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Jim Donini

Jim Donini Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jim Donini is a legendary big wall, technical rock climber and mountaineer, especially renowned for his first ascents in Patagonia in the 1970s and adventurous new routes in Alaska in the 1990s. At age 74 in 2018, Jim continues to astonish the climbing community by still climbing and setting new routes. He also has written numerous articles for climbing magazines.
Date of Birth:
Jul 23, 1943
Jim Donini appears in the following new Jukebox projects:
Interview Title Abstract Archive #: Oral History Project Date of Interview
Jim Donini

Jim Donini was interviewed on June 30, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Jim shares his climbing philosophy and technique, providing great descriptions of climbs in Alaska such as the Diamond Arete and Northeast Spur on Mount Hunter, the Cobra Pillar on Mount Barrille, and his recent epic with Malcom Daly on Thunder Mountain. Jim describes the mentality necessary to keep pushing in the face of adversity, and knowing when to turn back. He also explains why he prefers climbing with one partner only, and offers excellent profiles of climbing partners such as Jack Tackle, Malcom Daly, Greg Crouch, and John Bragg. Jim reflects on the ways that improvements in climbing and rescue technology can paradoxically lead to greater peril because of a false sense of security among mountaineers. He also talks about his project to climb and document the "seven real summits:" the most difficult peak to summit on each continent.

 2000-17-19 Denali Mountaineering Jun 30, 2000