Josh Kobusch Denali 2023

German Alpinist Jost Kobusch became only the third person to complete a solo winter Denali Summit successfully. He summited on Sunday, February 19, 2023, around 3:00 am. I caught up with him at his home in Chamonix, France, only a few weeks after his summit. Jost style is to climb alone during a season that few other people would choose. He climbs completely unsupported and often on the most difficult routes. On Denali, he summited via the Messner Couloir.
We cover route, gear, weather, what he learned, and his plans for another Everest West Ridge climb in late 2023. Jost is doing a several-part series on his Facebook page, including his clothing, footwear, handwear and face wear. Visit and follow to learn more about how he pulled this feat off. I think you'll enjoy meeting this 30-year-old climber.
Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything

[@eventidesweden6868]

I am so fascinated by this guy! Great interview as always, Alan 👌

[@llo70422]

Now this climber is superman. I don't think I have come across a guy that is this unique. Watched some of his videos on his channel and this guy is the real thing big time Sheila

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

He's the real deal to be sure, and a nice person!

[@clemsteel8901]

Cool Story! Go One more...

[@SebSN-y3f]

Thank you. This is incredibly instructive. So many exciting details. And so well reported to boot. And interviewed! Continued success with this great channel (have already enjoyed many episodes)! And Jost further much success and always good, healthy homecoming! By the way: he studied Sports Engineering and his knowledge will surely help to develop things that will help others in sports and save lives. It is absolutely fantastic how analytically he thinks and works. This will be a benefit to many more. As well as the knowledge from this channel. Because of Alan's many experiences, the posts and interviews are so incredibly good. This will bring many of us further. Not only you great climbers. Thank you very much!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Appreciate your feedback, Seb

[@artmuir]

Unbelievably impressive!

[@steveeb9567]

Interesting interview. Thanks Alan.Take away: Meticulous planning. Funny hearing about the three stoves, I climbed Denali in '82 (40% success rate and three heli rescues) and we took three stoves. One failed. Of note, I never wore my Goretex shell or my down jacket until summit day. I didn't take Goretex pants at all and hated the fact that the down jacket weighed 2+ pounds and took up so much room. I was really happy though I had the down jacket on summit day, it was extremely cold. I did use a down sleeping bag but fortunately had a Goretex bivy cover on it. Condensation was a major problem in the tent. Climbing Denali is a very wet affair.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Great comparison of how times (and seasons) change!

[@dougdavis8986]

Cool. A bit of mountain variety. Well done as always.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Many thanks, Doug.

[@corkyoakes4839]

What a fabulous interview. I really enjoyed this. Josh was easy to understand. I learned a great deal from both of you. Thank you.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Glad you enjoyed it, Corky.

[@barrykeith8]

Brilliant alan.nice video.face the fear and do it anyway..

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Absolutely. Thanks Barry.

[@Lilmickcrocodiledundee0001]

Awesome interview. Crazy he did that in the winter time, in Alaska!!!

[@dougdavis8986]

I would wear 2 watches since GPS burns battery time. Keep your backup watch turned off. When watch 1 dies, turn GPS on watch 2 on.

[@BroadswordNYC]

I can't fathom why anyone would wanna do what he did, solo. And Alan, I assume he intends on doing Everest solo as well- in December no less! What about the icefall, how can he get past it without the ladders, or is he taking a different route. And he'll ascend without being hooked on to any ropes? I can't imagine it!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

He’s doing the West Ridge, so no Icefall. His preferred style is alone on difficult routes.

[@frederick5253]

"promosm"

[@auralplex]

Awesome interview. I love hearing about these crazy feats at high altitude. Thanks for bringing these stories to us, Alan. Congratulations, Josh, and good luck on your next adventures.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

More to come!

[@wyattearp9656]

Alan are you covering Everest this season. Broke right ankle and they found 2 aneurysms and I got grounded. So looking for people that I follow. I love your witt knowledge and attitude.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Sorry about your grounding. Sounds tough. I broke my lower right leg in 3 places a few years ago so best with your rehab. Yes I’m covering the season on my blog plus for Outside Magazine.

[@wyattearp9656]

@Alan Arnette they did surgery on the brain 🧠 and two days later, they plated my ankle reconnected my ligament. Ground no weight on the right ankle. I'm looking forward to the season. I was just wondering, if we know how many permits were bought

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Too early for Everest. Won’t know total until ~ April 15. I’m estimating 350-400 foreigners plus another 450-500 Sherpas so big year with Tibet side still closed to foreigners. Sorry to hear about your health. Be well.

[@wyattearp9656]

@Alan Arnette All the Everest videos I've watched, I thought May was the month to summit. I also thought the trek to the Everest required a bit of time. Ok, thanks for the info. 😶‍🌫️

[@auralplex]

@@wyattearp9656 a lot of people fly in by helicopter