06/12/2026
Not only is the event of historical interest, it’s a fundraiser for the Denali Mountain Rescue team! Sheldon Arts Hangar, TONIGHT, 7:00.
50 years ago, local resident Roger Robinson, along with four others, reached the summit of Mt Huntington, which sits near the southeastern base of Denali. They made the second ascent of the NW Ridge, better known as the French Ridge, named after the legendary climber Lionel Terray, who led a French team on the mountain's first ascent in 1964. Cindy Jones, a member of Robinson’s team and the first woman to summit the mountain, will give the presentation of their 1976 climb. The program will begin with a short historic film of the 1964 French climb. The evening will end with a slide presentation by local residents Brian McCullough and Lance Leslie on their alpine-style ascent of the French Ridge and epic descent of the East Ridge and North Face in 1981. This remarkable climb was the third ascent of the ridge and the first traverse of the mountain.
Denali rescue volunteers have been assisting the Park and climbing rangers for nearly 50 years. These volunteers donate their time, skills, and expertise to protect Denali’s mountaineering visitors and preserve its glaciated wilderness. Climbers and Denali National Park are indebted to them for their service.
Tickets available online: https://denaliartscouncil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/denaliartscouncil/event.jsp?event=4374&https://denaliartscouncil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/denaliartscouncil/event.jsp?event=4374&
