Solo Winter Ascent of Denali

[mtruman]

Lonnie Dupree, self described polar explorer, has just started and attempt at the first winter solo ascent of Denali in January. This is going to be fun to follow!

http://lonniedupre.com/futureex.shtml

From his description of the plan here's how he's traveling:


I will pull a 6-foot sled and carry a backpack, a combined weight of about 150 pounds. I'll be attached to the sled via a 14-foot lightweight ladder and a waist harness. The ladder will help to span crevasses should I slip into one. I will also be using extra-long skis for bridging crevasses.

Looks something like this. Crazy!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4v4KxEmqwIY/TSfMwqpF6ZI/AAAAAAAAACY/GylR7csOPbo/s320/January+7+Departure+035.jpg

The blog is being updated with daily progress.

[Bill O]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

If you could pre-acclimate, and get a string of good weather somebody could sneak up to the summit and back to BC in a matter of days. Obviously, no margin for error as you'd be traveling very light. What makes it hard is the massive amount of gear you need to haul to sleep and stay warm.

[smithtim]

interesting & thanks 4 sharing :)

[climbabout]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

If you could pre-acclimate, and get a string of good weather somebody could sneak up to the summit and back to BC in a matter of days. Obviously, no margin for error as you'd be traveling very light. What makes it hard is the massive amount of gear you need to haul to sleep and stay warm.

Also don't forget the lack of daylight this time of year as well.
Tim