STORIES

THE COLDEST MOUNTAIN - DENALI: CLIMBING ON NORTH AMERICA'S ROOF

Deep in the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve in south central Alaska lies the pinnacle of North America, arguably the coldest mountain in the world. Rising nearly four vertical miles from the vast surrounding tundra, Denali, native Athabaskan for 'The High One', is the prize of hundreds of mountaineers every year. Though not a technically difficult ascent by its trade route, some of the earth's most fearsome weather frequently spins across its frozen face, always unpredictable, and severely unforgiving for the ill prepared. Occasionally, a friendly side emerges from the storms when sunlight dances off the great glaciers creating early afternoon T-shirt weather on its lower flanks during the summer climbing season. Perhaps a false welcome for those on its slopes. This is the allure for the bold or the foolish, those who place their dreams and their lives at the mercy of the mountain.

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