Denali, the “Highest of the Americas”

At 6,190 meters (20,310 feet), Denali is the highest peak in North America and one of the most imposing in the world due to its prominence. Located in Alaska, it dominates the Alaska Range and captivates with its vastness, isolation, and extreme conditions.

Altitude

6 190 m

Localisation

63.069° N / 151.007° W

A colossal peak in the great cold

Denali — formerly called “Mount McKinley” — rises from a low relative base, making its ascent particularly demanding despite its lower altitude compared to the giants of the Himalayas. Its extreme conditions, violent winds, and sudden weather changes make every attempt a test of physical and mental endurance.

1913

First verified ascent

On June 7, Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum reached the summit via the Muldrow/Belayer Pass route.

1967

First successful winter ascent

In 42 days, Art Davidson, Ray Genet, and Dave Johnston completed the first winter ascent of Denali via the West Buttress route.

2019

Speed Record

Karl Egloff completed an express ascent: 7 h 40 min from base to summit, followed by a rapid descent.

63.0694° N / -151.0061° E

United States

6 190 m

Elevation

1913

First verifiable ascent

42 days

Duration of the 1967 winter ascent

7 h 40 min

Climbing Record (2019)

A peak in the shadow of extreme cold

A peak in the shadow of extreme cold

Denali is one of the most feared peaks due to its icy conditions. Climbers face temperatures often below –40 °C, strong winds, and short days, turning every ascent into a battle.

A first ascent marked by local humility

During the first ascent in 1913, Walter Harper, a climber of Athabascan descent, was the first to set foot on the summit. The flag — improvised from scraps of cloth and shoelaces — was raised by Robert Tatum, symbolizing modesty and simplicity in an unprecedented achievement.

Denali is a mountain of contrasts: modest altitude for a continental peak, yet an extreme physical and mental challenge.

For Norton Peak, it embodies the spirit of conquest in a hostile environment and the value of an ascent measured as much in preparation as at the summit itself.

From Talkeetna or the Base Area

Expeditions often start from the Kahiltna Glacier, with several intermediate camps along the Karstens Ridge or via the West Buttress route, the safest and most popular path.

“Denali is a silent, relentless master, yet generous to those who respect it.”

Hudson Stuck

3 776 m

Mount Fuji

At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji towers over the island of Honshū and the Tokyo Plain. A symbol of Japan, sacred volcano, and eternal muse for artists, it embodies beauty, discipline, and impermanence.

Learn more

5895 m

Kilimandjaro

Rising to 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro towers over the plains of northern Tanzania. A dormant volcano, it comprises three cones — Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira — and offers an unforgettable view of the African savannah at sunrise.

Learn more

4 884 m

Puncak Jaya

Standing at 4,884 meters, Puncak Jaya — also known as the Carstensz Pyramid — rises in the heart of Indonesian Papua. It is the highest peak in Oceania and one of the most striking of the Seven Summits — a limestone wall towering above the equatorial jungle.

Learn more