Talkeetna Air Taxi

The largest peak in North America allures us all with its size and beauty. Being able to fly next to Denali or land on one of its glaciers is a once in a lifetime experience for most. For some the urge to climb the mountain takes over. One hundred years ago the first climbers stood on the summit of Denali. It is amazing to think about how Denali expeditions have changed over the last 100 yrs. Below is a picture of Harry Karstens and Robert Tatum from the first expedition on Denali.

During this historical year there will be another first on Denali. Expedition Denali, as part of the National Outdoor Leadership School, will be a group of all African American participants. They aim "to inspire youth of color—and particularly African American youth—to get outside, get active, and become stewards of our wild places." Learn more about this inspiring journey here: http://expeditiondenali.nols.edu/about/

This year there will be several events and exhibits to check out around Alaska celebrating the centennial summit of Denali. Here are links to some of them:

http://www.uaf.edu/museum/exhibits/special/legacy/

http://www.nps.gov/dena/historyculture/1913.htm

Picture below courtesy of Tyler Westhoff.

Masa is still trying to get up Hunter. This photo was taken of him at basecamp on the 9th of January.

Masatoshi Kuriaki is back for another attempt at the first Winter solo attempt of Mt. Hunter.  This is Masatoshi's 6th attempt, and will be ascending via the West Ridge of Hunter. When he was flown into Kahiltna basecamp where the conditions were surprisingly good after the windy begin to the winter.    The temperature was reading minus 5 with a chilling 10 mph down glacier wind at basecamp.  Best of Luck to Masatoshi on his solo attempt.

This is the kick off of the winter climbing in the Alaska Range.   Stay tuned for update on all of our winter climbs this year, and next.