This Week In Alaskan History: On March 7, 1988 Vern Tejas became the first person to complete a solo winter ascent of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.
Tejas and His 1988 Solo Climb
During his solo climb, Vern Tejas had to dig a snow cave for survival. He waited out a blizzard that had overcome him in the cave before returning to safety.
Tejas and the Seven Summits
Tejas also reached the top of the Seven Summits: the highest peaks on each continent. He established two speed records for completing the Seven Summits; the most recent was in 2010 when Tejas finished the circuit in 134 days at the age of 57.
Tejas and Alaska
In 2011, Vern Tejas reached the Denali summit for a 50th time. He had first reached the summit on North America’s tallest peak in 1978.
Despite Tejas’ many mountaineering escapades, Alaskans most closely associate him with Denali, the Last Frontier’s foremost symbol.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: Alaska Sports Hall
Image Source: National Park Service
