JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- For most people, having a great view of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, is satisfying enough. Its massive size really makes one feel small. However, a nice view is not enough for some, and especially not for U.S. Air Force Capt. Ted Labedz.
June 5 marks the beginning of a great adventure for Labedz, the youngest on his nine-man team at 28 years old. They will set forth in hopes of conquering the mighty mountain.
Lebedz grew up in Nebraska, one of the flattest areas in the United States. When he was accepted into the Air Force Academy in Colorado, his passion for mountaineering took flight.
“I fell in love with the mountains,” Labedz said. “I started climbing [in Colorado] and I climbed about half of the peaks that were around 14,000 feet.”
Even before being stationed in Alaska, Labedz toyed with the idea of climbing Denali.
“I first floated the idea of climbing Denali about five years ago,” Labedz added. “Once I got stationed here, I started meeting people who actually climbed Denali and the idea became something in my mind that I could make happen.”
With over a year of dedicated preparation, collecting gear, training, and joining a climbing outfit from Colorado, Labedz and team are ready for their scheduled 20-day journey. All is subject to change, of course, depending on Mother Nature.
Up there, weather is everything. There are about 600 people on the mountain right now who have been waiting for nearly two weeks for the weather to break so they can try to summit, Labedz added.
“One of the things I enjoy most about it is you’re totally focused on what you’re doing,” Labedz said. “All the distraction of your smart phone, emails, bills, work, all of that is gone. You’re totally focused on what you’re doing on your climb. That part of it is very peaceful. As far as why I’m doing it, there’s always the excitement of undertaking a major challenge, setting a big goal and achieving it. You’re going out there and pushing the limits of your skills.”
An estimated 32,000 climbers have attempted Denali, with about a 50 percent success rate. Will Labedz be one of the few to make it to the top?
To keep informed on the group’s movement and success, visit mountaintrip.com/trip-reports.