Jost Kobusch: First solo winter ascent of Denali via the Messner Couloir

Jost Kobusch reached the highest peak in North America on Sunday. The German alpinist is the first non-American to solo climb Denali in winter and the first person to do so via the Messner Couloir.

Jost Kobusch is known for his solo expeditions, including on the highest mountain in the world. While he has so far been denied a winter ascent of Everest, his most recent venture was under a successful star: On Sunday he was the first non-American in winter and single-handedly to reach the summit of the Denali. The Messner Couloir, which Kobusch chose for the ascent, had never been soloed in winter before him.

Jost Kobusch during his ascent of the Denali via the Messner Couloir. Image: Jost Kobusch
Jost Kobusch during his ascent of the Denali via the Messner Couloir. Picture: Jost Kobusch

35 Hour Summit Push

Jost Kobusch used a good weather window and climbed from his high camp at the foot of Denali directly to the 6190 meter high summit. On Saturday afternoon at 15 p.m. he started his summit push, on Sunday afternoon at 13.03 p.m. he reached the highest point. In total, he was on the road for 35 hours before he was back at the camp.

As on Everest, Jost Kobusch shared his progress in a life tracking.
As on Everest, Jost Kobusch shared his progress in a life tracking.

That might interest you

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Jost Kobusch

News

Jakob Schubert repeats “DNA” – the first confirmed 9c in climbing history

Around 180.000 spectators watched as the Tyrolean climber clipped the anchor of Seb Bouin's "DNA" in the Verdon Gorge. With his live ascent, Schubert created a climbing moment that will go down in history – as the first repeat of a 9c route, currently the highest grade in sport climbing.

World Cups, World Championships & Olympic Qualification | World Climbing presents its 2027 season calendar

2027 will be an important year for competition – with qualification for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a World Championship in the Czech Republic and a full World Cup calendar in bouldering, lead, speed and para climbing.

Hard Sends: Sébastien Bouin on the first ascent of “Le Chant des Muses” (9b)

In April 2026, Bouin successfully completed his project "Le Chant des Muses" on the Romeyer Wall in the Drôme region. A film by Black Diamond shows the exceptional French climber behind the scenes and his journey to the successful ascent.

Silvan Schüpbach: New, wild climbing route in the Bernese Oberland

Silvan Schüpbach and Janluca Kostner have made the first complete free climb of "Untergang der Titanen" (8a) on the north face of the Gross Wellhorn. The 600-meter route in the Bernese Alps remains consistently difficult over its 20 pitches.

Jakob Schubert repeats “DNA” – the first confirmed 9c in climbing history

Around 180.000 spectators watched as the Tyrolean climber clipped the anchor of Seb Bouin's "DNA" in the Verdon Gorge. With his live ascent, Schubert created a climbing moment that will go down in history – as the first repeat of a 9c route, currently the highest grade in sport climbing.

World Cups, World Championships & Olympic Qualification | World Climbing presents its 2027 season calendar

2027 will be an important year for competition – with qualification for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a World Championship in the Czech Republic and a full World Cup calendar in bouldering, lead, speed and para climbing.

Hard Sends: Sébastien Bouin on the first ascent of “Le Chant des Muses” (9b)

In April 2026, Bouin successfully completed his project "Le Chant des Muses" on the Romeyer Wall in the Drôme region. A film by Black Diamond shows the exceptional French climber behind the scenes and his journey to the successful ascent.