Trip Report
Cassin Ridge, Denali
Friday November 27, 2015 12:59pm
I guess this mountain does not need any introduction and the Cassin Ridge is the classic line to the summit. We climbed this route in about 55 hours (two bivouacs) from schrund to summit in 2008, which wasn't fast but not too slow either. It's a great alpine climb due to its length and awesome views.

top left corner top right corner
Cassin ridge is the line in the center of Denali.
Cassin ridge is the line in the center of Denali.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
In the Japanese Couloir at the start of the climb.
In the Japanese Couloir at the start of the climb.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Icy couloir.
Icy couloir.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
The first rock section.
The first rock section.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Looking down the first rocky pitch.
Looking down the first rocky pitch.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Bivy after the Cowboy Traverse.
Bivy after the Cowboy Traverse.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Slogging before the first rock band.
Slogging before the first rock band.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
A nice mixed pitch.
A nice mixed pitch.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
A traverse somewhere between the rock bands.
A traverse somewhere between the rock bands.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
A small step near the end of the difficulties.
A small step near the end of the difficulties.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Snow slope above Big Bertha glacier.
Snow slope above Big Bertha glacier.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Endless slogging to the summit.
Endless slogging to the summit.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

top left corner top right corner
Tagging the summit.
Tagging the summit.
Credit: KristofferSzilas
bottom left corner bottom right corner

Youtube summary:
[Click to View YouTube Video]

  Trip Report Views: 4,264
KristofferSzilas
About the Author
Kristoffer Szilas is a mountain climber from Denmark.

Comments
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
  Nov 27, 2015 - 05:36pm PT
This report deserves comments!
Food in Talkeetna is awesome!

The summit is cold!
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
  Nov 27, 2015 - 05:58pm PT
Dude, what awesome alpine classic have you not climbed? Well done again.
ms55401

Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
  Nov 27, 2015 - 06:08pm PT
Unbelievably awesome postings!!11111111111

What Supertopo should be!!!!!!1111111
hobo_dan

Social climber
Minnesota
  Nov 28, 2015 - 06:28am PT
TFPU- You sure get around
I need to comment on the Talkeetna Burger- looks like it was the real lifer version of the Simpsons "Krusty Burger: Bacon, Pork, and Ham
overwatch

climber
Arizona
  Nov 28, 2015 - 06:33am PT
Another good one. As to V's burger, you would have to suffer up some alpine monster and be completely depleted to eat that thing and I love meat
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
  Nov 28, 2015 - 07:39am PT
Thanks Kristoffer for sharing your many adventures!
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
  Nov 28, 2015 - 08:44am PT
Another awesome installment. I am savoring each and every one.
The climbs are spectacular and the photography astounding.
And I've never earned that burger at the West Rib Pub.
When I was there it said it was free if you ate the whole thing. I stuck to the scones at The Roadhouse.

Susan
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
  Dec 5, 2015 - 03:29am PT
You should write a book, wow!
Thank you!
Spiny Norman

Social climber
Boring, Oregon
  Dec 5, 2015 - 10:34am PT
Fantastic, inspiring report. TFPU!

EdwardT

Trad climber
Retired
  Dec 5, 2015 - 12:50pm PT
Great pics. Thanks.
johntp

Trad climber
Punter, Little Rock
  Dec 5, 2015 - 02:07pm PT
Dammit man, is there anywhere you haven't been?
johnboy

Trad climber
Can't get here from there
  Dec 5, 2015 - 02:29pm PT
Your all over the map.

I'm jealous of all youur suffering

TFPU again.
Larry Nelson

Social climber
  Dec 6, 2015 - 11:48pm PT
Another great Trip Report. Thanks for posting.
Go