Jost Kobusch: First solo winter ascent of Denali via the Messner Couloir

Jost Kobusch reached the highest peak in North America on Sunday. The German alpinist is the first non-American to solo climb Denali in winter and the first person to do so via the Messner Couloir.

Jost Kobusch is known for his solo expeditions, including on the highest mountain in the world. While he has so far been denied a winter ascent of Everest, his most recent venture was under a successful star: On Sunday he was the first non-American in winter and single-handedly to reach the summit of the Denali. The Messner Couloir, which Kobusch chose for the ascent, had never been soloed in winter before him.

Jost Kobusch during his ascent of the Denali via the Messner Couloir. Image: Jost Kobusch
Jost Kobusch during his ascent of the Denali via the Messner Couloir. Picture: Jost Kobusch

35 Hour Summit Push

Jost Kobusch used a good weather window and climbed from his high camp at the foot of Denali directly to the 6190 meter high summit. On Saturday afternoon at 15 p.m. he started his summit push, on Sunday afternoon at 13.03 p.m. he reached the highest point. In total, he was on the road for 35 hours before he was back at the camp.

As on Everest, Jost Kobusch shared his progress in a life tracking.
As on Everest, Jost Kobusch shared his progress in a life tracking.

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Credits: Cover picture Jost Kobusch

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