2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 17

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7: "Day 19, captains log, after 12 hours of moving today we have made it to the airstrip in hpes of lfying out on day 20 of the expedition. The team is in high spirits and some are even looking to return to the Alaska Range next summer for some unfinished business. The weather may not have cooperated but Team 7 made life long memories and are looking forward to green grasses, showers and a taste of civilization."

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 16

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7 called in from 14 Camp today. They are waiting out some weather so that they can move make the move to Basecamp and hopefully fly off of the mountain with a good weather window. 

 

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 15

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

" Team 7 woke up with stoke to go for a summit attempt on our last weather window from 17000'. Unfortunately the high winds came earlier and we had to descend to 14 camp. The upper mountain is getting a beating with winds over 40+ mph for the next several days. We gave it a good fight, but just didn't have the margins. The plan is to head towards the airstrip tomorrow through the night when the lower glacier is frozen and fly on the only clear day on the lower mountain this week. Tuesday. We are looking forward to showers and salads. Team 7 over and out. "

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 14

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7 spent the day at High Camp today. They spent the day reinforcing their camp with wind walls. They hope for better weather tomorrow to make an attempt at the summit!

Alaska Dispatches · AAI Denali Team 7 - Disptach 14

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 13

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7 is currently at High Camp (17,200 feet). They took a rest day today and enjoyed camping at the (possibly) highest camp in the United states. They anticipate some weather tomorrow but hope to make a summit bid soon. 

Mountain trivia: What year was the first winter ascent of Denali. Text your loved one with the answer!

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 12

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7 has officially made it to High Camp! They enjoyed good weather moving up the fixed lines, and plan to take a rest day tomorrow. 

Alaska Dispatches · AAI Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 12

2025 AAI Denali West Buttress Expedition / Team 7 / June 6 - June 26 / Dispatch 11

Guides:

George Bieker

Kevin McGarity

Hali Scroggins

Climbers:

Sean Greenwalt

Francis Mao

Anne Sophie de Saint Ours 

Eanna McGowan

Ahmad Rahman

Caitlin James Locket (CJ)

Xander Budnick

Raj-Alexandre Bouka

Louis Jammes

Team 7 enjoyed a rest day today. Spirits are high as they are still waiting on better weather to move higher up the mountain. 

Alaska Dispatches · AAI Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 11