June 18, 2026
And they’re off! Both teams are headed to 17K Camp today, and likely stepped out of 14K Camp about 10:30 AM. One of the quirks of the Alaska climbing season is the shift in daylight hours from early May to late June. By this point in the season, the cold temperatures on the upper mountain mean later starts to their days, as they wait for full sun to hit the glacier before they can begin climbing.
Once they reach High Camp, they’ll be on the lookout for the best chance at the summit, and things are looking pretty open! Both teams are strong and well acclimated, so the goal is to get to the top as soon as they can, and start the journey back to the airstrip.
The view of 14K Camp from 17K Camp (Matt Strother)