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A student with a pack sled travels through a snow-covered landscape in Alaska on their way to Denali.

Dale Lescher

Denali Mountaineering - Alumni

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The highest peak in North America—known as Denali or “Great One” by Alaska Natives—is the site for this expedition designed for qualified NOLS graduates. Denali offers extremely challenging glacier travel and some of the most difficult weather in the world, so this course is one of the most demanding NOLS offers, both physically and mentally. During the course you’ll attempt to climb the West Buttress of the mountain.

For qualified alumni only.

Overall Difficulty*:

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

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For qualified alumni only

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Duration

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Course Dates

1 course

Jun 3 - 28, 2025
Palmer, AK

$12,050

Full, Waitlist Available Apply Now

See Photos and Videos from Students and Instructors

A student looks out at the remote, snowy landscape while mountaineering on Denali in Alaska.

Students gather to watch the sunset on their last night in the field, sharing stories, and reflecting on the course. Partially hidden by clouds just out of frame, Denali lies in the distance.

A sweeping view from above the clouds on Karsten's Ridge while mountaineering on Denali in Alaska.

Students mountaineering on Karsten's Ridge while climbing Denali in Alaska.

A view of the route already traveled from above Great Icefall at approximately 10,000 feet.

A view of snowy peaks and clouds below from up on Denali in Alaska.

A student silhouetted by the sun stops to adjust their gear high up on one of Denali's ridges in Alaska.

A view of camp from the instructor tent on the Muldrow Glacier above Lower Icefall.

Student's gear on one of Denali's snowy ridges.

Students work to set up camp for the night on a glacier in Alaska's Denali National Park.

The course camped at 12,200 feet on Karsten’s Ridge on Denali in Alaska.

What Our Grads Say

"Denali mountaineering is quite different than a regular NOLS course; the one objective is to summit Denali, from there we set and achieve goals one day a time; moving slowly from the beautiful tundra up to the alpine environment. This is when active fellowship becomes the key factor of an expedition. Climbing Denali through the Muldrow route was more than summiting the mountain, it was a journey through the timeless landscape of Alaska, to feel, to observe and to be part of this moving apex of the North America continent. If you are willing to make the effort, the reward is tremendous."

— Bond Z., NOLS Denali Mountaineering grad