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Rabat – In her relentless pursuit of mountaineering adventure and the completion of her Seven Summits challenge, fearless Moroccan alpinist Nawal Sfendla is gearing up to conquer her fourth summit, Mount Denali, also known as Mount McKinley. Located in the scenic south-central region of Alaska, Mount Denali stands tall as the tallest peak in North America.
With a peak that reaches 6,190 meters (20,310 feet) above sea level, Denali is the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits, which represent the highest mountains on each of the world’s seven continents.
Ahead of her departure for Alaska, Nawal Sfendla shared her insights with Morocco World News during an exclusive interview. She discussed her meticulous physical and mental preparations to confront the extreme weather conditions and formidable terrain for which Alaska is notorious.
The Alaskan wilderness is renowned for its harsh and complex weather patterns, often plunging to bone-chilling lows of minus 40 or even minus 50 degrees Celsius.
“I’m going to do it without assistance, without a porter. There’s no one to carry my stuff,” Sfendla affirmed with unwavering determination. “I’ve been training for weeks and weeks and months, just to be able to master carrying very heavy weights, i.e., carrying a backpack on my back that weighs up to twenty-five kilos. So, it’s really very advanced training.”
Reflecting on her preparation journey, Sfendla acknowledged the immense value of her previous climb on Mount Manaslu, an 8,163-meter peak nestled in the Himalayas and the seventh highest mountain in Nepal. Though it was not part of her Seven Summits challenge, the experience proved to be invaluable in readying for the forthcoming expedition.
Nawal Sfendla climbing
“Mount Manaslu helped me enormously. It was very technical, super technical, and in really extreme conditions,” Sfendla explained.
The importance of setting boundaries
Equipped with the knowledge gained from her previous mountaineering feats, Sfendla is well aware of the physical and mental demands she will face while tackling Mount Denali. Yet she remains resolute and committed to pushing her limits, driven by her passion for mountaineering and the support of her family.
Sfendla reminisced about the unforgettable experiences she encountered while climbing Mount Manaslu in September 2022. The treacherous weather conditions and frequent avalanches posed significant challenges throughout the journey.
Reda Also: Moroccan Alpinist Nawal Sfendla Takes Up Manaslu Summit Challenge in Himalayas
“I managed to ascend to 7300 meters until an avalanche stopped us. “I saw people die in front of me. I saw a lot of injured people,” Sfendla recounted with a touch of sadness in her voice. “There was not just one avalanche; there were two, three, four, five, six. Sadly, we witnessed the death of a very famous American mountaineer, and it was heartbreaking, especially as my own team was responsible for bringing her body back.”
The encounter with such devastating events profoundly impacted Sfendla, prompting her to reflect on her own limitations and the nature of her pursuit. Balancing respect for her family, herself, and the demanding profession of mountaineering, she acknowledged the importance of setting boundaries.
“There are people who don’t set limits for themselves, but I chose to set myself this limit,” she confessed. “I did everything I could to make it clear in my head. I promised myself that I wouldn’t go beyond certain limits, that would make me face death.”
Building physical resilience and finding inner peace
Sfendla has undertaken comprehensive preparations to prepare for her forthcoming arduous journey, both in terms of physical training and mental fortitude. Physically, she has always been an athletic individual, having engaged in running since her early years.
This athletic background has provided her with the endurance required for mountaineering. Additionally, she focuses on muscle strengthening exercises to ensure her body remains resilient even in the face of altitude-induced fatigue.
Nawal Sfendla working out
For mental preparation, Sfendla finds solace in meditation and immersing herself in the majestic Moroccan mountains, particularly the Atlas range. Exploring these mountains grants her a sense of tranquility and self-reflection.
Sfendla often undertakes challenging expeditions, including one-day climbs exceeding an altitude of four thousand meters. Reaching the summit serves as a sacred ritual that establishes a deep connection between the Moroccan alpinist and the mountain, providing her with a much-needed personal sanctuary.
Such experiences allow Sfendla to tap into her inner energy and develop a profound connection with nature. “That’s how I nourish myself from a purely energetic point of view and develop my mind, because I feel I have a very strong connection with nature,” she said.
The Moroccan alpinist acknowledges the importance of extensive pre-expedition work, conducting thorough research on the mountains she intends to conquer. This comprehensive approach involves studying the mountains’ unique characteristics, appearances, and climates, as well as the surrounding countries, cities, and villages.
By acquiring a deep understanding of each mountain’s intricacies, Sfendla ensures that she approaches each climb with the utmost professionalism and respect.
Embracing curiosity in quest to push beyond limits
As she reflects on the beginnings of her mountaineering journey, Sfendla recalls her initial introduction to the world of climbing. Despite her background in running and other sports, she initially underestimated the challenge posed by Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
However, a weekend expedition in June 2019 forever altered her perspective. The experience proved transformative, as it pushed her beyond her comfort zone and instilled in her the comforting need of, and quest for, a sense of perpetual renewal while navigating through life.
The allure of the mountains became irresistible to Sfendla, compelling her to embark on a quest of self-discovery and accomplishment. Captivated by the powerful connection she felt with the mountains, she delved into research, ultimately discovering the Seven Summits challenge.
Nawal Sfendla on Mount Elbrus, the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and Europe
Although previously accomplished by others, the challenge sparked within Sfendla a fire that has since constantly propelled her to test her limits and surpass her boundaries. Embracing this calling, she wholeheartedly committed herself to becoming a mountaineer, eager to explore uncharted territories and unravel the depths of her capabilities.
Mount Toubkal, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping Sfendla’s awe-inspiring journey. The mountain unveiled hidden aspects of the alpinist’s character and ignited a profound curiosity within her. It was this curiosity that drove her to seek further knowledge, prompting her to push beyond her comfort zone and explore the unknown.
With her physical and mental preparations underway, Nawal Sfendla stands on the precipice of her Mount Denali expedition. Equipped with a steadfast determination and a thirst for self-discovery, she is poised to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. As she ventures into the untamed wilderness, Sfendla carries with her the invaluable experiences garnered from her previous climbs, ready to conquer new heights and surpass her own expectations.
Reflecting on what she learned from her experiences, the Moroccan alpinist beamed: “The mountains have been my teachers of patience and have instilled invaluable values within me. Stepping out of my comfort zone, and embracing personal growth and self-acceptance.”
She further emphasized the undeniable positive influence of the mountains on her character, nurturing qualities such as patience, introspection, and the ability to face the unknown without succumbing to panic.
“Each expedition uncovers new values and enhances my understanding of myself and others. I cherish these experiences and wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world,” concluded the Moroccan alpinist.
Read Also: Meet the Three Moroccan Women Who Conquered Mount Kinabalu
