The Firn Line

A podcast about the lives of mountain climbers.

Last refreshed: July 11th, 2025 at 11:37 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Short Ropes: Katie's Micro-Expeditions

Last month I sat down to chat with Alaskan climber and mountain explorer Katie Strong . Katie is an ambitious adventurer, as well as a driven environmental lawyer, which means her career often-times takes center stage, leaving her with limited amounts of free time. But that doesn’t keep her from spending time in the mountains. Rather, it just means she has to pack big trips into shorter blocks. Enter the "micro-expedition”. Music by Evan Phillips Support the show at Patreon Sponsors: Alaska Rock...

Jun 22, 2017•33 min•Season 1Ep. 8

The Power Of Being Human: Luc Mehl

Growing up in the village of McGrath, Luc Mehl was inspired at a young age by the simplicity of rural living, and the vast Alaskan wilderness surrounding him. As a teenager, Luc moved to Anchorage to attend high school, and it was during this period that he would first experience rock climbing and other outdoor sports. But at that junction, his passion for academics and learning would take center stage. After earning his undergraduate degree in geology, Luc attended UC Santa Barbara where he wou...

Jun 08, 2017•58 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Short Ropes: The Risk Of Commitment

Nestled in the heart of the Alaska Range, lies what many believe to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world: Mount Huntington. Rising on all sides to form a 12,241 ft symmetrical pyramid of rock, snow and ice, Huntington has captured the imagination of bold and dedicated alpinists for decades. • When the French Ridge was first climbed in 1964, the mountaineering world took notice. Then just a year later, when a young David Roberts and crew climbed the stunning west face, the mountain...

May 17, 2017•53 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Alaska Ranger: Mark Westman

Mark Westman is one of Alaska's most prolific alpinists. On Denali alone, Westman has climbed a myriad of monumental routes including the Cassin Ridge, Isis Face, Denali Diamond and Slovak Direct. On episdode 05, Westman traces his roots in the outdoors, the important partnerships in his life and the challenges he's faced in and out of the mountains.

May 04, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Short Ropes: Chitistone Chuckles

Cover: Dustin Eroh leads Blackbird Falls in Chitina, Alaska (Photo: Andrew Burr) In February, 2016 Dusty Eroh, Andrew Burr, Scott Adamson and Todd Tumolo rode, pushed and postholed their fatbikes up the Nizina River to the mythical frozen waterfalls of the Chitistone valley. In Episode 04, Dusty tells the story first-hand, reflects on his time with Scott and discusses how he got his nickname, "Dirty D."

Apr 20, 2017•48 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Life Revelations: Clint Helander

Clint Helander left home at 18 years old, hoping to escape a tense relationship with his mother, and to start finding his own way through life. When he came to Alaska a year later to attend college, a chance encounter with a new group of friends would expose Clint to the outdoors, and eventually lead him to the mythical Revelation Mountains. Little did he know that along the way, he’d learn more about the importance of relationships with his friends, and ultimately his mother, than he ever could...

Apr 06, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Short Ropes: Makalu Mantras

In this follow up to episode 01, Alaksan alpinist Charlie Sassara talks about attempting the west pillar of Makalu in 1984, as well as his transition to Alaska climbing back in the day. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Evan Phillips All Music by Evan Phillips

Mar 17, 2017•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The Expression Of Climbing: Charlie Sassara

Growing up in the wilds of Alaska, Charlie Sassara always yearned for adventure. But it wasn't until he found the "expression" of climbing that his life's path changed forever. From early harrowing ascents on Mount Deborah and Denali in winter, to visionary climbs and bold rescues in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Charlie is a compelling character, and one of Alaska's most enduring alpinists. Music by Evan Phillips Links: Patreon Sponsors: Alaska Rock Gym...

Mar 02, 2017•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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