denali season arrived in Kahiltna Basecamp yesterday afternoon. After one night of the “Talkeetna Hang” (a tradition for many trips heading into the Alaska Range), the team was able to score a weather window for flying. Upon arrival on the glacier, every team goes over some crucial skills that will contribute to their success as they head up the mountain. Camp craft, rope rigging, and crevasse rescue are among these skills.

The team plans to move to Camp 1 (7800′) today. The move to Camp 1 can often be one of the most difficult days on the mountain for many climbers, as the environment is new and the loads are the heaviest. Each climber flies onto the glacier with about 110 lbs of gear!! The move is about 5.5 miles, with roughly 1000′ of elevation gain.

Lachlan Grassie called in the teams first dispatch. Have a listen:

recording

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