Minus 103 Degrees

On February 19, 2023, German alpinist Jost Kobusch achieved a historic feat by completing a solo winter ascent of Denali (6,190 meters), North America’s highest peak. He reached the summit via the Messner Couloir, marking the first time this route had been successfully climbed solo during the winter season. Over 35 continuous hours, he endured extreme cold and isolation, moving with precision and patience through one of the world’s most unforgiving environments.

This accomplishment places Kobusch among the rarest figures in mountaineering history—one of the few to embrace the extreme challenge of winter solo ascents, where technical ability and self-sufficiency determine success. He is the first non-American to complete a solo winter ascent of Denali, on a route known for its sustained exposure and direct ascent through Denali’s formidable terrain.

Yet, for Kobusch, Denali was not an endpoint—it was part of a much larger vision. His approach to mountaineering is not about collecting summits, but about exploring human limits in the world’s most demanding environments, driven by curiosity, strategy, and a deep respect for the mountains. This climb was a crucial step toward his ultimate goal: a solo winter ascent of Everest, via the West Ridge.

Minus 103 Degrees offers a window into this evolving journey, capturing the essence of an climber who is constantly testing the edge of what is possible. The film captures the bold journey with exquisite cinematography, soundscape and an introspective narrative that delves into Kobusch’s unique philosophy of solo alpinism. It paints an intimate portrait of a man who moves with calculated focus and resilience in face of an audacious challenge.