Aerial view of Harding icefield and Nunataks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1783.html 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 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 Aiguille du Midi and moon. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3524.html North Face of Mt Hunter. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1817.html On the very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3192.html Grandes Jorasses and aretes de Rochefort seen from the Val Veny at sunrise, Alps, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3519.html 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 Snow ridge on the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3120.html Aerial view of snowy mountains near Lake Clark Pass. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1638.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 The main camp at 14300ft. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3341.html Midi-Plan ridge, Aiguille Verte, Droites, and Courtes at sunrise, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20346.html Evening falls on the 14300 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3392.html Snowy ridge above Shingo La, Zanskar, Jammu and Kashmir. India http://www.terragalleria.com/asia/india/ladakh/picture.indi11487.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 Aerial view of Harding icefield and Peaks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1782.html Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3503.html Root glacier seen from Donoho Peak, morning. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0195.html Mt Mc Kinley at sunrise from Denali State Park. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1572.html North face of Les Courtes. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3160.html Backcountry skier climbs Dome de Chasseforet in the Vanoise Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3003.html Matterhorn and glaciers at sunrise seen from Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3009.html 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 East Face of Mont-Blanc and Mt Maudit, early morning, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3113.html Aerial view of Tikakila River valley. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1640.html Midnight sunset over Mt Foraker from the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3370.html Mont Blanc and Dome du Gouter, early morning light, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20348.html Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3354.html The deserted 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3394.html 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 Alpinists on the Midi-Plan ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3505.html 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 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 North Face of Mont-Blanc, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3201.html Alpinist near the top of Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3008.html Aiguille du Tour and Aiguille Verte, seen from the Aiguilles Rouges at dusk, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3508.html Camp 11000 with a forest of wands. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3332.html Aerial view of wide glacier near Lake Clark Pass. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1639.html Aerial view of Harding icefield and Nunataks. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1781.html 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 Cosmiques ridge and North Face of Mont Blanc, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20349.html Midnight alpenglow on Mt Hunter, seen from the 14300ft on Mc Kinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3350.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 Alpinists go down Aiguille du Midi on a sharp ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3502.html 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 East Face of Mont-Blanc at dawn, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3102.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 very narrow top of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3191.html Mont Blanc and approaching storm clouds seen from Les Drus. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3185.html On the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3364.html Aerial view of ridges, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1647.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 Grandes Jorasses and aretes de Rochefort seen from the Aiguilles Rouges, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3506.html Back to the 14300 camp, McKinley City. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3391.html Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3355.html Aerial view of vast glacial system and fjords. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1780.html Alpinists on Aiguille du Midi ridge, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20347.html Aerial view of flutted wall, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37074.html Cornice on the Kuffner ridge of Mt Maudit, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3114.html 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 North side of the Courtes-Verte ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3156.html Across the gully, the last camp spot is visible. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3376.html Taking a break from pulling the sled. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3326.html View of the upper Vallee Blanche Basin with Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3017.html 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 Mountain goats in the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont-Blanc range at sunset, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3536.html 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 Aerial view of Redoubt Volcano. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1653.html On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3035.html Aerial view of Harding icefield, fjords in the backgound. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.kefj1779.html Sunrays over Chamonix Aiguilles, Aiguille Verte, Droites, and Courtes, Chamonix. France http://www.terragalleria.com/europe/france/alps/picture.fran20345.html 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 Mt Foraker and moon at twilight. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11625.html 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 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 Summit ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3379.html 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 Storm clouds approaching. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3353.html Aiguille du Midi summit emerges from the clouds. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3517.html Aiguille des Glaciers at sunrise, Mont-Blanc range. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3518.html To the 11000 camp, where I retrieved my gear. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3393.html Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3516.html Aerial view of rocky peaks with snow, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1648.html Mountaineers at the base of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11626.html 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 Vallot hut emergency shelter, Mont-Blanc, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3108.html South side of the Courtes-Verte ridge seen from the Talefre Basin. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3152.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 Exceptionnally warm conditions at Windy Corner. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3339.html Alpinists on the Aiguille du Midi ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3504.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 Mont-Blanc range at sunset, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3510.html Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3397.html Bivy at the base of Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3188.html Aerial view of Tikakila River valley under dark clouds. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1641.html Mountaineers climb West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11635.html Aerial view of crevasses on steep glacier. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37075.html Bionnassay ridge from the Jaccoux-Domenech route, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3146.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 North face of Les Droites. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3161.html 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 North Face of Mont-Blanc and Dome du Gouter. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3533.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 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 Aiguille du Midi, Tacul, Mt Maudit, and Mt Blanc, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3523.html Backcountry skiers dwarfed by Liskam, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3007.html Aerial view of Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1646.html Mountaineers descend West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11634.html Mt Foraker seen from Mt McKingley at twilight. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11624.html Summit Ridge of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11629.html Upper section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11630.html Lower section of West Buttress of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11627.html Balcony Camp, on the West Rib of Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena11633.html Mt Huntington and Mt Hunter at sunrise. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1573.html Aerial view of mountain with steep icy faces. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37071.html 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 Looking down from the Red Sentinel route, Mont-Blanc, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3127.html Sunset over Brouillard ridge, just under the summit of Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3147.html The Wrangell range seen from Donoho Peak, sunrise. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0189.html Aerial view of Saint Elias Mountains. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37062.html 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 Clouds, glacier, and mountains seen from above. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0190.html North Face of Mont-Blanc and Dome du Gouter, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3532.html 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 Aerial view of rugged peaks, Saint Elias Mountains. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37069.html Aerial view of glaciated peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37078.html Aerial view of glacier, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37072.html Glacial pool in Mer de Glace. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3527.html Grands Charmoz and Grepon. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3509.html Aerial view of ice wall, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37073.html Sun setting over Bionnassay ridge, just under the summit of Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3148.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 Mer de Glace seen from above. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3026.html Fresh snow and sea of clouds on 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3345.html Base of the Central Pilar of Freney, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3138.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 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 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 Mountain ridge and glacier. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1816.html 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 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 North faces of Les Droites and Les Courtes, seen from the Argentiere Glacier. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3155.html East Face of Mont-Blanc and Peuterey ridge, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3104.html 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 Last technical steps on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3377.html Snow camping on the Kahilna Glacier. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3321.html The next day, I would cross the gully and climb the ridge. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3375.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 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 Serac system at the top of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3122.html Aerial view of ridges, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37085.html 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 Mt Mc Kinley emerges from a sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1569.html Mont Blanc range and Chamonix Valley. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3203.html Sunrise, Kennicott glacier seen from Mt Donoho. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst0191.html East Face of Mont-Blanc at night, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3101.html Grand Pilier d'Angle, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3130.html Root Glacier seen from Donoho Peak. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst21241.html 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 Matterhorn and glaciers at sunrise, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3011.html 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 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 A view from the summit of Mt McKinley. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3380.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 Camping on the Balcony camp of the West Rib. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3367.html Mt Foraker and Denali emerge from sea of clouds. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1566.html Aiguilles du Diable. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3175.html Aerial view of pointed icy peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37084.html 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 Aerial view of Mount St Elias. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37093.html Aerial view of steep rock mountain faces. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37063.html 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 East Face of Mont-Blanc at sunrise, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3124.html South Face of Mont-Blanc and Freney Pillars, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3210.html The camp 17000, the last camp on West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3383.html Aerial view of ice-covered peak, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37083.html 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 Aerial view of rocky peaks, University Range. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37079.html Approaching Dent du Geant, Mont-Blanc Range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3186.html Camp 11000 with a many skis. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3329.html Looking up the Brenva Glacier, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3539.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 On the North face of Tour Ronde, Mont-Blanc range, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3033.html 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 Party of three on the West Buttress. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3389.html Our first carry day, up to the 14300 camp.. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3335.html South Face of Mont-Blanc and Brouillard Pillars, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3212.html Aerial view of snow-covered Bagley Field. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.wrst37088.html Our first carry day, back to 11000 camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3336.html West face of Mont-Blanc photographed from a commercial airplane, Italy and France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3140.html Looking up from the Red Sentinel route at dawn, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3125.html Reaching the base camp right at sunrise, after 18 days. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3400.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 Alpinists on a pinacle of Aiguille du Midi after climbing the South Face. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3514.html 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 Mer de Glace, Grandes Jorasses, and Aretes de Rochefort. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3537.html 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 Aerial view of Redoubt Volcano. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1651.html Aerial view of rugged peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1649.html 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 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 Aerial view of icefields and peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1652.html 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 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 On the North face of Grande Casse, Vanoise, Alps, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3157.html 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 Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3534.html The Bossons glacier, the highest icefall in the Alps. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3535.html 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 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 Remains of a tent which burned years ago from stove flare-up. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3366.html Aerial view of snowy peaks, Chigmit Mountains. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.lacl1650.html Alpinists climb Aiguille du Midi, France. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3521.html 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 Fresh snow on the 14300ft camp. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3344.html Looking down at the Jaccoux-Domenech route, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3143.html Camping high on the West Rib route. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3374.html Eccles shelter at the base of the Freney Pillars, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3137.html Climbers on the rocky part of the Brenva Spur, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3119.html At the 16000 narrow camp on the Rib, there is just another party. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3352.html Seracs below Monte Rosa, Switzerland. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3004.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 The camp 17000 is quite exposed to the winds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3384.html Alpinist exits Aiguille du Midi. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3019.html Camp on close to Kahilna Pass. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3328.html Up to the 14300 camp again. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3337.html Hanging glaciers, Grand Pilier d'Angle, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3132.html 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 Cosmiques ridge, Tacul and Mont-Blanc. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3531.html Alpinists on a buttress of Aiguille du Midi climbing the Cosmiques ridge. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3515.html Alpinist approaching the Freney Pillars, Mont-Blanc, Italy. http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3134.html Kahilna peaks seen from 16000ft on Mt McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.dena1819.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 Traveling down with sleds. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3396.html North Face of Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc range. Alps, France http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.alps3204.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 Waiting out in bad weather. Denali, Alaska http://www.terragalleria.com/mountain/mountain-image.mcki3343.html