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The Mount Denali Business Boom

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This weekend is the unofficial start of the Mount Denali climbing season in Alaska. That means more than a thousand people will gather in the small town of Talkeetna as they approach the peak, the highest in North America. During the off-season it's hard to even find a meal but when the climbers show up, all businesses are open. Independent Producer Annie Feidt brings us the story.

Notes from Producer Annie Feidt:

The ranger station in Talkeetna, Ala., looks pretty much like any other National Park Service visitor center you've been to. But instead of posters on wildflowers and rock formations, this quote from British Climber Edward Whymper hangs on the wall:

"Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end."

It's a reminder of the risks of climbing Denali. Since 1932, 96 people have died on the mountain, and many more have been injured. But the vast majority of climbers make it back to Talkeetna safely. The Denali rangers do their best to make sure climbers understand what they're getting into. They go through an hour-long briefing with specifics on dangers like rock fall, avalanches and crevasses.

Lead Ranger Daryl Miller says experienced climbers are just as likely to die as those who are less experienced. And up on the mountain, little things can make a big difference. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of accidents. But of course, on Denali, you can't fill up your water bottle at a faucet. Climbers have to spend hours each day melting enough snow to stay hydrated.

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