EXPERT’S EYE VIEW

Tom Briggs Jagged Globe

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

“It is relatively straightforward to organise a non-guided expedition to Denali. You need to sort out a flight to Anchorage, a flight onto the glacier and register/pay a fee to the National Park 60 days before you want to travel. What’s left is to book a shuttle up from Anchorage to Talkeetna (where you fly onto the glacier from) and buy lots of food! Oh, and make sure you have a decent shovel (not one of those flimsy avalanche shovels), a saw for cutting snow and very warm gear, plus some specialist bits and pieces (face mask, snow shoes, for example). Or you could just go with us and we’ll take care of everything!”

WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED?

“The West Buttress isn’t a technical climb – the challenge is being able to look after yourself on what can be a brutally cold mountain. Storms are par for the course here, and the potential for frostbite is high if you do something daft (like take your gloves off). Nor should you ignore the altitude – settled weather early on in your expedition may tempt you too high, too fast. Tip: take a freshly-made sandwich with you for day one on the glacier – you’ll be the envy of your mates!”

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

“For guided trips expect to pay in excess of £8000 with flights from the UK. You will be well looked after, though you still need to get stuck into building platforms for tents like everyone else!”