kefj1783 Aerial view of Harding icefield and Nunataks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1783.html wrst37080 Aerial view of seracs and snowy peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37080.html mcki3330 The first important camp, where people gather at a same spot, is found at 11000. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3330.html alps3524 Aiguille du Midi and moon. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3524.html dena1817 North Face of Mt Hunter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1817.html alps3192 On the very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3192.html alps3519 Grandes Jorasses and aretes de Rochefort seen from the Val Veny at sunrise, Alps, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3519.html alps3520 Aiguilles de Chamonix, Courtes-Verte ridge, and Grandes Jorasses seen from Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3520.html alps3120 Snow ridge on the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3120.html lacl1638 Aerial view of snowy mountains near Lake Clark Pass. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1638.html mcki3369 The three tracks starting from the 14300 camp are very visible: to Windy Corner, the West Buttress, and the West Rib (although these were only my tracks). The 14300 camp would soon be in the shade. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3369.html mcki3341 The main camp at 14300ft. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3341.html fran20346 Midi-Plan ridge, Aiguille Verte, Droites, and Courtes at sunrise, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20346.html mcki3392 Evening falls on the 14300 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3392.html indi11487 Snowy ridge above Shingo La, Zanskar, Jammu and Kashmir. India http://www.terragalleria.com/asia/india/ladakh/picture.indi11487.html mcki3319 The base camp, at 7000 feet, is in the heart of a huge glacier system. Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3319.html kefj1782 Aerial view of Harding icefield and Peaks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1782.html alps3503 Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3503.html wrst0195 Root glacier seen from Donoho Peak, morning. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0195.html dena1572 Mt Mc Kinley at sunrise from Denali State Park. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1572.html alps3160 North face of Les Courtes. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3160.html alps3003 Backcountry skier climbs Dome de Chasseforet in the Vanoise Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3003.html alps3009 Matterhorn and glaciers at sunrise seen from Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3009.html mcki3324 The West Buttress route goes behind the ridge above the Kahilna pass. Totally invisible from the land, it has been discovered in the 50s by Bradford Washburn thanks to his large format aerial photographic surveys. This discovery would revolutionize Mt Mc Kinley climbing. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3324.html alps3113 East Face of Mont-Blanc and Mt Maudit, early morning, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3113.html lacl1640 Aerial view of Tikakila River valley. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1640.html mcki3370 Midnight sunset over Mt Foraker from the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3370.html fran20348 Mont Blanc and Dome du Gouter, early morning light, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20348.html mcki3354 Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3354.html mcki3394 The deserted 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3394.html dena1818 Kahilna peaks and Mt Foraker seen from 16000ft on Mt Mc Kinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1818.html alps3505 Alpinists on the Midi-Plan ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3505.html alps3501 Mer de Glace (sea of ice), the second longest glacier in the Alps, seen from Montenvers. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3501.html wrst37092 Aerial view of Jefferies Glacier and Mount St Elias. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37092.html alps3201 North Face of Mont-Blanc, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3201.html alps3008 Alpinist near the top of Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3008.html alps3508 Aiguille du Tour and Aiguille Verte, seen from the Aiguilles Rouges at dusk, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3508.html mcki3332 Camp 11000 with a forest of wands. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3332.html lacl1639 Aerial view of wide glacier near Lake Clark Pass. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1639.html kefj1781 Aerial view of Harding icefield and Nunataks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1781.html mcki3373 The West Rib has 45 degrees inclination, with some steeper mixed parts. This means that unlike the West Buttress, it is a somewhat technical route, where you have to do some sort of climbing, and be careful not to fall. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3373.html fran20349 Cosmiques ridge and North Face of Mont Blanc, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20349.html mcki3350 Midnight alpenglow on Mt Hunter, seen from the 14300ft on Mc Kinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3350.html mcki3388 Joan Phelps, a blind woman from Anchorage summited a few hours after me, guided by her twin sons Marty and Mike. The most remarkable ascent ofthis year. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3388.html alps3502 Alpinists go down Aiguille du Midi on a sharp ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3502.html wrst37005 Aerial view of Mt St Elias and Mt Logan. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37005.html alps3102 East Face of Mont-Blanc at dawn, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3102.html dena11632 High-altitude camp on the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11632.html alps3191 On the very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3191.html alps3185 Mont Blanc and approaching storm clouds seen from Les Drus. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3185.html mcki3364 On the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3364.html lacl1647 Aerial view of ridges, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1647.html mcki3327 Probing a circle for crevasses, before unroping. Alaskan glaciers are among the biggest in the world, and have very deep crevasses, which are difficult to spot. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3327.html alps3506 Grandes Jorasses and aretes de Rochefort seen from the Aiguilles Rouges, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3506.html mcki3391 Back to the 14300 camp, McKinley City. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3391.html mcki3355 Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3355.html kefj1780 Aerial view of vast glacial system and fjords. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1780.html fran20347 Alpinists on Aiguille du Midi ridge, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20347.html wrst37074 Aerial view of flutted wall, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37074.html alps3114 Cornice on the Kuffner ridge of Mt Maudit, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3114.html dena11628 Mt Foraker and Kahilna Peaks seen from the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11628.html alps3156 North side of the Courtes-Verte ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3156.html mcki3376 Across the gully, the last camp spot is visible. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3376.html mcki3326 Taking a break from pulling the sled. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3326.html alps3017 View of the upper Vallee Blanche Basin with Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3017.html mcki3351 I leave by myself the camp for a summit attempt, taking a cut-off to the West Rib. The West Buttress route goes to the pass, through the steep wall, and is quite crowded. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3351.html alps3536 Mountain goats in the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont-Blanc range at sunset, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3536.html mcki3381 The North Summit was reached by the Sourdough at the turn of the century in a one-day push, an incredible feat. Unfortunately for them, i t is slightly lower than the true (South) Summit. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3381.html lacl1653 Aerial view of Redoubt Volcano. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1653.html alps3035 On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3035.html kefj1779 Aerial view of Harding icefield, fjords in the backgound. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1779.html fran20345 Sunrays over Chamonix Aiguilles, Aiguille Verte, Droites, and Courtes, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20345.html wrst37091 Aerial view of mountains with Mt St Elias in background. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37091.html dena11625 Mt Foraker and moon at twilight. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11625.html alps3105 Mount Maudit, Mont-Blanc du Tacul and Aiguille du Midi seen from summit of Mont-Blanc, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3105.html mcki3340 The route so far (outlined in red): the Kahilna glacier in front of Mt Foraker, Windy Corner, and the camp 14300 which is nested in a snow bowl. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3340.html mcki3379 Summit ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3379.html alps3028 Continuous crevasse field on Mer de Glace. These are caused by irregularities of the ground on which the glacier moves. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3028.html mcki3353 Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3353.html alps3517 Aiguille du Midi summit emerges from the clouds. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3517.html alps3518 Aiguille des Glaciers at sunrise, Mont-Blanc range. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3518.html mcki3393 To the 11000 camp, where I retrieved my gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3393.html alps3516 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3516.html lacl1648 Aerial view of rocky peaks with snow, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1648.html dena11626 Mountaineers at the base of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11626.html wrst0188 Kennicott and Root glaciers seen from Donoho Peak, evening. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0188.html alps3108 Vallot hut emergency shelter, Mont-Blanc, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3108.html alps3152 South side of the Courtes-Verte ridge seen from the Talefre Basin. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3152.html mcki3342 The day when we arrived, the weather was great, and there is a large numbers of climbers going for it. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3342.html mcki3339 Exceptionnally warm conditions at Windy Corner. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3339.html alps3504 Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3504.html mcki3365 The Balcony camp on the West Rib really deserves its name. Panoramic view over 180 degrees. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3365.html alps3510 Mont-Blanc range at sunset, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3510.html mcki3397 Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3397.html alps3188 Bivy at the base of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3188.html lacl1641 Aerial view of Tikakila River valley under dark clouds. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1641.html dena11635 Mountaineers climb West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11635.html wrst37075 Aerial view of crevasses on steep glacier. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37075.html alps3146 Bionnassay ridge from the Jaccoux-Domenech route, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3146.html mcki3348 The ridge visible on the skyline is the West Rib, which was my planned itinerary. My companions had settled for the West Buttress, so I would do the second part of the climb solo. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3348.html alps3161 North face of Les Droites. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3161.html mcki3395 To find your cache, you leave a wand, and you write your name on a sticker. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3395.html alps3533 North Face of Mont-Blanc and Dome du Gouter. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3533.html mcki3362 This time, I had to painfully break the trail, which was swept by the recent storm. It is hard work when you are by yourself. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3362.html mcki3398 At begining June, there is no more night at these latitudes, just a very pure lingering light. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3398.html alps3523 Aiguille du Midi, Tacul, Mt Maudit, and Mt Blanc, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3523.html alps3007 Backcountry skiers dwarfed by Liskam, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3007.html lacl1646 Aerial view of Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1646.html dena11634 Mountaineers descend West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11634.html dena11624 Mt Foraker seen from Mt McKingley at twilight. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11624.html dena11629 Summit Ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11629.html dena11630 Upper section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11630.html dena11627 Lower section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11627.html dena11633 Balcony Camp, on the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11633.html dena1573 Mt Huntington and Mt Hunter at sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1573.html wrst37071 Aerial view of mountain with steep icy faces. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37071.html wrst37007 Aerial view of Mount St Elias with Mount Logan in background. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37007.html alps3127 Looking down from the Red Sentinel route, Mont-Blanc, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3127.html alps3147 Sunset over Brouillard ridge, just under the summit of Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3147.html wrst0189 The Wrangell range seen from Donoho Peak, sunrise. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0189.html wrst37062 Aerial view of Saint Elias Mountains. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37062.html wrst21243 Mt Blackburn and Kennicott glacier seen from Donoho Peak, morning. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21243.html wrst0190 Clouds, glacier, and mountains seen from above. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0190.html alps3532 North Face of Mont-Blanc and Dome du Gouter, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3532.html alps3106 Summit ridge of Mont-Blanc and Bosses ridge with climber's trail in the snow, France and Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3106.html wrst37069 Aerial view of rugged peaks, Saint Elias Mountains. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37069.html wrst37078 Aerial view of glaciated peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37078.html wrst37072 Aerial view of glacier, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37072.html alps3527 Glacial pool in Mer de Glace. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3527.html alps3509 Grands Charmoz and Grepon. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3509.html wrst37073 Aerial view of ice wall, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37073.html alps3148 Sun setting over Bionnassay ridge, just under the summit of Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3148.html mcki3320 Hauling heavy loads on the Kahilna Glacier, including mostly food and fuel for three weeks and polar-grade gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3320.html alps3026 Mer de Glace seen from above. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3026.html mcki3345 Fresh snow and sea of clouds on 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3345.html alps3138 Base of the Central Pilar of Freney, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3138.html mcki3349 The temperatures during the day were pleasant, but within fifteen minutes after the sun has disappeared, they would drop down to subzero (F). This was a warm year, with minimum temperatures of -20F.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3349.html wrst37086 Aerial view of rugged peaks in the University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37086.html wrst21242 Mt Blackburn and Kennicott glacier seen from Mt Donoho, morning. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21242.html dena1816 Mountain ridge and glacier. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1816.html wrst21245 Kennicott Glacier, Chugach mountains, and clouds from Mt Donoho, sunrise. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21245.html wrst37082 Aerial view of peak with seracs and hanging glaciers, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37082.html alps3155 North faces of Les Droites and Les Courtes, seen from the Argentiere Glacier. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3155.html alps3104 East Face of Mont-Blanc and Peuterey ridge, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3104.html wrst37001 Aerial view of peaks emerging from sea of clouds, St Elias range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37001.html mcki3377 Last technical steps on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3377.html mcki3321 Snow camping on the Kahilna Glacier. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3321.html mcki3375 The next day, I would cross the gully and climb the ridge. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3375.html mcki3390 The West Buttress is easy but very airy. You cannot travel it if there are high winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3390.html mcki3363 Being acclimatized thanks to my extended waiting at 14300ft, I skip the 16000 camp, which is occupied by a guided team comming from the bottom of the ridge. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3363.html alps3122 Serac system at the top of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3122.html wrst37085 Aerial view of ridges, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37085.html mcki3378 Junction with the West Buttress route (see the numerous crampon marks) on the summit plateau. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3378.html dena1569 Mt Mc Kinley emerges from a sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1569.html alps3203 Mont Blanc range and Chamonix Valley. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3203.html wrst0191 Sunrise, Kennicott glacier seen from Mt Donoho. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0191.html alps3101 East Face of Mont-Blanc at night, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3101.html alps3130 Grand Pilier d'Angle, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3130.html wrst21241 Root Glacier seen from Donoho Peak. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21241.html wrst37090 Aerial view of Bagley Field with turquoise snow melt lakes. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37090.html alps3011 Matterhorn and glaciers at sunrise, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3011.html dena1568 Mt Foraker and Mt McKinley emerging from a sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1568.html dena1567 Summit of Mt Foraker and Mt Mc Kinley emerging from clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1567.html mcki3380 A view from the summit of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3380.html mcki3382 The treacherous Denali Pass, scene of numerous accidents. The descending traverse is somewhat delicate for tired climbers. Moreover some take only ski poles and therefore cannot self-arrest. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3382.html mcki3367 Camping on the Balcony camp of the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3367.html dena1566 Mt Foraker and Denali emerge from sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1566.html alps3175 Aiguilles du Diable. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3175.html wrst37084 Aerial view of pointed icy peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37084.html wrst37070 Aerial view of rugged dark peaks, Saint Elias Mountains. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37070.html wrst37093 Aerial view of Mount St Elias. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37093.html wrst37063 Aerial view of steep rock mountain faces. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37063.html wrst37087 Aerial view of Granite Range with Mt St Elias in background. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37087.html alps3124 East Face of Mont-Blanc at sunrise, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3124.html alps3210 South Face of Mont-Blanc and Freney Pillars, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3210.html mcki3383 The camp 17000, the last camp on West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3383.html wrst37083 Aerial view of ice-covered peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37083.html wrst21244 Corniche and view of glaciers and Mt Blackburn range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21244.html wrst37079 Aerial view of rocky peaks, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37079.html alps3186 Approaching Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3186.html mcki3329 Camp 11000 with a many skis. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3329.html alps3539 Looking up the Brenva Glacier, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3539.html mcki3331 Above the 11000 camp, the route becomes steeper, making sleding or sking unpractical. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3331.html alps3033 On the North face of Tour Ronde, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3033.html wrst37003 Aerial view of icefields and mountains, St Elias range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37003.html mcki3389 Party of three on the West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3389.html mcki3335 Our first carry day, up to the 14300 camp.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3335.html alps3212 South Face of Mont-Blanc and Brouillard Pillars, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3212.html wrst37088 Aerial view of snow-covered Bagley Field. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37088.html mcki3336 Our first carry day, back to 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3336.html alps3140 West face of Mont-Blanc photographed from a commercial airplane, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3140.html alps3125 Looking up from the Red Sentinel route at dawn, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3125.html mcki3400 Reaching the base camp right at sunrise, after 18 days. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3400.html mcki3372 Being late on my schedule, due to the unexpected effect of altitude, I am lucky to find a ledge large enough for my Stephenson tent. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3372.html alps3514 Alpinists on a pinacle of Aiguille du Midi after climbing the South Face. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3514.html mcki3399 My last vision of the mountain (through the East Fork of the Kahilna Glacier). Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3399.html alps3537 Mer de Glace, Grandes Jorasses, and Aretes de Rochefort. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3537.html alps3045 The Super-Couloir on Mt Blanc du Tacul is the very steep and narrow gully, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3045.html lacl1651 Aerial view of Redoubt Volcano. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1651.html lacl1649 Aerial view of rugged peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1649.html wrst37089 Aerial view of glacial melt lakes on Bagley Field. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37089.html mcki3325 The mighty West face of Mc Kinley. The West Buttress is the ridge on the left on the skyline, the Cassin the ridge on the right. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3325.html lacl1652 Aerial view of icefields and peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1652.html wrst37002 Aerial view of ridges and summits emerging from sea of clouds, St Elias range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37002.html wrst37006 Aerial view of Mount St Elias and Mount Logan. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37006.html alps3157 On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3157.html wrst37004 Aerial view of glaciers and mountains, St Elias range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37004.html alps3534 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3534.html alps3535 The Bossons glacier, the highest icefall in the Alps. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3535.html alps3032 On the gentle Trient Glacier, similar to a snow field with no open crevasses, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3032.html wrst37081 Aerial view of icy face with hanging glaciers and seracs. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37081.html mcki3366 Remains of a tent which burned years ago from stove flare-up. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3366.html lacl1650 Aerial view of snowy peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1650.html alps3521 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3521.html alps3154 South Side of the Argentiere basin with Chardonet Pass between Aiguille d'Argentiere and the Chardonet. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3154.html mcki3344 Fresh snow on the 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3344.html alps3143 Looking down at the Jaccoux-Domenech route, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3143.html mcki3374 Camping high on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3374.html alps3137 Eccles shelter at the base of the Freney Pillars, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3137.html alps3119 Climbers on the rocky part of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3119.html mcki3352 At the 16000 narrow camp on the Rib, there is just another party. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3352.html alps3004 Seracs below Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3004.html mcki3347 The low-profile tents have to be protected against the wind (which can reach 100mph). Climbers dig a hole and built thick snow-walls by sawing off large chunks of frozen snow. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3347.html mcki3384 The camp 17000 is quite exposed to the winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3384.html alps3019 Alpinist exits Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3019.html mcki3328 Camp on close to Kahilna Pass. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3328.html mcki3337 Up to the 14300 camp again. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3337.html alps3132 Hanging glaciers, Grand Pilier d'Angle, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3132.html mcki3371 The next day, unlike the other party which is making a round-a-trip summit day and leave their tent, I pack everything, since I plan to traverse the mountain and go down by the West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3371.html alps3531 Cosmiques ridge, Tacul and Mont-Blanc. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3531.html alps3515 Alpinists on a buttress of Aiguille du Midi climbing the Cosmiques ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3515.html alps3134 Alpinist approaching the Freney Pillars, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3134.html dena1819 Kahilna peaks seen from 16000ft on Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1819.html mcki3346 The ranger tent. They perform rescues and operate a medical camp, but also give tickets for littering. The two lattrines help keep the snow good for drinking. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3346.html mcki3396 Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3396.html alps3204 North Face of Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc range. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3204.html mcki3338 Windy Corner. There is a secondary summit which creates a funnel with the West Buttress, generating incredibly high winds there during storms.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3338.html mcki3343 Waiting out in bad weather. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3343.html