ridgeline

No one locally can seem to make it (new England). Anyone out there interested in climbing Ranier this summer – preferably late May, early june? I typically would not make a trip to meet up with someone I’ve never climbed with before, but I’m really itching to get out there. I’m an intermediate level climber I guess. Pretty good fitness, building my tech skills. Been climbing rock and ice for 2 years – lead easier routes (5.6 rock, NEI3- ice). Very flexible on specific routes, but wouldn’t mind getting at least a couple on the big hill (or any other hill for that matter). Liberty ridge is of interest. PM or email me jeffsaintg at yahoo.com

haha Griz. Great point. I completely agree with most of your thoughts on allowing for time and acclimating. I wasn't trying to imply I would not do this (allow re-reading my post, it does sound that way). Anyway - maybe I'll see some of you up there.

Mr. Random- You soloed the ribb or the butt? I'm trying to get more beta on the ribb. I have also read not to discount the butt and that it is a pretty nice route and if one goes early enough there should not be too many people. Any experiences on the ribb or opinions on the butt also appreciated.

Reading the past Climbing issue on coverage of Denali (which was quite honestly very disappointing) it puts the average up and down time of the West Butt at 22 days. The West Rib says a week of acclimating on the West Butt, plus 5-7 days of climbing the route - total of @2 weeks. Is the West Rib really (on average) a faster route than the Butt? Also, for those of you that have climbed the hill - any of you go in great shape, have great weather and complete the journey in under 2 weeks? I've gone from sea level up to 17K previously in @ 3 days and was "o-k". I'm wondering what amount of time to allow for (read: vaca time from work) for Denali - given good weather which i know can NEVER be predicted. thanks!