The Firn Line Podcast

27/08/2024

In 1978, an iconoclastic climber named Johnny Waterman spent 145 days soloing (and traversing) Mount Hunter. It was one of the boldest and strangest mountaineering feats of all time. But what could have been a launch pad into acclaim and prominence, turned into a descent of infamy and madness. Meanwhile, a group of 3 young gun alpinists prepared to attempt the same route in alpine style.

In 1978, an iconoclastic climber named Johnny Waterman spent 145 days soloing (and traversing) Mount Hunter. It was one of the boldest and strangest mountaineering feats of all time. But what could have been a launch pad into acclaim and prominence, turned into a descent of infamy and madness.  Mea...

06/08/2024

I recently unearthed an interview with Alaskan adventurer Roman Dial from way back in 2017. Really enjoyable listen if you like to hear about Alaskan stories from the 1970s and 80's.

While working on an upcoming 2-part series, I stumbled onto this interview with Alaskan author and adventurer, Roman Dial. We recorded this back in November 2017 and for some reason, I never got around to publishing it. Roman is a natural storyteller, so I’ve decided to leave this pretty raw with ...

10/07/2024

New episode out today! I had a fun (and hopefully insightful) conversation with Alaskan alpinist Clint Helander

A few weeks ago I interviewed North American alpinist, Clint Helander, for a deep-dive feature I’m working on for The Firn Line.  At the end of the conversation, I wanted to have a little fun.  So we did a quick-fire back and forth on what we think the top 5 traits of an alpinist are. …

26/06/2024

If preserving Alaskan climbing history is important to you, please consider donating to this worthwhile endeavor:

By appreciating the past, we are able to understand the present, shape the f… August Franzen needs your support for Support the Embick- Teale Memorial Library

25/06/2024

[New Episode] A conversation with Squamish-based rock climber, Will Stanhope:

Will Stanhope is a Squamish-based rock climber, who is known for his free solos, big adventures, and witty sense of humor. All of those avenues are explored in this conversation. We talk about his inspirations as a kid, how he got into climbing, who inspired him as a young climber, his most memorabl...

18/06/2024

[New Music!] Hey friends, I'm excited to share my new music single, "Not Over You", which is available on all streaming platforms. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

track by Evan Phillips

16/06/2024

[New Episode] The Cassin Ridge:

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 Phi...

28/05/2024

[New Episode] Climber and alpinist Suzanna Lourie discusses her recent trip to Alaska, where she and her partner, Olga Dobranowsky, made an ascent of the ultra-classic Ham & Eggs route on the Moose's Tooth.

During a stretch of amazing weather and conditions in April, 2024, Suzanna Lourie and her partner, Olga Dobranowski, made an ascent of the ultra-classic Ham & Eggs route on The Moose’s Tooth.   The Moose’s Tooth is a rock peak in the Central Alaska Range, 15 miles southeast of Denali. Despite i...

23/05/2024

[New Video] Alpinist Steve House shares a harrowing experience from his climb on North Twin in 2004:

Legendary alpinist Steve House describes his near disaster climbing a new route on the North Wall of North Twin in the Canadian Rockies. In April 2004, Stev...

16/05/2024

[New Video] Alpinist Chantel Astorga shares her experience soloing Denali's Cassin Ridge

Alpinist and climber Chantel Astorga talks about her solo on Denali's Cassin Ridge. The Cassin is one of the purest and most classic lines on Denali, taking...

09/05/2024

'Land of The Forbidden' coming Tuesday, May 14 on The Firn Line!

01/05/2024

[New Video] Author and climber Jon Waterman talks about Johnny Waterman's (no relation) incredible 143 day solo traverse of Mount Hunter in 1978:

Author and climber Jon Waterman (no relation) discusses the late Johnny Waterman's Crazy Solo of the Southeast Spur of Mount Hunter, which he completed over ...

23/04/2024

It's almost camping season! Pick up a new Firn Line insulated camp mug (or other merch) over at the Firn Line Merch store!
https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-firn-line/

21/04/2024

[New YouTube Vid]
Will Stanhope shares a few thoughts about his late friend - climber and alpinist Marc André Leclerc. Make sure and subscribe to the YouTube channel for more bonus content!

Canadian rock climber and adventurer Will Stanhope Remembers Climber and Alpinist Marc André Leclerc.Watch 'The Lost Valley': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

16/04/2024

[New Video]
In this Youtube video, Northwest-based author and climber Malcolm Bates tells a vintage Fred Beckey story!

Fred Beckey is one of the most important characters in North American climbing history. He was also an incredibly complicated person who could drive his par...

16/04/2024

[Early Access] for Patreon subscribers! Here's a sneak peek of next week's episode - A conversation with Pacific Northwest author, climber, skier and historian, Lowell Skoog. Available now for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/thefirnline