Fred, Pedro, Javier and I climbed Mount Dana in October 1999, when we were training for Aconcagua. We initially wanted to climb the North Couloir, but when we spotted the Solstice Couloir, which is steeper and longer, we didn't hesitate and started to climb it. The Solstice Couloir is located on the North Face of Mount Dana, itself located near Tioga Pass, in the northern Sierra. The couloir is about 1500' long at an average pitch of 45-50 degrees. When we climbed it, we met a mountain photographer at the top, who was taking pictures of us climbing. All the nice pictures on this page were taken by him. The climb was very nice and getting steeper as we were gaining height. I think it is much nicer than the neighboring North Couloir, which isn't that steep.

    Pedro posing in front of the Solstice Couloir

    Javier and Fred in the gully

    Fred and his army helmet climbing high up in the couloir

    Fred leading in the upper section

    Fred getting close to the sunny part !

    Fred leading with Javier belaying him in the background

    Eric reaching the top of the couloir

    Eric topping out...