Space Travellers ® International HIHO Skydive Denali - Tandem Parachut Jump at the Mt. McKinley

In October 2008 a daring group of adventurers performed a hazardous parachute jump, like never undertaken before, over Mount Everest in Nepal. This was the first ever skydive over the summit of the highest peak in the world. Now the stage is set for another unbelievable adventure and to that another world premiere.

Come with us in June 2009 to a legendary peak, over which you will have the chance to parachute. An aircraft will fly you directly over the summit of Mount McKinley.

Mount McKinley is located deep in Alaskas’ Denali National Park and is regarded among climbers, with its peak of 6194m (20,174ft) and a difficulty rating even higher than that of Mount Everest, as one of the most demanding climbs in the world. The mountain is also known as “Denali“, that being the original title given to it by the native Athabaskan people of the area and meaning,“the Great One“. This vast summit received its English language name, in honour of the 25th US President, William McKinley. The name Denali has developed into common usage in America but its preferred international title remains Mount McKinley. Denali is also the northernmost mountain in the world that possesses over 5000m (16,404ft).

For safety reasons the jump over Denali is a high altitude tandem jump, comparable with the HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jumps of the military. HALO jumps are executed from a minimum height of 10,000m (32,808ft), with the parachute only opening at a height of between 1000-1500m (3,281 - 4,921ft). The training for the jump over Denali will be carried out extensively by military experts, but as opposed to a HALO jump, it will in fact be a HIHO (Hig Altitude High Opening) tandem jump. All training personell are highly specialised in parachute jumps, all being NATO trained.

The jump will be executed from a height of between 7,200-7,400m (23,622 - 24,278ft), wearing an oxygen mask and employing the same apparatus as your NATO trained specialist. Nowhere in the world will you find such a highly qualified skydiving team to accompany you on your challenging adventure.

The instructors are the only ones certified from the FAA who are allowed to carry out high altitude parachute jumps, sometimes even from heights of over 10,000m (32,808ft).

The highest ever parachute jump was carried out in 1960 by the American, Joseph Kittinger. Employing the use of a helium balloon, he reached a height of 30,000m (98,524ft) before making the jump to Earth. This type of jump was the only one of its kind and the great feat remains unrepeated until the present day.

You will land in the approximate vicinity of Denali base camp (Ruths’ Glacier being first choice). However, the exact position of landing is dependable on the prevailing weather. Denali Officials will allocate landing zones in accordance to the conditions of the day, always with a high regard to a safe landing. Every Denali Skydive is variable, no two jumps ever being the same.

As already mentioned, from a height of between 7,200-7,400m (23,622 - 24,278ft), you will exit the aircraft in tandem with your military trained NATO instructor. Shortly after exit, your instructor will pull the chord and release the parachute, Under the clouds

enabling you to have maximum airtime. This will be the moment to wonder and awe at the natural beauty of Denali and its surroundings from a perspective witnessed by no one before. You will never in your life forget this truly stunning experience.

You will also experience in your 6 day adventure, training from instructors that is unrivalled anywhere on the planet. They will thoroughly prepare you in a completely professional manner, make you at ease and let you know what to expect.

Talkeetna, known for its salmon fishing and hunting, is a small and picturesque town in close proximity of Denali, and there you will stay in beautiful and convenient lodges. Transport between Talkeetna and training camp is provided along with selected food.

The 6 day event will take place between the 20th and 26th June 2009, while the jump itself is planned for the 22nd June. This is the day after the summer solstice, being so chosen while the weather conditions at Mount McKinley will be more favourable thereon. The following 2 days (until 25th June) are planned as back up days.

You will arrive in either Anchorage or Fairbanks, depending from where you will fly. Then you will travel by either train or aircraft to Talkeetna and your accomodation. Check into your room, every one with a fantastic view of Denali. You will then meet in the „Denali Skydive Suite“ where you will receive all equipment required and your schedule for the next few days. Thereafter you will have a chance to talk to the team and receive your first briefing. Your first evening will be free to do as you wish.

We will arrange for you in the morning a short getting to know you tour, which you should use to acquaint yourself with the other jump participants, the instructor team and learn a little about Alaska. Hopefully some fun will also be had! Around 16.00 everyone will head back to the lodges where you will meet in the „Denali Skydiving Suite“ for your high altitude jump training session to begin. This session will last between 3-4 hours, whereafter an early bedtime is advised, to ensure the following day you are relaxed and fully prepared for the grand event.

After breakfast in the lodge, the jump order will be determined. The order of jumping will depend on who booked first (first booked-first jump). Monday 22nd is the planned date of the jump but as already mentioned, this will depend on mother nature. We will also ask you to have a little patience, it is possible that on the day, you will arrive at the airport to find that you spend the day waiting, only to return to the lodges without anything happening. We have earmarked 3 days when the jump can take place. We want to ensure that you jump in the best possible conditions, so that you will experience to the full this once in a lifetime opportunity.

A: No. Due to the height of altitude from which the jump will be made you will require special equipment and will be harnessed to your instructor. This is to your advantage: You can simply enjoy the experience and let your instructor do the work.

A: Yes. You will receive at pre-flight training a wrist camera and instructions on how to use it, so you can have a personal recording of the event from your own perspective. You will also receive video footage and photos from your stay and jump, made by the HALO jumpers.

A: The flights to and from Talkeetna/Alaska. The transport from Anchorage airport to Talkeetna. Some lunch and evening menus, (packed lunches, breakfast and some surprise menus will be provided).

A: You will get to know the team very well. Some spent many years jumping out of planes for the US military. The possess the highest possible ratings from the United States Parachute Association (USPA). Kevin Hoolbrok and his team have performed more high altitiude jumps than anyone else in the USA. They are the only ones in the USA to own licences from the FAA permitting them to perform tandem jumps from altitudes of over 10,000m (32,808ft). They also train special units of the US military and other NATO troops. Ben Crowell is a fully qualified Senior Mater Rigger and Jim Horak is flight doctor. One time ranger, Neagel Ledet is safety officer and cameraman.

A medical examination from your doctor is neccessary, we will provide you with the relevant forms to be completed. Anyone over the weight of 103kg (227lbs) will not be allowed to jump.

If you would like to extend your stay in Alaska, our Travel and Events Manager will happily advise you. We can also arrange for you the flight to Anchorage/Alaska and the transport from there to Talkeetna.