Mountaineering Q & A

[Kuntor]

Hey guys, I'm looking to do a Denali trip summer '11 (just bought my first crampons ever! woot!), and was kind of wondering if you guys know of any good forums for finding legit info on logistics, finding partners, etc.
Tried 'Topo, but seems like a lot of riff-raff (though the actual SuperTopo is extremely informative). Any help in the right direction towards a forum or something of that nature would be most appreciated. Thanks!

[offset]

try cascadeclimbers.com  there is an alaska forum on that site.   

good luck

[mungeclimber]

second cascadeclimbers, lot of the taco standers are on there too, but you'll get a lot more mountaineer types in there.

[csproul]

try summitpost.org too

[hoipolloi]

if you decide to go with a guide.  I know a guy I would highly recommend, awesome, fun guy.  He has been doing it for years.  If you decide to go that way, let me know, I will hook you up with him.

[csproul]

As far as Denali specifically, there are pretty good sample itineraries on both the Supertopo Alaska guide and on the Summitpost website. (If not using a guide) I have also found a very good resource is to look at the itineraries and equipment lists from guide companies such as American Alpine Institute and RMI. I have not climbed Denali (would like to), but I have done a fair amount of U.S. and South American mountaineering, including a few peaks above 6000 meters. If I can answer any specific questions, let me know. Hell, maybe we could help each other out, since I am learning to aid!

[Kuntor]

Yo sproul, if you're interested in climbing Denali summer '11 hit me up. My tentative plan so far is to get to K-Glacier early May, set camp around 14k, climb in Ruth Gorge, etc. if possible, then do the West Butt mid to late June for the grand finale.
Also making my way to Yosem this summer to try my hand at El Cap with a friend - send me a msg 'round late April if you'd want to hook up, maybe make it a threesome (heh).

Thanks for the info guys, greatly appreciated!