Letter from a 2005 Denali Climber

I want to write and tell you about my experience with Alpine Ascents. It was awesome!

Dear Todd,

I can’t say enough about how professional and organized Alpine Ascents and their staff operate. From the moment we showed up at your Talkeetna office I could tell that Alpine Ascents was top notch. Everything from the equipment check to the getting us organized at the airport, and getting to Base Camp was amazing.

Our guides were Trevor and Steve. Wow, these guys are pros. I have used a lot of guide services over the years (on Rainier, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Elbrus) and nobody has come close to those two guys. I put Trevor and Steve at the head of the class. These two guys hold and instill a great respect for both mountaineering and “the mountain” in all who come in contact with them. Each step of the way they made sure that we took care of ourselves and that we were always safe. Even during the “heads up” portions of our climb I never felt at risk because of their use of safe mountaineering practices. As guides, Trevor and Steve were awesome administrators of the details of each climbing day and each camp. Our team was always organized, giving us lots of extra time for hydrating, eating, and sleeping.

Trevor and Steve were funny, encouraging, and workhorses on the mountain. After long days of climbing when most of us could barely set up our own tents, they would work like they just woke up from a 10 hour sleep at sea level. I was amazed at their physical abilities at altitude. More amazingly, they never seemed to be put out by old guys like me. They were always encouraging, always watching their clients to make sure we were taking care of ourselves, and making sure we were enjoying our experience. They were truly servants on the mountain and ambassadors of both mountaineering and Alpine Ascents.

After a week, I wasn’t feeling very strong and I felt if best to come down from the mountain. I was able to do so with another guide service that had a team that was heading out. Bad weather delayed my flight from Base Camp until late in the evening and I didn’t arrive at the Talkeetna airport until almost 10:00 PM. Much to my amazement, Alpine Ascents had someone on call. Anyway, she picked me up, took me back to Alpine Ascents to get my personal duffle bag, drove me to the hotel, and even helped carry my bags to the room. I know that she was in the middle of packing for a six day mountaineering course, but stopped what she was doing to help me. I was so tired so hungry she was truly an angel.

I could go on and on, but I’ll just sum it up by saying that you should be very proud of your organization and the quality of people who make up Alpine Ascents.

Sincerely,

Dave Newell

May 8 through May 28 May 15 Expedition ;)