Episode
28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
57:33
Published: Mon Aug 02 2021
Description
This week we are heading deep into Denali National Park to summit Mount Foraker, the third tallest summit in the United States. Bring your ice picks and crampons because we are going to be climbing for this one. When Colby Coombs, Tom Walter, and Ritt Kellog head out on a mountaineering expedition together the weather created a huge obstacle. With inches of snow falling everyday, huge crevasses, and avalanche conditions, this was no easy trek. When an avalanche hits, trajedy stikes and leaves one climber with a broken neck. Making it back alive is going to be nearly impossible. Based from the book and true story: In the Zone: Epic Survival Stories from the Mountaineering World by Peter Potterfield We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episode, bonus content and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook , and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partner, check them out! BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Take charge of your mental health. Listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/NPAD Sources: Epic Stories from the Mountaineering World by Peter Potterfield. Backpacker. AMS.
Chapters
The speaker reflects on the unpredictable nature of life's defining moments and how they can shape our perspectives and trajectories.
00:00 - 03:28 (03:28)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the unpredictable nature of life's defining moments and how they can shape our perspectives and trajectories. They describe a moment of serendipity involving a glass bottle that resonated with them deeply.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The podcast host talks about an avalanche story in Denali National Park, which takes place on a different mountain from the iconic Denali.
03:28 - 11:00 (07:32)
Summary
The podcast host talks about an avalanche story in Denali National Park, which takes place on a different mountain from the iconic Denali.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
In 1992, three experienced climbers attempted the rarely used Pink Panther climbing route on Denali, but were hit by a massive avalanche.
11:01 - 17:09 (06:08)
Summary
In 1992, three experienced climbers attempted the rarely used Pink Panther climbing route on Denali, but were hit by a massive avalanche. Only one survived the tragedy, and their journey is recounted in this podcast episode.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
A group of climbers on Denali chose to continue on a dangerous route, despite signs of bad weather after 10 days of clear conditions.
17:09 - 24:45 (07:36)
Summary
A group of climbers on Denali chose to continue on a dangerous route, despite signs of bad weather after 10 days of clear conditions. The decision ultimately led them to face hazardous weather conditions while climbing the mountain.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
The podcast discusses how many disastrous mountaineering stories happen because people push their limits and make choices beyond their capabilities; however, some of them also show forethought and awareness of the mountain and its conditions.
24:45 - 32:23 (07:37)
Summary
The podcast discusses how many disastrous mountaineering stories happen because people push their limits and make choices beyond their capabilities; however, some of them also show forethought and awareness of the mountain and its conditions. The story of a man whose life was saved by a rope demonstrates this point.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
During a mountain climbing session, a tragic incident occurred when Tom's body plummeted down the mountain due to a counterbalancing mistake while cutting the rope holding them together.
32:23 - 38:02 (05:38)
Summary
During a mountain climbing session, a tragic incident occurred when Tom's body plummeted down the mountain due to a counterbalancing mistake while cutting the rope holding them together.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
After gathering all of his supplies, the speaker sets out to find Rit's body, which located in the opposite direction that he needed to go to get off the mountain.
38:02 - 44:21 (06:19)
Summary
After gathering all of his supplies, the speaker sets out to find Rit's body, which located in the opposite direction that he needed to go to get off the mountain. The speaker also reflects on the importance of wearing helmets while riding motorcycles.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
A hiker in Alaska with a severely injured leg struggled his way to find shelter and was forced to sleep with his boot on to prevent frostbite before being rescued.
44:23 - 48:03 (03:40)
Summary
A hiker in Alaska with a severely injured leg struggled his way to find shelter and was forced to sleep with his boot on to prevent frostbite before being rescued.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
A harrowing tale of a mountain climbing accident and the challenges faced to survive.
48:03 - 52:40 (04:36)
Summary
A harrowing tale of a mountain climbing accident and the challenges faced to survive.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
After surviving an avalanche, a survivor who had immense physical injuries and blood caked on his face arrives at base camp, trying to hide his wounds.
52:40 - 56:38 (03:58)
Summary
After surviving an avalanche, a survivor who had immense physical injuries and blood caked on his face arrives at base camp, trying to hide his wounds. It took him five days to make it home safely.
Episode28: A Broken Neck and Endless Crevasses - Surviving Denali National Park
PodcastNational Park After Dark
National Park After Dark shares their social media handles in this episode, where you can follow them on different platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and email them at NPADpodcast at gmail.com.
56:38 - 57:31 (00:52)
Summary
National Park After Dark shares their social media handles in this episode, where you can follow them on different platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and email them at NPADpodcast at gmail.com.