Valhalla

In early March, 1983, we flew into the head of the west branch of the Nelchina Glacier to climb Valhalla. We followed the east ridge to the summit with few difficulties except for some nice overhanging cornices near the summit. We had one camp in a snow-filled crevasse on the way. Fine view of Prince William Sound and the Columbia Glacier from the top. After descending to our base camp, we skied up the glacial branch south of the east ridge and camped at the col. We dug a snow cave with a 3-foot entry tunnel that, after a 3-day storm, was 20 feet long. We made a quick trip up Mt. Fafnir and tried, but failed, on Mt. Gilbert Lewis.

We ended the climb by skiing 35 miles down the Nelchina Glacier and River to Eureka Roadhouse.