Mount Hunter (14,573 ft) is the steepest and most technical of the three great peaks in Denali National Park. It is also known as the most difficult 14,000 foot peak in North America. The first winter ascent of Mt. Hunter took place in March of 1980 by a three person team. No one has yet to succeed at a solo ascent of this mountain during the winter. That is the focus of this expedition.
Dupre will attempt the first solo winter ascent of Mt. Hunter in early January. With only 5-7 hours of daylight, much of the climb will be carried out in the darkness of sub-arctic winter. High winds and deep snow will be big obstacles, but technical climbing in extreme cold poses the greatest challenge. Dupre will use a methodical alpine climbing strategy, making an ultra-light push from base to summit. A stable window of good weather is paramount to the success of the climb due the limited ability to carry supplies. Lonnie’s backpack will weigh between 55 to 60 pounds supplying him for 15 to 19 days; a humbling weight for the steep terrain. Schedule
Stay tuned via the website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as Dupre prepares to depart for Alaska next week. We will be updating the website and media with Dupre's Globalstar satellite calls into basecamp each day.
Images courtesy of Ackerman+Gruber
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