Denali is unlike any other mountain on the Seven Summits list. At 20,320 feet, it has more vertical relief than Everest, and it’s fully self-supported, climbers haul sleds, carry heavy packs, build their own camps, and manage every step of the climb without outside support. CTSS Guide Dallas Glass and Expedition Manager Dani Kluberton spent an hour breaking down what that actually looks like, from the cold and near-24-hour daylight that shapes every team decision, to the gear systems that matter most on a multi-week expedition on the Kahiltna Glacier.

One of the more meaningful differentiators CTSS brings to Denali is its guide-to-climber ratio of 6:3, compared to the more common 9:3 or 8:4 used by many operators. Smaller teams mean more coaching, more individual attention, and more support across the mountain. For climbers building toward Denali, CTSS offers a clear progression through programs on Vinson, Ecuador’s volcanoes, and Mount Baker, where glacier travel, rope systems, sled-hauling, and camp craft can be developed before stepping onto the Kahiltna. Watch the webinar recording with Dallas and Dani, or visit the Denali program page to learn more.