Trip Reports
Duncan called in what I must describe as a brilliant glimpse into the challenge of keeping sane whilst waiting, and waiting… and waiting… for the weather to break at 14,200′. Dante wrote of a similar phenomenon, and although the descent passed through different circles, the mountains have their own version. Duncan and Co. are already…
The June 17th Team is waiting for the weather to improve so they can move up and around the steep ridge of the West Buttress known as Windy Corner. This feature can be very challenging in rough weather, so the guides do not want to push it up, unless the weather is clear enough to…
The team called in an audio post that was too garbled to understand, but they are hanging tough at the basin camp at 11,200′ (3413m). One of the climbers, Kat, developed some health issues that presented a few days back and were sufficient cause for her and the guides to decide that it was no…
The Wounded Warriors of the Warfighter Sports team are dug in at 14,200′, waiting for the weather up high to improve. Wind and snow have begun to batter the upper slopes of Denali as a series of weak weather flows pass over the mountain. Fairly heavy snow and wind are forecasted through the first half…
This morning a group of climbers from around the world will meet in Anchorage, Alaska to finalize their preparations for an attempt on the classic West Buttress Route of Denali. The team has been preparing for months, training and acquiring the highly specialized clothing and gear that their ascent requires. Today, they will meet three…
A long-time friend and one of the most experienced high altitude guides working today, Marty Schmidt, is leading a team of four climbers up the iconic West Rib route of Denali beginning today. Marty has been a fixture on Denali for decades (28 summits) and has climbed and guided Everest, K2, Cho Oyu, Kanchenchunga, and…
Lead Guide Peter Inglis sent us a couple of photos of the June 3 team. The first was shot at the southern edge of High Camp at 17,200′ (5424m) and the second was shot the morning they arrived back at Base Camp.
Duncan called in what sounded like it was going to be a very energetic and fun post, but it was cut short by the vagaries of technology…! Just as he was warming up, the satellites passed from sight and the connection was dropped. Similar to when you are talking to a friend on your cell…
Tonight the guides grabbed the phone and passed it about this evening. The team spent the day resting and preparing for their push up onto the ridge tomorrow. It sounds like they had a great day, because spirits sure sounded high in the recording! recording
Silvia called in a very detailed and nice post from the stunning basin camp at 11,200′, before passing the phone around to Cason and Shlomo. It’s Pride Day and the team gave shout outs to friends in celebration! Shlomo passed along a special birthday message to his nephew. Here’s the team! recording