Loyal client Valari W. recently completed, and successfully, summited the Moose’s Tooth in the Ruth Gorge/Denali National Park, via the Ham ‘n Eggs Couloir.  She was led by our guide Chad Peele and the group experienced great weather, but “sporty” conditions on the route.  Some of the ice pitches did not lend themselves well to protection, so very careful was required on the part of Chad to successfully and safely negotiate the route.  The two enjoyed a bivy at the col before finishing the west ridge to the summit.  Ham ‘n Eggs has recently become a fairly sought after route among alpinists, and we’ve successfully guided the route 2 times in the last 3 years, with one year getting shut down by weather.  The ice climbing terrain in SW Colorado lends itself well to training for such a climb.  Great work Valari and Chad!

ND

Landing on the Root Canal with TAT.

1st pitch, a little mixed climbing.

Middle of the route, starting to gain some ground.

Looking out towards the Great Gorge.

Col camp and the West Ridge.