The Cassin Ridge is the ultimate classic line on Denali, rising almost 10,000 directly up the middle of the South Face. First climbed in 1961 by a large Italian expedition led by Riccardo Cassin, the route continues to be a testing ground for alpinists to this day.Recorded and produced by <a href="https://evanphillips.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Evan Phillips</a> Music curated using <a href="https://artlist.io/">Artlist</a>. SUBSCRIBE to The Firn Line on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFg_s0BZf7HOsY7Sdlpzayw">YouTube</a>!<h2><a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline" target="_blank">Support The Firn Line</a></h2><a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline">PATREON</a> • <a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-firn-line/">MERCH</a> • <a href="https://evanphillips.bandcamp.com/">MUSIC</a> • <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=S6B5LJH9EQCUU&ssrt=1712079625664">DONATE</a><h2>Sponsors: <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com/">The Hoarding Marmot</a> <a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com/">Alaska Rock Gym</a></h2>

The Cassin Ridge is the ultimate classic line on Denali, rising almost 10,000 directly up the middle of the South Face. First climbed in 1961 by a large Italian expedition led by Riccardo Cassin, the route continues to be a testing ground for alpinists to this day. Recorded and produced by Evan PhillipsMusic curated using Artlist. SUBSCRIBE to The Firn Line on YouTube!Support The Firn LinePATREON • MERCH • MUSIC • DONATESponsors:The Hoarding MarmotAlaska Rock Gym

The Cassin Ridge is the ultimate classic line on Denali, rising almost 10,000 directly up the middle of the South Face. First climbed in 1961 by a large Italian expedition led by Riccardo Cassin, the route continues to be a testing ground for alpinists to this day.Recorded and produced by <a href="https://evanphillips.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evan Phillips</a> Music curated using&nbsp;<a href="https://artlist.io/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Artlist</a>.&nbsp;SUBSCRIBE&nbsp;to The Firn Line on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFg_s0BZf7HOsY7Sdlpzayw" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>!<a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support The Firn Line</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline" rel="noopener noreferrer">PATREON</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-firn-line/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MERCH</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://evanphillips.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MUSIC</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=S6B5LJH9EQCUU&amp;ssrt=1712079625664" rel="noopener noreferrer">DONATE</a>Sponsors: <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hoarding Marmot</a> <a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska Rock Gym</a>

The Cassin Ridge

The Cascades of North America are a beautiful and diverse range of mountains. These peaks, which range from sharp, granitic towers, to glaciated and crumbly volcanoes, extend all the way from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon - all the way to Northern California.  And if you live in the Portland, OR area - there’s one Cascade peak that dominates the horizon - Wy’East or Mount Hood as it’s commonly known.The mountain, which is a dormant volcano - is a literal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiers, snowboarders, hikers - and of course, mountaineers.Although Wy’East is climbed thousands of times every year up it’s easier routes, some lines offer a more challenging experience - like the Eliot Glacier, and Sandy Glacier headwalls. But no technical route is more sought after, and perhaps feared, than the Yocum Ridge.First climbed in 1959 by Fred Becky and co., The west-facing serrated, knife-edge ridge - which splits the Reid and Sandy Glaciers, is a route for experienced alpinists - as it requires glacier travel skills, in addition to advanced snow and ice climbing techniques. The ridge is made up of 3 distinct gendarmes (or towers) composed of crumbly, volcanic rock. The top of the route is blocked by a massive, rime coated headwall, which is often skirted to the right or left.Of the unique conditions needed to climb the Yocum Ridge, Jeff Thomas, author of Oregen High: A climbing guide, writes, “Rotten rock towers guard it’s crest. They cannot be climbed unless they are covered with a thick layer of rime ice.” He goes on to say, “Contrary to what common sense would dictate, rime ice is more solid than the rock on the Yocum Ridge. The catch is that rime is often impossible to protect. Take your ice tools, pickets, and other technology, but know that on this route the old advice still holds true; the leader must not fall.”So it was with this mindset, that pacific northwest based alpinists Nick Sweeney and Kyle Tarry, set off to climb the Yocum in early March of this year. I recently got a chance to speak with Nick about the route - which turned out to be a significant, and once in a lifetime experience. (Cover Photo: Kyle Tarry)Music by <a href="https://evanphillipsmusic.com" target="_blank">Evan Phillips</a>Support the show at <a href="https://patreon.com/thefirnline" target="_blank">Patreon</a>Sponsors: <a href="https://alaskarockgym.com" target="_blank">Alaska Rock Gym</a> <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com" target="_blank">The Hoarding Marmot</a> <a href="https://declinationroasting.com" target="_blank">Declination Roasting</a>

The Cascades of North America are a beautiful and diverse range of mountains. These peaks, which range from sharp, granitic towers, to glaciated and crumbly volcanoes, extend all the way from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon - all the way to Northern California. And if you live in the Portland, OR area - there’s one Cascade peak that dominates the horizon - Wy’East or Mount Hood as it’s commonly known. The mountain, which is a dormant volcano - is a literal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiers, snowboarders, hikers - and of course, mountaineers. Although Wy’East is climbed thousands of times every year up it’s easier routes, some lines offer a more challenging experience - like the Eliot Glacier, and Sandy Glacier headwalls. But no technical route is more sought after, and perhaps feared, than the Yocum Ridge. First climbed in 1959 by Fred Becky and co., The west-facing serrated, knife-edge ridge - which splits the Reid and Sandy Glaciers, is a route for experienced alpinists - as it requires glacier travel skills, in addition to advanced snow and ice climbing techniques. The ridge is made up of 3 distinct gendarmes (or towers) composed of crumbly, volcanic rock. The top of the route is blocked by a massive, rime coated headwall, which is often skirted to the right or left. Of the unique conditions needed to climb the Yocum Ridge, Jeff Thomas, author of Oregen High: A climbing guide, writes, “Rotten rock towers guard it’s crest. They cannot be climbed unless they are covered with a thick layer of rime ice.” He goes on to say, “Contrary to what common sense would dictate, rime ice is more solid than the rock on the Yocum Ridge. The catch is that rime is often impossible to protect. Take your ice tools, pickets, and other technology, but know that on this route the old advice still holds true; the leader must not fall.” So it was with this mindset, that pacific northwest based alpinists Nick Sweeney and Kyle Tarry, set off to climb the Yocum in early March of this year. I recently got a chance to speak with Nick about the route - which turned out to be a significant, and once in a lifetime experience.(Cover Photo: Kyle Tarry) Music by Evan Phillips Support the show at Patreon Sponsors:Alaska Rock GymThe Hoarding MarmotDeclination Roasting

The Cascades of North America are a beautiful and diverse range of mountains. These peaks, which range from sharp, granitic towers, to glaciated and crumbly volcanoes, extend all the way from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon - all the way to Northern California. &nbsp;And if you live in the Portland, OR area - there’s one Cascade peak that dominates the horizon - Wy’East or Mount Hood as it’s commonly known.The mountain, which is a dormant volcano - is a literal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiers, snowboarders, hikers - and of course, mountaineers.Although Wy’East is climbed thousands of times every year up it’s easier routes, some lines offer a more challenging experience - like the Eliot Glacier, and Sandy Glacier headwalls. But no technical route is more sought after, and perhaps feared, than the Yocum Ridge.First climbed in 1959 by Fred Becky and co., The west-facing serrated, knife-edge ridge - which splits the Reid and Sandy Glaciers, is a route for experienced alpinists - as it requires glacier travel skills, in addition to advanced snow and ice climbing techniques. The ridge is made up of 3 distinct gendarmes (or towers) composed of crumbly, volcanic rock. The top of the route is blocked by a massive, rime coated headwall, which is often skirted to the right or left.Of the unique conditions needed to climb the Yocum Ridge, Jeff Thomas, author of Oregen High: A climbing guide, writes, “Rotten rock towers guard it’s crest. They cannot be climbed unless they are covered with a thick layer of rime ice.” He goes on to say, “Contrary to what common sense would dictate, rime ice is more solid than the rock on the Yocum Ridge. The catch is that rime is often impossible to protect. Take your ice tools, pickets, and other technology, but know that on this route the old advice still holds true; the leader must not fall.”So it was with this mindset, that pacific northwest based alpinists Nick Sweeney and Kyle Tarry, set off to climb the Yocum in early March of this year. I recently got a chance to speak with Nick about the route - which turned out to be a significant, and once in a lifetime experience. (Cover Photo: Kyle Tarry)Music by <a href="https://evanphillipsmusic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evan Phillips</a>Support the show at <a href="https://patreon.com/thefirnline" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patreon</a>Sponsors: <a href="https://alaskarockgym.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska Rock Gym</a> <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hoarding Marmot</a> <a href="https://declinationroasting.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Declination Roasting</a>

Fast Times at Yocum Ridge

I first heard about <a href="http://www.stevehouse.net/">Steve House</a> in 1995 - when I was living at my family's cabin on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. I was 20 years old, working as a park rangers assistant. Besides work, there wasn’t much to do that summer, but chop wood, go for mind-numbing afternoon runs, and fish murky waters for salmon. Unfortunately for me, the mountains were hours away. But one thing I looked forward to was my monthly subscription to Climbing Magazine. I cherished each magazine like a prized possession, and poured over each story again and again, dreaming of the far off ranges that captured my imagination.It was during this time that I read about Steve House’s climb of Denali’s Father and Sons Wall - completed in a light and fast alpine style that was coming more and more into vogue in the U.S. Soon after, I started hearing more about Steve’s adventures in Alaska and beyond - and as the years passed, I watched him transform into one of the most accomplished, and visionary alpinists of our time.Steve’s life and alpine climbing career were documented thoroughly in his excellent book, <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/beyond-the-mountain-hardcover-book/BK205.html" target="_blank">Beyond The Mountain</a>. But in the last few years, House has become equally known for his work with Uphill Athlete. And that’s how I got to connect with Steve last month, when we sat down to chat for an hour about his new book, <a href="https://www.uphillathlete.com/">Training For The Uphill Athlete</a>, which he co-authored with Scott Johnston and <a href="https://www.kilianjornet.cat/en" target="_blank">Kilian Jornet</a>.But before we got into the guts of the book, I wanted to take some time to talk about about Steve’s early years as a budding alpinist in Slovenia - and how those experiences helped shape his career as an alpinist - and eventually his work with Uphill Athlete.Music by <a href="https://evanphillipsmusic.com" target="_blank">Evan Phillips</a>Support the show at at <a href="https://patreon.com/thefirnline" target="_blank">Patreon</a>LINKS: <a href="http://www.stevehouse.net/" target="_blank">Steve House</a> <a href="https://www.uphillathlete.com/" target="_blank">Uphill Athlete</a> <a href="http://thefirnline.com/" target="_blank">The Firn Line</a> (Website)SPONSORS: <a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com/" target="_blank">Alaska Rock Gym</a> <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com/" target="_blank">The Hoarding Marmot</a>

I first heard about Steve House in 1995 - when I was living at my family's cabin on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. I was 20 years old, working as a park rangers assistant. Besides work, there wasn’t much to do that summer, but chop wood, go for mind-numbing afternoon runs, and fish murky waters for salmon. Unfortunately for me, the mountains were hours away. But one thing I looked forward to was my monthly subscription to Climbing Magazine. I cherished each magazine like a prized possession, and poured over each story again and again, dreaming of the far off ranges that captured my imagination. It was during this time that I read about Steve House’s climb of Denali’s Father and Sons Wall - completed in a light and fast alpine style that was coming more and more into vogue in the U.S. Soon after, I started hearing more about Steve’s adventures in Alaska and beyond - and as the years passed, I watched him transform into one of the most accomplished, and visionary alpinists of our time. Steve’s life and alpine climbing career were documented thoroughly in his excellent book, Beyond The Mountain. But in the last few years, House has become equally known for his work with Uphill Athlete. And that’s how I got to connect with Steve last month, when we sat down to chat for an hour about his new book, Training For The Uphill Athlete, which he co-authored with Scott Johnston and Kilian Jornet. But before we got into the guts of the book, I wanted to take some time to talk about about Steve’s early years as a budding alpinist in Slovenia - and how those experiences helped shape his career as an alpinist - and eventually his work with Uphill Athlete. Music by Evan Phillips Support the show at at Patreon LINKS:Steve HouseUphill AthleteThe Firn Line (Website) SPONSORS:Alaska Rock GymThe Hoarding Marmot

I first heard about <a href="http://www.stevehouse.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve House</a> in 1995 - when I was living at my family's cabin on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. I was 20 years old, working as a park rangers assistant. Besides work, there wasn’t much to do that summer, but chop wood, go for mind-numbing afternoon runs, and fish murky waters for salmon. Unfortunately for me, the mountains were hours away. But one thing I looked forward to was my monthly subscription to Climbing Magazine. I cherished each magazine like a prized possession, and poured over each story again and again, dreaming of the far off ranges that captured my imagination.It was during this time that I read about Steve House’s climb of Denali’s Father and Sons Wall - completed in a light and fast alpine style that was coming more and more into vogue in the U.S. Soon after, I started hearing more about Steve’s adventures in Alaska and beyond - and as the years passed, I watched him transform into one of the most accomplished, and visionary alpinists of our time.Steve’s life and alpine climbing career were documented thoroughly in his excellent book, <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/beyond-the-mountain-hardcover-book/BK205.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond The Mountain</a>. But in the last few years, House has become equally known for his work with Uphill Athlete. And that’s how I got to connect with Steve last month, when we sat down to chat for an hour about his new book, <a href="https://www.uphillathlete.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Training For The Uphill Athlete</a>, which he co-authored with Scott Johnston and <a href="https://www.kilianjornet.cat/en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kilian Jornet</a>.But before we got into the guts of the book, I wanted to take some time to talk about about Steve’s early years as a budding alpinist in Slovenia - and how those experiences helped shape his career as an alpinist - and eventually his work with Uphill Athlete.Music by <a href="https://evanphillipsmusic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evan Phillips</a>Support the show at at <a href="https://patreon.com/thefirnline" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patreon</a>LINKS: <a href="http://www.stevehouse.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve House</a> <a href="https://www.uphillathlete.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Uphill Athlete</a> <a href="http://thefirnline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Firn Line</a> (Website)SPONSORS: <a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska Rock Gym</a> <a href="https://hoardingmarmot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hoarding Marmot</a>

Uphill Athlete: Steve House

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure.
But it wasn't until  he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists.
The_Expression_Of_ Climbing_Charlie_Sassara.mp3

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure. But it wasn't until he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists. The_Expression_Of_ Climbing_Charlie_Sassara.mp3

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always&nbsp;yearned for adventure.
But it wasn't until &nbsp;he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents&nbsp;on Mount Deborah and Denali&nbsp;in winter, to visionary climbs&nbsp;and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists.
The_Expression_Of_ Climbing_Charlie_Sassara.mp3

The Expression Of Climbing: Charlie Sassara

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure. But it wasn't until he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists.Music by <a href="https://www.evanphillipsmusic.com" target="_blank">Evan Phillips</a>Links:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline" target="_blank">Patreon</a>Sponsors:<a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com" target="_blank">Alaska Rock Gym</a>

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure. But it wasn't until he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists. Music by Evan Phillips Links: Patreon Sponsors: Alaska Rock Gym

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure. But it wasn't until he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists.Music by <a href="https://www.evanphillipsmusic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evan Phillips</a>Links:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patreon</a>Sponsors:<a href="https://www.alaskarockgym.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska Rock Gym</a>

One of the great things about The Firn Line is it's authenticity.
These are real adventurers with real stories. Alpinists.  Climbers.  Skiers. Explorers.  But they are also unique human beings that go thru the same things everyone experiences in life.  Happiness.  Tragedy.  Excitement.  Fear.  Join The Firn Line on Friday, March 3, 2017 as we launch into Season One || Stories From Alaska's Mountains.
Insta_04_Bounce 2

One of the great things about The Firn Line is it's authenticity. These are real adventurers with real stories. Alpinists. Climbers. Skiers. Explorers. But they are also unique human beings that go thru the same things everyone experiences in life. Happiness. Tragedy. Excitement. Fear. Join The Firn Line on Friday, March 3, 2017 as we launch into Season One || Stories From Alaska's Mountains. Insta_04_Bounce 2

One of the great things about The Firn Line is it's authenticity.
These are real adventurers&nbsp;with real stories. Alpinists. &nbsp;Climbers. &nbsp;Skiers. Explorers. &nbsp;But they are also unique human beings that go thru the same things everyone experiences in life. &nbsp;Happiness. &nbsp;Tragedy. &nbsp;Excitement. &nbsp;Fear. &nbsp;Join The Firn Line on Friday, March 3, 2017 as we launch into Season One || Stories From Alaska's Mountains.
Insta_04_Bounce 2

Trailer 03

My goal with The Firn Line is to have meaningful conversations with extraordinary people.
I've always been inspired by the climbers who came before me, and the younger generation who are taking the challenge of mountain exploration to the next level. The Firn Line is my way of connecting with this unique group of folks, and honoring them at the same time. In this trailer you'll hear bits of my conversations with alpinists Mark Westman, Clint Helander, and Charlie Sassara //
Insta_Bounce

My goal with The Firn Line is to have meaningful conversations with extraordinary people. I've always been inspired by the climbers who came before me, and the younger generation who are taking the challenge of mountain exploration to the next level. The Firn Line is my way of connecting with this unique group of folks, and honoring them at the same time. In this trailer you'll hear bits of my conversations with alpinists Mark Westman, Clint Helander, and Charlie Sassara // Insta_Bounce

Trailer 02

The parallels between life and climbing are often stark and poignant.
This is one of the core themes of The Firn Line, a podcast about the lives of mountains climbers.  Join us March 3, 2017 when we launch Season One: Stories From Alaska's Mountains.  In this trailer, you'll hear snippets from my conversations with alpinists Charlie Sassara and Clint Helander.  Click on photos below to for a sneak peek at some of their adventures (as well as a few of my own).
insta_02_Bounce 1

The parallels between life and climbing are often stark and poignant. This is one of the core themes of The Firn Line, a podcast about the lives of mountains climbers. Join us March 3, 2017 when we launch Season One: Stories From Alaska's Mountains. In this trailer, you'll hear snippets from my conversations with alpinists Charlie Sassara and Clint Helander. Click on photos below to for a sneak peek at some of their adventures (as well as a few of my own). insta_02_Bounce 1

The parallels between life and climbing are often stark and poignant.
This is one of the core themes of The Firn Line, a podcast about the lives of mountains climbers. &nbsp;Join us March 3, 2017 when we launch Season One: Stories From Alaska's Mountains. &nbsp;In this trailer, you'll hear snippets from my conversations with alpinists Charlie Sassara and Clint Helander. &nbsp;Click on photos below to for a sneak peek at some of their adventures (as well as a few&nbsp;of my own).
insta_02_Bounce 1

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