Denali is one of the toughest and coldest mountains in the world. There are no porters or guides to help carry gear on this mountain so we carried 150lbs of gear each between backpack and sled in one of the coldest places on the planet. This makes Denali one of the greatest physical challenges in the world and certainly the most challenging peak in the western hemisphere.
At over 20,000 feet, Denali’s height is greater than Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, but the low pressure of the Arctic and extreme distance from the equator have an effect on the body that makes it equal to a 24,000ft peak. The unusually high number of altitude sickness problems combined with severe weather, temperatures that easily reach -40F and being just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle can expose climbers to some of the most hostile weather imaginable.
Of those who have sufficient experience/capability to attempt Denali, only half of the well trained and in shape climbers will make the summit. This was a game-changing expedition and without doubt one of our most enjoyable and spectacular experiences.