Trip Reports
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…
Yesterday this crew climbed up from Camp 2 at 11,200′ (3413m). They tackled first the mile long Motorcycle Hill. Once they topped out here, they next climbed up Squirrel Hill. From Squirrel Hill, the team has an impressive view of the Peters Glacier several thousand feet below. Above Squirrel Hill, the Polo Field stretches across…
Yesterday this crew made their way up Motorcycle Hill, topped out on Squirrel Hill, crossed the Polo Field, navigated through Windy Corner, and made their way into Genet Basin at 14,200′ (4328m) where Camp 3 resides. The surrounding scenery of the basin is awe-inspiring. Behind camp, the Headwall rises up to meet the ridge at 16,200′…
After moving to Camp 3 at 14,200′ (4328m) the day before yesterday, the team returned to their cache at 13,200′ (4023m) to retrieve their cache. They are now fully supplied at Camp 3. The enjoyed an active rest day, with plenty of snacking and warm drinks. Often teams will take this time to practice some…
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…
Our team of hardy climbers enjoyed a rest day at Camp 2, 11, 200′ (3413m). It was a good day for resting up; taking naps, reading, fueling, hydrating, or skills practice for crampon and ice axe use. Not too much else to update for this team. They have some backcarrying and caching to do before…
Yesterday the team packed up camp for another move. Tackling Motorcycle Hill, Squirrel Hill, and Windy Corner, they found themselves in Genet Basin where Camp 3 lies at 14,200′ (4328m). The backdrop of the basin is dramatic and inspiring. Behind camp, the Headwall rises up to meet the ridge at 16,200′ (4937m). The ridge climbs and…
Jesse called in to update us from Anchorage. The team is back in bustling civilization. Gary is back in Nashville enjoying his new grandbaby, congratulations! Grant is headed back to Colorado. Jesse is hanging in Anchorage for a bit. Here’s Jesse: recording
Immediately out of the camp, the climbers first ascend for a mile up Motorcycle Hill. Topping out here, they are at the base of another hill known as Squirrel Hill, with dramatic views of the Peters Glacier dropping down to their left. They climb up Squirrel Hill and find themselves in an up-sloping basin of…