Trip: Denali West Buttress – June 2024

WHEN: Late May to late June, 2024 (3-4 weeks) – exact dates TBD

WHERE: Denali West Buttress

DESCRIPTION: ~3-4 week ascent of the standard West Buttress route on Denali, Alaska. Popular well travelled route. Reaching the 6,190m summit involves establishing four camps on the glacier and lugging ~100lbs of food and gear by sled / backpack. Physically demanding and weather conditions can be harsh even in summer. Mostly non-technical (unless icy). Involves roped glacier travel (with crevasse risk). Fixed rope climbing on the headwall section. Base camp is accessed by air taxi from Talkeetna (land on glacier).

COST: Approx. $3000 CAD (incl. return flight to Anchorage, bus transportation to Talkeetna, air taxi to base camp, food on mountain, permits, hotels, etc.). Contact trip leader for additional details regarding payment.

MAX PARTICIPANTS: 4

PRE-REQUISITES: Candidates will be selected based on the following:  Prior mountaineering experience including travel on ice and snow wearing crampons, use of ice axe, self-arrest etc. Winter camping experience. Strong work ethic and sense of humour!  Participants will be screened for suitability to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

TRIP LEADER: If interested, please email Quentin Hamilton – 17yrs climbing experience (rock / ice / mountaineering), previous ACC trip leader (section chair 2013-15), mountaineering experience in Rockies (Assiniboine, Athabasca, LeFroy etc.), Washington State (Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier), 7,000m experience in Nepal (2019), Denali West Buttress (2022).

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: C

WAIVER: Please read the waiver before attending and sign a color copy in advance of the trip.

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