On the very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3192.html Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3504.html Mountaineers climbing a snow field on Sahale Peak, North Cascades National Park. Washington, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.noca2979.html Alpinists training at the bottom of the Bossons glacier, only a quarter of an hour from the parking lot. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3013.html Fresh snow and sea of clouds on 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3345.html Snow camping on the Kahilna Glacier. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3321.html Mountaineers hiking on approach to East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11573.html Hiker checks map on Root Glacier. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst6419.html Climbers on the Green Ridge of Mount Shasta. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10097.html Mountaineers climb West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11635.html Camping high on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3374.html Serac system at the top of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3122.html Mount Shasta with climbers on Green Ridge. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10095.html Alpinists on Aiguille du Midi ridge, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20347.html The camp 17000 is quite exposed to the winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3384.html Snow gully on Polar Circus. Canada http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.icec3473.html Approach to the Terminator wall. Canada http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.icec3277.html 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 Mountain ridges, and mountaineers on snow field, North Cascades National Park. Washington, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.noca2981.html Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3503.html Alpinist near the top of Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3008.html Man pausing on steep terrain in the East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11572.html 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 Balcony Camp, on the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11633.html 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 Mountaineers on the slopes of Mt Shasta. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10032.html Hiker reaches for item in backpack on Root Glacier. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst6420.html Building an igloo, which offers a very good weather protection.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3358.html The deserted 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3394.html Climber takes a break on the Green Ridge of Mt Shasta. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10096.html Snow traverse and headwall of Polar Circus. Canada http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.icec3474.html Alpinist approaching the Freney Pillars, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3134.html Kahilna international airport lies under the North Face of Mt Hunter. Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3318.html Alpinists training at the bottom of the Bossons glacier. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3014.html Upper section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11630.html Mountaineer among broken rocks in the East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11549.html Two parties climbing on the lower half of the North face of Tour Ronde, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3034.html Mountaineers on ridge below summit of Sahale Peak, North Cascades National Park. Washington, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.noca2980.html Camping on the Balcony camp of the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3367.html Taking a break from pulling the sled. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3326.html The main camp at 14300ft. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3341.html Alpinists on a buttress of Aiguille du Midi climbing the Cosmiques ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3515.html Hiker checks map on Root Glacier. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst6418.html Party of three on the West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3389.html Mountaineers camping on the slopes of Mt Shasta. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10013.html Mountaineers on the summit of Mt Shasta. California, USA http://www.terragalleria.com/california/picture.usca10030.html Climbers on the rocky part of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3119.html Paul leading on Bonatti Pilar on Le Dru, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3182.html Summit Ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11629.html Above the 11000 camp, the route becomes steeper, making sleding or sking unpractical. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3331.html Mountaineers on a bivy on Mt Whitney at sunrise. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11547.html Climbers inside an igloo. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3359.html Alpinists on the Midi-Plan ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3505.html 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 Midnight sunset over Mt Foraker from the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3370.html Mountaineers descend West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11634.html On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3035.html Man gearing up to climb East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11545.html Snow camping on the Kahilna Glacier. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3322.html 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 Alpinist exits Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3019.html 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 Yes, it all goes into a Lowe Cerro Torre II. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3386.html Mountaineers at the base of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11626.html Approaching Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3186.html This evening fog is nothing to worry about, since the 7pm weather forecast is optimistic. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3333.html The 14300 camp has a very social, and international atmosphere. One could argue that it is hardly a wilderness experience since there are in permanence dozens of tents there during the short (May-June) climbing season. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3360.html Woman gearing up to climb East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11544.html Ice tunnel leading to the ridge exiting Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3526.html Summit ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3379.html Back to the 14300 camp, McKinley City. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3391.html High-altitude camp on the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11632.html On the North face of Tour Ronde, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3033.html Camp 11000 with a forest of wands. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3332.html Man climbing East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11546.html 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 Alpinists on a pinacle of Aiguille du Midi after climbing the South Face. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3514.html Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3397.html 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 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3521.html Up to the 14300 camp again. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3337.html Man and woman pausing with backpacks below the East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11541.html Alpinists go down Aiguille du Midi on a sharp ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3502.html Party with typical Alaskan backpacks. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3357.html Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3396.html 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 On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3157.html Woman with backpack pausing on steep terrain above Iceberg Lake. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11571.html 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 Waiting out in bad weather. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3343.html Time to repack my summit gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3385.html 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 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3534.html Looking up to woman scrambling on rocks on the East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11542.html Like most people, we leave our snowshoes and sleds here, and organize ourselves to do a double carry the next morning. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3334.html Fresh snow on the 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3344.html 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 Climber on Aig. des Pelerins, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3178.html Climbers on a bivy ledge in the East face of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11548.html 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 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 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 Frank Levy on the central slope of North face of Les Droites, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3165.html Hiker laying exhausted on Mt Whitney summit sign. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11550.html Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3516.html Frank Levy during a storm, North face of Les Droites, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3169.html Woman on steep slope above frozen Iceberg Lake. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11543.html Woman with backpack hiking at the base of Mt Whitney. California http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.sequ11540.html On the very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3191.html Bivy at the base of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3188.html Climbers Frank and Alain climb thin ice in the Super-Couloir on Mt Blanc du Tacul, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3049.html Climbers Frank and Alain start the Super-Couloir on Mt Blanc du Tacul, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3044.html 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 Frank Levy at night, North face of Les Droites, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3163.html Climbing a gully on Mt Gelas, Maritime Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3170.html Our first carry day, up to the 14300 camp.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3335.html Climbing the South Face of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3189.html Party crosses a snow bridge in the upper Vallee Blanche in summer, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3029.html Camp 11000 with a many skis. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3329.html Aid climbing on Bonatti Pilar on Le Dru, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3181.html Exceptionnally warm conditions at Windy Corner. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3339.html 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 Bivy on Bonatti Pilar on Le Dru, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3183.html 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 During a climb on Mt Gelas, Maritime Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3172.html