Hell Scape

When my son told me he would be returning to Denali to climb this spring, I assumed he was simply going to summit the West Buttress, not attempting one of the most technical climbs on the mountain solo. As his mom, I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry every time he ascends a new route. I think most moms worry when their son is scaling jagged rocks, ice, and facing the unpredictable forces of nature.

As a young boy, Balin was always strong-willed, determined, fearless, and had an unquenchable thirst for adventure. This journey to Denali was, by far, his longest and most successful from a climber’s perspective.

During his 53 days in what he nicknamed "Hell Scape," he completed several climbs, but none as remarkable as soloing the Slovak Direct Route. I didn’t learn about this Slovak adventure until his brother, Dylan, told me—but only after he knew Balin was in a relatively safe part of the climb. I have since learned that Balin is the first climber to ever solo the Slovak Direct Route & the " French Connection" on Mount Hunter. 

Anthony Walsh from Climbing.com interviewed Balin shortly after his return from Denali. I highly recommend anyone reading this blog to check out the full interview. Anthony’s writing captures Balin’s adventure in “Hell Scape” with eloquence, while also portraying his true self and mindset. One paragraph from Anthony’s story resonated with me the most:

“A quote from Colin Haley, a veteran of the Alaskan Range, sums up Balin’s journey: ‘Balin Miller’s ascent of the Slovak Route is one of the greatest alpine-style solos ever done in the Central Alaska Range, second only to Renato Casarotto’s committing voyage up the Ridge of No Return on Denali in 1984.’”My son, Balin Miller, has become an incredible athlete with technical climbing skills rarely seen at his age—or perhaps any age.

He never fails to amaze his fans with what he will attempt to climb. However, Balin does not climb for fame, glory, or money; he climbs because he loves it. As his mom, I’ve had to learn to accept sleepless nights, anxiously awaiting InReach notifications and praying for good climbing conditions.

I understand that climbing and conquering new heights is in Balin’s blood. It’s a part of his soul—it’s what fuels his inner spirit. He absolutely loves what he does, and I will always be proud of him and support him, no matter where his climbs take him.

Any VIRR merchandise related to Reality Bath, Mount Huntington, or the Slovak Direct Route: 50% of all profits will be given to Balin Miller. (None of these designs could happen without Balin's stories and photography).

(Slovak Merch coming soon)