Bagging Alaska Peaks: The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Journey of Mountaineering

It’s big peak season here in Alaska, and figured it would be a great opportunity to discuss another Denali expedition with a fellow climber. G (as she goes by) is a born and raised Alaskan and spent much of her childhood outside kayaking and hiking near the arctic circle. Growing up, G eventually immersed herself in the climbing scene here in Alaska, eventually working her way into the sport of mountaineering. I sit down with G as she shares her journey in preparing for a Denali expedition and how team dynamics played a very unique role during her climb up Denali. In fact, the team she started with, was NOT the team she ended with. Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Bagging Alaska Peaks Podcast, the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Journey of Mountaineering. Sitting at just over six thousand feet and framing the town of Palmer Alaska, Matanuska Peak is well known for its epic northwest slanted face that will catch the eye of anyone traveling through the area. This month I sat down with a good friend of mine, John-Michael and discuss our winter summit of Matanuska. Despite post-holing in knee high deep snow for almost 2 miles and traveling in high winds in the dark, the team eventually summited and were treated with incredible views. Although standing on top of the 6 thousand plus peak was a moment in itself, John-Michael also talks to how glissading down the face for about 2-300 feet was also a highlight of the trip. // Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Bagging Alaska Peaks Podcast, the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Journey of Mountaineering. Today I sit down with a fellow service member and discuss her experience in climbing the highest peak in North America. Mikayla, and Active Duty maintenance officer in the United States Air Force, shares her journey in preparing for a Denali expedition and how dog food (out of all things) was her best friend when it came to weighted sled pulls during her training process. Additionally, Mikayla and I discuss some spiritual and mental roadblocks during the climb and how journaling became a very powerful tool her and the success of the expedition. In fact, Mikayala reflects on one of her entries that described the environment she lived in for 19 days and I quote “This place is so cold, I wonder if hell exists”. // Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

Welcome to the “Bagging Alaska Peaks” podcast Episode 5. I know I have mentioned it a few times already, but thanks so much to all of the current show followers AND appreciate all the feedback and comments you all provide, it means a lot. This month is a really exciting time for the show, particularly for me as the host, as I have the opportunity to explore a peak I knew very little about AND talk to a big expedition style climb that I also plan to do in 2026 with my climbing team. On Episode 5 I sit down with Arnav Verma and talk to what he describes as “raw exploration” in climbing Node Nunatak on the Harding Icefield. Using phones ONLY for emergency purposes, Arnav and his team planned and traveled the route with a map and traditional compass. After crossing glaciers, running out of water, and experiencing a faulty camp stove; Arnav and his team finally summited Nunatak. Additionally, Arnav shares his upbringing into the mountaineering scene and how he overcame some physical, mental, and spiritual hurdles along the way. // Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) // Music: Emberloom

On Episode 4, I get the opportunity to sit down with my wife Ali, and discuss her experiences in climbing Alaskan Peaks. Featuring Lazy Mountain in Palmer Alaska, Ali provides not only detailed route and trail information, but she also expands on her perspective in climbing with young children. Bringing the kiddos along on a tough hike and summit push, adds another layer of preparation and safety considerations. Ali breaks down specific gear recommendations when hiking with a 6-year old and her experience in summiting the popular peak that overlooks Palmer Alaska with an epic backdrop of Matanuska Peak. Additionally, Ali touches on the physical and mental layers of hiking and what she has planned for her next adventure. Enjoy the conversation and look forward to getting that “Mom Perspective”. // Host: Sean Kortus // Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) // Music: Emberloom

Andrew Holman is one of the board directors for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska and has been bagging high peaks in Alaska ever since he relocated here from the lower 48. Andrew Holman, an experienced climber in the local area, never thought he would be scaling epic peaks here in Alaska growing up in Florida. However, his passion for photography pushed him out of his comfort zone and now has an impressive mountain resume and is on track to completing the Chugach 120 where he has already bagged 100 peaks. I sit down with Andrew and discuss his route up Bellicose Peak and how the ever-changing Alaskan weather almost prevented him and his climbing partner from bagging the peak. Enjoy the conversation as we discuss detailed route conditions, recommended gear, and what to expect if you're considering bagging the peak. Additionally, we talk to Andrew's views on the physical, mental, and spiritual piece of mountaineering. // Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

Lane Christenson is one of the board directors for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska and has been bagging high peaks in Alaska since he was in high school. I spent time with Lane and discussed his trip up Bashful Peak, the highest peak within the Chugach State Park. Despite encountering some harsh conditions and having to make 2 pushes for the summit, Lane and his team ultimately bagged the climb, claiming the first winter ascent of Bashful Peak. Enjoy the conversation as we discuss detailed route conditions, recommended gear, and what to expect if you're considering bagging the peak. Additionally, we talk to how Lane views the physical, mental, and spiritual piece of mountaineering. Discussion Points w/Time Advances / Trail/Route Access: 12:45 / Trail Conditions: 12:45 / Recommended Gear: 35:50 / Physical, Mental, Spiritual: 43:00 / Lane’s Favorite Mountaineering Quote: 52:30 /Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

I get the opportunity to chat with Jon Curtis and his journey summiting Pioneer Peak (a "Rite of Passage" for aspiring mountaineers). Pioneer Peak sits within the popular Chugach Mountain range and when viewed from Palmer, Alaska is absolutely epic! Jon’s climb challenged his own physical and mental strength as he was forced to take the long, grueling descent with an injured leg after bagging the peak. Enjoy the conversation as we discuss detailed route conditions, recommended gear, and what to expect if you're considering bagging the peak Additionally, we dive into how Jon overcame his injury and descended the mountain safely. / Discussion Points w/Time Advances Trail/Route Access: 08:12 & 12:45 / Trail Conditions: 09:30 / Recommended Gear: 10:50 / Physical, Mental, Spiritual: 28:15 / Jon’s Favorite Mountaineering Quote: 35:25 /Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom

Widely known as the Last Frontier, Alaska presents itself as one of the most epic and beautiful places on earth. For many, it means they get the opportunity to not only immerse themselves in solitude, but challenge themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually on some of the most scenic, highest, and technical peaks in North America. Inside this Welcome episode, you will quickly learn discover my passion for mountaineering within Alaska. Additionally, you will find the primary motivation behind creating this Podcast and the incredible climbers and mountaineers that make it possible. Summiting peaks (no matter the elevation) is very much indeed an individual and intrinsic journey, however, there is also something very profound in sharing that experience with those alike. I have the opportunity to sit down with many local Alaskan climbers and mountaineers (of all skill levels) and discuss their own journeys in standing on top of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Last Frontier. Let's bag some peaks! /Host: Sean Kortus Instagram @wkndview (https://www.instagram.com/wkndview/) /Music: Emberloom