As climbers are finishing up this years turbulent and crowded Everest season, mountain forecast had summit temperatures at a relatively balmy minus 24°C (-11°F).

Meanwhile, over on Denali, those attempting to summit today were climbing up towards the 6,192 meter (20,320 feet) summit and facing minus 30°C (-22°F).

With everyone headed home from Everest, climbers clearing out of Base Camp have been waking up to temperatures little below freezing, and daily streams of water pouring off the glacier by mid morning. While at the 14,000 foot Camp on Denali (4,268 meters), it’s still close to 20°C below (-4°F).

1,100 climbers are registered for Denali this season, and 518 are currently on the mountain. Only 9 have summited so far this season, so percentage wise numbers still low and set to rise, with success at 8% . As the season warms those numbers will certainly rise, with the biggest day two years ago being 31 May, when 54 people reached the top of North America.

From solo climbers, to guided groups, to the fiercely independent, Denali, like all the seven summits attracts a host of climbers – I’m sure 2019 will be more of the same. Lets just hope the increased climber numbers over last year don’t face any of the problems seen on Everest this year.