Denali’s West Buttress is an iconic route to North America’s tallest peak, dominated by snow-covered glaciers and unimaginably beautiful views. The mountain’s vertical relief—17,000 feet from surrounding plain to summit—exceeds every other mountain on Earth. This gradual route is intentionally chosen to allow for natural acclimatization— though it remains intensely demanding. 

photo by: Kiira Antenucci

For nearly a month, Denali will be your home as you attempt to reach its 20,310-foot summit alongside fellow qualified NOLS graduates and senior NOLS mountaineering instructors. This is a unique way to climb the mountain—working in small teams to move up through technical terrain. 

photo by: Tre-C Dumais

Your expedition begins in Palmer, Alaska, where you’ll organize gear before traveling to Talkeetna. From there, you’ll fly by bush plane to base camp on the breathtaking Kahiltna Glacier at 7,200 feet. You’ll establish high camps at 14,280 and 17,200 feet—gaining up to 13,000 feet of elevation.

photo by: Kiira Antenucci

You’ll refine advanced mountaineering skills including glacier travel, rope systems, route-finding, and high-altitude decision-making. Your instructors will serve as risk managers and designated leaders throughout. The ability to adapt to weather, terrain, and team dynamics becomes essential as you learn techniques for managing energy and hydration at altitude.

photo by: Tre-C Dumais

Denali offers extremely challenging glacier travel and some of the most difficult weather in the world. Heavy packs and sleds, harsh conditions, high altitude and a short summit window make this one of the most demanding NOLS courses—and an opportunity to test yourself on a peak that demands your best.

Applying for this course does not guarantee admission. Your application will open a mountaineering questionnaire for review. 

For qualified alumni only.

Overall Difficulty*:

Heavy packs and sleds, high altitude, harsh conditions, and a short summit window make for a challenging expedition.