How many people have climbed the west buttress of denali in the winter. With the growing po...
How many people have climbed the west buttress of denali in the winter. With the growing popularity of the Seven Summits, Mount McKinley's West Buttress route can have as many as 500 to 600 climbers on it during the peak of the climbing season from late May through early June. When our pilot first came off the mountain with climbers who started early in the season, they looked beat down and, more importantly, depressed because no one, including them, was summiting. I am focusing on the West Buttress route since it is the most common route and the one I took in 2001, 2007 and 2011 as one of my Memories are Everything ® expeditions. Jul 4, 2025 · Installed each season by climbing rangers and maintained by guides, the fixed lines serve as a two-lane highway to Denali’s flank—the West Buttress. The West Buttress route on Denali was first surveyed and eventually pioneered by Bradford Washburn on assignment from the Boston Museum of Science. Jan 31, 2025 · Download mountaineering statistics by year and route, which have been compiled into one file spanning from 1903 through the current season. Most guided and private teams plan for a 21 to 22-day window to allow for acclimatization and potential weather delays. Mountaineering rangers began an investigation on Denali's upper mountain, first locating a vacant tent at 16,300 feet on the West Buttress. Mar 17, 2026 · The West Buttress of Denali is the most popular big mountain climbing route in all of Alaska. The North Face of Denali, also known as the “West Buttress,” is one of the most popular and commonly used routes due to its relatively gentle slope and well-marked trail. Jan 20, 2025 · Since 1980, at least fourteen climbers have died in falls along this treacherous section of the West Buttress route, including the soloist. On average, out of the 1000 people attempting the West Buttress annually, only about 50% are successful, 100 acquire altitude sickness or frostbite and 12 rescues are made. 6 days ago · When tackling the behemoths of Mount Logan and Denali, climbers must carefully consider the various climbing routes and techniques employed on each mountain. Oct 9, 2024 · Helander says that without this hazard the West Buttress would have likely been climbed 30 years ago, but a warming Alaskan climate has caused the looming ice to retreat from the buttress’ edge, leaving a safer route in its wake. Note: These reports are historical. Interviews also indicated the climber was likely last seen on May 15 at 18,000 feet ascending to Denali Pass. Frequently Asked Questions about AAI’s Denali Expeditions The following questions and answers about the Denali West Buttress route and American Alpine Institute’s Denali program have been compiled over the years Mountaineering rangers began an investigation on Denali's upper mountain, first locating a vacant tent at 16,300 feet on the West Buttress. The West Buttress is the least technical ascent route; the primary climbing difficulties are crevasses, steep ice, exposed ice-covered ridges, and, of course, the environment. Here are some common questions about climbing Denali. Feb 27, 2025 · Annual Mountaineering Summary: 2020 For the first time in the modern history of the mountaineering program at Denali National Park and Preserve, there were no permits issued for climbing Denali or Mount Foraker due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 5 days ago · It’s recommended that climbers have at least 5-7 years of mountaineering experience before attempting to climb Denali. Washburn and company were the first people to climb the West Buttress and did so in July of 1951, establishing what is now the normal or most popular route on the mountain, and a classic expedition The West Buttress, West Rib, and Cassin Ridge are the most frequently climbed routes on Denali. Feb 20, 2023 · German climber and experienced high-altitude mountaineer Jost Kobusch has become the fifth person ever to reach the summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain at 6,190 metres, solo and unsupported in winter. Today, over 90% of climbers attempting Denali climb the West Buttress. If it puts it into perspective, the only reported summit by the time I made it into the range was six people in the first few weeks who were all Navy Seals. Some popular climbing routes on Denali include the West Buttress route, the Muldrow Glacier route, and the Messner route. About 40 people have died on the West Buttress. The average trip length for a successful West Buttress expedition is 17 to 20 days. There are currently 352 climbers on Denali’s West Buttress Route, the majority of whom are much lower on the mountain this early in the climbing season. . Feb 13, 2026 · Primary Routes: West Buttress, Muldrow Glacier, Cassin Ridge, West Rib Introduction Denali rises as the highest peak in North America, a massive granitic massif in the central Alaska Range, its broad, heavily glaciated form dominating the surrounding tundra and subarctic landscape. Of the 1,000 to 1,300 climbers that attempt Denali each season, 85 percent head for the West Buttress. The team made great progress, gaining elevation quickly as they found a rhythm in the often awkward and unfamiliar technique of fixed-line travel. Many people plan a trip to 10,000 feet or higher a month or two prior to their high altitude expedition; while instructive and possibly good psychological preparation, this will not likely make an impact on your ability to re-acclimatize on your Denali expediton. isnkrb lrtayo znmphf vlgvj orolcas zvr djfvc bzl zkpglq hlgm
