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.

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When we launched LACRUX, we decided not to introduce a payment barrier. It will stay that way, because we want to provide as many like-minded people with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here .

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Jost Kobusch

News

82 x 4000: Route setter swaps drill for crampons and ice ax

From small and large walls: The route setter Erik Heldmann has climbed all 82 four-thousanders in the Alps.

Raffle: Win 3 climbing guides each: Switzerland Extreme West and Switzerland Plaisir West

In collaboration with Edition Filidor, we are giving away 3 copies each of the popular climbing guides Extrem West and Plaisir West.

Alessandro Zeni climbs one of the most difficult MSL routes in the world with Wu Wei

Alessandro Zeni succeeds in the first free ascent of the extremely difficult multi-pitch route Wu Wei (180m, 9a) in Val Nuvola, Italy.

What makes Merino wool a super fiber?

Merino wool is one of the most remarkable superfibers. We explore the question of what makes them so special.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter now and stay up to date.

82 x 4000: Route setter swaps drill for crampons and ice ax

From small and large walls: The route setter Erik Heldmann has climbed all 82 four-thousanders in the Alps.

Raffle: Win 3 climbing guides each: Switzerland Extreme West and Switzerland Plaisir West

In collaboration with Edition Filidor, we are giving away 3 copies each of the popular climbing guides Extrem West and Plaisir West.

Alessandro Zeni climbs one of the most difficult MSL routes in the world with Wu Wei

Alessandro Zeni succeeds in the first free ascent of the extremely difficult multi-pitch route Wu Wei (180m, 9a) in Val Nuvola, Italy.