Wade McKoy

"I never had a desire to climb at altitude," says McKoy, citing that much of his early alpinism had been below 14,000 feet. "But a few years ago on Alaska's 20,320-foot Denali, I witnessed the mesmerizing beauty and raw power of truly big mountains, and how individuals deal with the inherent dangers and hardships presented by high-altitude climbing. It's human drama on the grandest earthly stage. I'm hooked."

He has summited Denali, as well as Russia's Mount Elbrus (18,465 feet), Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro (19,321 feet), and Antarctica's Vinson Massif (16,067 feet).

McKoy's photos and articles have appeared in numerous national and international publications. Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he is also co-owner of Focus Productions, Inc. (FPI, http://focusproductions.com) with another long-time Jackson Hole photographer, Bob Woodall. In addition to selling their photography, they publish three local visitors' guides: Jackson Hole Skier, Mountain Country, and the Jackson Hole Dining Guide.

Of the upcoming trip to Peru, McKoy says:
"I'm ready to go on another adventure after spending the winter and spring working solely in Jackson Hole. I needed a break from travel, and now that I've had a solid half year to spend at home with my wife, Holly, and take some trips to visit our families, I can truly get excited about this great adventure that Porter Fox has cooked up.

"I feel genuinely blessed with yet another opportunity to walk and climb into the world's massive mountains. I went to the library to see what I could learn about Peru, a new place for me, and the fascinating story of the Inca Indians jumped right out of those books and into my imagination. I can't wait to see the countryside that spawned such a culture.

"And Chilean wine is absolutely delicious! I'm looking forward to fabulous meals of fresh beef steaks, seafood, fruits, and vegetables; and, along with my fellow team members, who are all fantastic guys themselves, to enjoying the superb company of the South American people. This trip is going to be a blast!"

Wade is skiing on K2 skis with Fritschi bindings, Scarpa Denali boots and Life-Link poles.