April 24, 2025 Folly Staff

As the spring thaw approaches, two local adventurers are deep into preparations for what could be the challenge of a lifetime scaling the 20,310-foot summit of Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

Marcelle Roemmich, 36, a captain at Major Marine Tours in the summer and an artist in the winter, and Nicole Lawrence, also a captain at Major Marine Tours and the owner of Seward Properties, have spent the past decade training together for their planned mid-May to mid-June ascent of Denali. The pair can often be spotted on the steep trails around Seward, carrying heavy packs and testing their endurance for the demanding climb ahead.

“Our goal is to get out, test ourselves physically, and make good decisions together,” said Nicole. Marcelle added that they “don’t want to get summit hungry,” they just want to enjoy the experience.

They both admit they feel like they’ve earned an advanced degree with the time spent in mountain climbing and safety courses, training, and preparing for this spring’s ascent. Their preparation has been methodical. The team has been working with local mountaineering experts and following a rigorous training regimen that includes weighted-backpack hikes, technical climbing practice, and cold weather endurance training, including Mount Rainier in -20 windchill conditions. They’ve practiced crevasse rescue techniques at the Alaska Mountain Safety Center and recently spent a weekend up on Mt. Eva near Seward, testing their gear and skill sets. They’ve both earned the Wilderness First Responder certifications.

The physical preparation is crucial, but the mental aspect is just as important.

“We need to be ready for long periods in a tent, extreme cold, and oxygen deprivation – including the risk of altitude sickness, all while making critical decisions under pressure.”

– Nicole Lawrence

They both emphasized their strong friendship makes this undertaking possible.

“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

– Marcelle Roemmich

The climbers have secured their permits through the National Park Service and are finalizing their equipment list, which includes specialized gear for the extreme conditions they’ll face. Local businesses have stepped up to support the expedition, including Major Marine Tours giving them time off to pursue their dream.

The team plans to depart Seward in mid-May, allowing time to acclimate at base camp before beginning their ascent. They plan to use their skis up to the 14,000-foot camp, often having to double carry their 120 pounds of gear every day. “Go slow is pro,” Nicole said, limiting their climbs to 1500 to 3000 feet a day for the first 10 days to adjust to the altitude. They’ll be joining approximately 1,000 other climbers who attempt the summit each year, though not all succeed.

“Lots of people in Seward have climbed Denali or have been guides,” Lawrence said. “Their help has been invaluable.”

When asked why they were attempting this adventure, Nicole said: “ I enjoy the ride, the power of nature, seeing and being a part of what is around us.”

Marcelle pointed out that she was the only girl and the youngest of four growing up, and not the most confident, but Seward’s population of outdoor-savvy women inspired her to aim high. When asked about how their husbands feel about their climb, both said laughingly, “They want us to come home, but they did take out extra life insurance plans!”

If you see these two brave women on the streets and trails of Seward, let them know that this town is behind their success in their epic adventure.