Kristoffer Szilas reports from and ascent of Denali, Alaska, over the Cassin Ridge in 55 hours together with his ropemate Allan Christensen.

"We just returned from Alaska, where we climbed the Cassin Ridge of Denali in 55 hours from the bergschrund to the summit including two bivouacs en route."

"Physically, it was a very demanding route. Despite its mild rating of 5.8 AI4, we experieced overhanging ice aswell as hard dry-tooling as a result of changing conditions during the past years."

The route is descibed in a 55 page topo at http://www.supertopo.com/topos/akprev.pdf

Denali with the Cassin Ridge (AK5, 5.9, AI4, 2400 meters) below the summit.


Kristoffer Szilas in the Japanese Couloir in the beginning of the Cassin Ridge.


Allan Christensen ascending the 5.8 crux gully.

First bivvy following the Cowboy Traverse.

Hanging Glacier

Topping out the Hanging Glacier.

Between the rock bands.

Rock band.

Leaving the second rock band.