04/29/2026
A great winter for SSMC!
We started off with an ice climbing workshop in early January, led by Cesar and Kayla. Next up was the first of two rope ascension workshops led by Mark. This is a critical skills workshop for learning and reinforcing skills essential for crevasse rescue, including climbing a rope about 15 ft. using a Tibloc and Micro Traxion system and working with direct haul, 2:1, 3:1, and 6:1 mechanical advantage systems.
Our Kilimanjaro Expedition was a rousing success, with everyone successfully attaining the summits of Mt Meru first, then Mt Kilimanjaro (via Machame Route) in Tanzania. They also had the distinction being the first team out of many to attain Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro summit day. After the climbs, the group then shifted focus and enjoyed safari at Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, as well as Ngorongoro Crater.
Shortly after the Kilimanjaro Expedition return, 5 members transitioned to become half of the 10-member Team Ecuador (2027). Although the team had to contend with the notoriously fickle weather, there was opportunity to get out on Hillman's Highway to train together for next year's climbs on Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
Four of our club members also spent time this winter training to climb Kahiltna Dome, Alaska in May. They conducted several days of training, including time spent in the northern Presidentials.
