RMI Expeditions was founded in 1969 by Lou Whittaker and Jerry Lynch with a conviction that guides should teach, not just lead. What started on one mountain now spans seven continents, 40+ programs, and more than 100,000 climbers guided. But the number that matters most isn't in the stat row below. It's the one that's harder to count; the people who came back from a climb seeing things differently. Our guides are the product. When you tie in with RMI, you don't hire a service. You join a team.
When our climbers tie onto our rope, they become part of OUR team.
Peter Whittaker
That team is now in its third generation of Whittaker family leadership, backed by 70+ professional guides who represent the deepest concentration of high-altitude experience in North America, and a 55+ year concessionaire record on Mount Rainier that no competitor can match.
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Our Mission, Values, and What We Stand For
What 55+ years of operational experience actually looks like on the mountain.
RMI's Legacy & The History of American Alpinism
Our partners, from gear & apparel to local outfitters and NGOs.
Firsthand accounts from the rope team.
Every decision RMI makes (who we hire, how we train, where we operate, and how we leave a place) comes back to the same question Lou Whittaker asked in 1969: what does it actually mean to take someone into the mountains responsibly? Guiding isn't a transaction. When you rope up with RMI, you join a team built on five decades of hard-won mountain knowledge, and a set of values that govern every hire, every program, and every decision made above the trailhead. These are the principles we operate by.
The mountains we guide on are not backdrops. They are places that ask something real of the people who enter them, and give something real back. Every value below exists in service of that exchange; getting you to a place where the view changes how you see things, and making sure you get there and back with the skills, the support, and the team to do it right.
No one can promise safety. But we're very good at managing it.
RMI operates as a High Reliability Organization - the same framework used by aircraft carriers and nuclear power plants, industries where the cost of failure is absolute. We were the first guide service in Mount Rainier National Park to implement an OSHA-recognized Safety Committee, and our protocols have held up under Washington Labor and Industries' voluntary safety audit. But credentials don't keep people safe. Culture does. Every RMI guide is trained in technical rescue, remote medicine, and risk decision-making, and every one of them operates under the same standard: maintain a margin of safety at all times, not just on summit day, and not as a slogan. We cannot guarantee safety. No honest guide service can. What we can guarantee is that every guide on your rope has been trained to recognize the moment before things go wrong, and to act on it.
Technical skills can be taught. Character cannot.
RMI guides are hired for who they are before what they can do. Technical proficiency matters, and we've put over $100,000 in AMGA education grants behind developing it, but the guides who make a climb memorable are the ones who are genuinely good to be around at altitude, in a tent, on a hard day. Every RMI program is led by an RMI guide. On international programs, RMI guides lead alongside vetted local partners who meet RMI's operational standards. When you tie in, you get someone who has spent more time on this mountain than they can count, who knows what you're feeling before you say it, and who considers getting you there and back the best part of their job. That relationship is the product. Everything else supports it.
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We don't just follow best practices. We helped build them.
RMI has been operating in some of the most fragile environments on earth for over five decades. Leave No Trace isn't a checkbox for us, we helped write the Alpine Zone curriculum. Carbon-neutral National Park operations, human-powered carries, waste removal standards on Mt. McKinley, these are practices, not pledges. But responsible climbing isn't only about what we leave behind. It's about what we give back. Since 1988, RMI has raised $4.4 million for the American Lung Association and led breast cancer survivors to the summit of Aconcagua. The mountains have given us everything. We've been trying to return the favor for 55+ years.
The summit is the goal. The experience is the point.
RMI exists to get people into the mountains and back down safely. But the guides who have spent decades on these routes will tell you the summit is only part of it. Something happens when you push past what you thought you were capable of, when you move through terrain that demands everything you have, when you stand somewhere most people will never stand. You come back different. Not because the mountain changed you, but because you found out what you were made of when it asked. That's what we're actually in the business of. The summit is how we get you there.
Learn more about how RMI puts our principles to practice all over the world.
After two failed attempts and 13 years of dreaming, the RMI guide made history on May 9th.
Meet the women who’ve shaped RMI’s legacy in the mountains and inspired generations of climbers around the world. Discover more now.
Learn how RMI Expeditions practices sustainability in mountaineering through Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship. Learn more.
RMI guide Brent Okita becomes the first person to summit Mount Rainier 600 times. With nearly four decades of guiding experience, Okita’s record reflects a lifetime of leadership, resilience, and dedication to mountaineering.
At RMI Expeditions, guiding is more than a job. It’s a profession built on expert training, mentorship, and continual development. Discover how our guides prepare to lead with skill, safety, and purpose in every step of your climb.
In climbing, the margin of safety is the buffer between risk and return. Learn what it means, how to build it on the mountain, and how RMI guides set the standard for risk management.
Most guide services can get you to the mountain. The difference is what happens once you're there — how decisions get made, how guides are trained, how logistics hold up when conditions change, and whether the team leading you has been on this route enough times to know what the mountain looks like on a bad day. RMI has been building the answer to those questions since 1969. What follows is the operational reality behind 55+ years of guided climbing.
Every trip RMI runs worldwide is led by an RMI guide.
Every trip RMI runs worldwide is led by an RMI guide. That's not a policy statement, it's a structural commitment that shapes how we hire, how we train, and how we staff every program from Rainier to Vinson. New hires go through a multi-stage evaluation process that weights interpersonal judgment above technical credentials, because technical skills can be developed and character cannot. Once hired, guides progress through a defined pathway from assistant guide to school lead to lead guide, with AMGA certification requirements and over $100,000 in education grants backing that development at every stage. Senior guides like Brent Okita, who has led clients to the summit of Rainier 600 times, and Dave Hahn, with 15 Everest summits and 300-plus Rainier ascents, are still on the mountain, still leading rope teams, still setting the standard that everyone below them is working toward. When you hire RMI, you get a guide who has been on your route more times than most people have been in the mountains at all.
Every RMI program worldwide is led by an RMI guide. Get to know the people who will be on your rope.
Every guide on your rope has been trained to recognize the moment BEFORE things go wrong.
Risk management at RMI is not a summit-day protocol. It begins in the planning stage, runs through every camp transition, and governs every turnaround decision regardless of how close the summit is. Weather windows are evaluated against conservative thresholds, not optimistic ones. Turnaround times are set before the climb starts and held when the moment arrives. On technical routes, guides are continuously assessing snow stability, crevasse patterns, rope team fatigue, and overhead hazard, not as a checklist but as a running calculation that informs every step. When conditions shift, the guide making the call has made it before on this route, often in worse conditions. That depth of route-specific experience is what a 55+ year operational history on a single mountain actually produces, and it is what our international programs draw on when we select local partners and design expedition logistics on peaks we don't guide every season.
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The people who run RMI's operations have been doing it for a long time. That matters more than it sounds.
Most of RMI's office and operations staff have been with the company for 15 to 20 years. They have handled permit renewals, flight cancellations, gear emergencies, inclement weather protocols, local outfitter communication, and the kind of complex political climates that can shut down an international expedition with 48 hours notice. Bridging the office and the mountain are RMI's Mountain Managers — senior guides who also coordinate logistics, communicate with clients before and during programs, oversee guide divisions, and handle the operational details that keep a program running when conditions change. When something goes wrong on a program, the person fielding that call has almost certainly dealt with a version of it before, and the guide on the other end of the radio has too. That depth of institutional knowledge doesn't come from a manual. It accumulates over decades of running the same routes, in the same parks, with the same partners, through the same seasonal variables.
More than 55 years of continuous operation in a federal park doesn't happen by accident.
RMI has held the Mount Rainier National Park guiding concession since 1969, longer than any other guide service on the mountain. Maintaining a federal concession requires ongoing compliance with National Park Service standards across safety, environmental practice, guide qualifications, group size management, and operational conduct. That permit has been renewed consistently across more than five decades of changing regulations, administrations, and environmental requirements. In Denali National Park, RMI has run more than 300 expeditions since 1975, building a relationship with the National Park Service in Alaska that reflects the same operational consistency. These aren't legacy credentials. They are active requirements that RMI meets every season, on every program, across every mountain where a federal permit governs the right to operate.
What Lou Whittaker started at the base of Mount Rainier in 1969 has become something neither he nor Jerry Lynch could have mapped out on a napkin. A regional guide service built on a single conviction (that guides should teach, not just lead) has grown into five and a half decades of Himalayan firsts, environmental standards, world records, and a guide roster that reads like a who's who of American mountaineering. The Whittaker family has been at the center of all of it, from Lou and Jim scrambling the Cascades as teenagers to the third generation now helping run the company. This is how it happened.
The story of RMI starts not with a business plan, but with two boys from West Seattle and a mountain that wouldn't leave them alone. From that first summit in 1945 to the founding of Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. in 1969, everything that RMI became grew out of what Lou and Jim Whittaker learned by spending their lives on the mountain.
Lou and Jim Whittaker grew up in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle and started climbing with the Boy Scouts at twelve. They joined The Mountaineers, and in the summer of 1945 made their first ascent of Mount Rainier together at sixteen, via the Emmons Glacier. By eighteen, Lou had climbed every major peak in Washington. By nineteen, both brothers were guiding on Rainier and had taken over management of the national park's guide service. The Cascades were their backyard, Rainier their classroom, and guiding their livelihood before either of them had figured out what came next.
When the Korean War broke out, Lou and Jim were drafted and assigned to Camp Hale, Colorado, where they trained 10th Mountain Division soldiers in alpine climbing, skiing, and cold-weather survival using skills sharpened on Rainier. Discharged in 1954, the twins returned to Seattle and went separate directions. Jim built REI into America's largest outdoor specialty retailer, and in 1963 became the first American to summit Everest, receiving the Hubbard Medal from President Kennedy. Lou had been invited on the expedition and declined, feeling a growing sense of responsibility at home. He stayed on the mountain, kept guiding, and spent the next fifteen years building toward something of his own.
After fourteen years as chief guide under Rainier's main concessionaire, Lou purchased the guiding concession and co-founded Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. with business partner Jerry Lynch in 1969. His founding philosophy was straightforward: guides should teach, not just lead. Climbers weren't passengers to be escorted to a summit. They were rope team members, expected to learn, contribute, and be accountable to everyone tied in with them. That philosophy was a deliberate departure from how guiding worked at the time, and it remains the operating standard at RMI today.
Lou passed away on March 24, 2024, at his home near the mountain, surrounded by family. Jim followed in April 2026 at 97. Between them, they shaped American mountaineering more than any other pair of siblings the sport has produced.
The company Lou built around a single mountain spent the next two decades proving it could operate anywhere. From Mt. McKinley to the Himalayas, RMI guides were pushing into terrain that defined a generation of American mountaineering — and bringing the same teaching philosophy with them.
RMI's first Mt. McKinley summit came on May 18, 1974, when guides John Kalbrener, Laury Bye, and Joe Horiskey reached the top after eighteen days on the mountain. The following year, RMI led its first guided client expedition to Mt. McKinley, again under Horiskey's leadership. In the decades since, RMI has led more than 300 Mt. McKinley expeditions, more than any other guide service on the mountain. Joe Horiskey, who began guiding on Mount Rainier at seventeen in 1968, a year before RMI was founded, went on to lead 23 Mt. McKinley expeditions and accumulate 235 Rainier summits.
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Peter Whittaker spent summers at Camp Muir as a cabin boy starting at age ten, learning the mountain the same way his father had; by living on it. He began guiding at sixteen, the youngest on the roster. His brother Win started guiding in his teenage years as well. Lou's son and his guides were becoming the backbone of what RMI would grow into, and the mountain that shaped Lou was shaping them the same way.
Marty Hoey joined RMI in the early 1970s as a cabin girl and became the company's first female guide. For more than a decade, she guided Rainier over 100 times, led expeditions on McKinley and Aconcagua, and was considered one of the finest high-altitude female mountaineers in the world. In 1982, Lou invited her to join his North Wall Everest expedition. She was within a day or two of what would have been the first American woman's summit when she fell from a fixed rope at 26,600 feet. Her body was never recovered. Lou said afterward: "If Marty had been with us, we would have made it." Her legacy lives on in every female guide who has worked for RMI since.
In 1982, Lou led an expedition to Everest's North Wall; the deepest concentration of RMI talent ever assembled on a single climb, including Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler, George Dunn, Joe Horiskey, and Larry Nielson. The summit eluded them. Two years later Lou returned, leading the first American ascent of Everest's North Col in 1984, with Phil Ershler making a solo summit push. Peter, twenty-four, was on that expedition carrying loads to high camp. In 1983, Larry Nielson became the first American to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. A few years later, Lou led the first American ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1989, the world's third-highest peak. On that expedition, a young Ed Viesturs reached his first 8,000-meter summit, the beginning of a quest that would end with him becoming the only American to climb all fourteen without supplemental oxygen.
While Lou's Himalayan record was being written in the 1980s, Peter was building his own. The decade that followed would see Peter complete the Seven Summits, lead one of the most memorable climbs in RMI's history, and return home to take the helm of a company that had spent thirty years becoming something worth leading.
Before Peter came back to RMI, he spent fourteen years running his own global expedition company, Summits Adventure Travel, leading more than seventy expeditions across all seven continents. He completed the Seven Summits himself during that period, and developed the international relationships, logistics, and expedition management experience that no amount of time on Rainier alone could have built. When he returned to Washington in 1995, he brought all of it with him.
In 1995, Peter organized and led Expedition Inspiration; a team of breast cancer survivors to the summit of Aconcagua in Argentina. The climb raised $2.3 million for breast cancer research and was documented in a PBS film produced by Bill Curtis Productions. It remains one of the most deliberate uses of a mountain in RMI's history: not as a backdrop, but as the thing itself, used to show what people are capable of when the stakes are real and the team is right.
Peter assumed leadership of RMI in 1999, folding the international infrastructure of Summits Adventure Travel into the company. What had been a Pacific Northwest guide service with a strong Himalayan track record became, under Peter's leadership, a genuinely global operation. The same teaching philosophy Lou built in 1969 was now backed by expedition experience on every continent and a growing roster of guides who had climbed with Peter around the world. Lou stayed connected. The rope just got longer.
Peter took over a company with deep roots and a strong domestic reputation. What he built over the next fifteen years was something Lou hadn't set out to create in 1969: a truly global guide service, operating on seven continents, with an environmental track record and a guide roster that kept producing firsts.
When Peter folded Summits Adventure Travel into RMI in 1999, the company's international reach expanded overnight. The relationships, logistics, and expedition infrastructure Peter had built across fourteen years and seventy expeditions became RMI's. Programs that had existed on Rainier and Mt. McKinley now extended to Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Vinson, Everest, and beyond. By the time Peter's first decade of leadership was complete, RMI was operating on all seven continents with established local partnerships on every one of them.
Peter's most lasting operational change wasn't programmatic; it was environmental. RMI implemented a concessionaire shuttle system to reduce vehicle traffic at the park, stopped using helicopters to stock high camp and switched to human-powered carries, reduced group sizes to meet wilderness backcountry guidelines, and in 2002 guide Dave Hahn led the first commercially guided expedition to carry all human waste off Mt. McKinley. From 2001 to 2003, RMI co-developed the Leave No Trace Alpine Zone curriculum with the National Park Service and other concessionaires. LNT adopted it nationally in 2011. These weren't responses to pressure. They were decisions made before anyone was asking.
In the 2010s, RMI expanded into the North Cascades, adding Baker, Shuksan, Forbidden Peak, and Glacier Peak to the program catalog. The expansion brought RMI's teaching philosophy to a range of technically demanding objectives that had long attracted serious climbers but lacked the structured, guide-led programs RMI had built on Rainier and in Alaska. It also brought RMI closer to its Pacific Northwest roots; the same mountains Lou and Jim had scrambled as teenagers were now part of the program.
The guides who passed through RMI during Peter's leadership didn't just represent the company; they defined a generation of American mountaineering. Ed Viesturs, who reached his first 8,000-meter summit on Lou's 1989 Kangchenjunga expedition, went on to become the only American to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Dave Hahn has been guiding with RMI since 1986, accumulating 15 Everest summits, 300-plus ascents of Rainier, and 38 summits of Vinson Massif. Melissa Arnot Reid joined as a Rainier guide in 2004 and became the first American woman to summit and descend Everest without supplemental oxygen in 2016, her sixth summit of the peak. These are not footnotes to RMI's story. They are the story.
The Whittaker gear story starts on a K2 expedition in 1975. Somewhere on the trek out, Lou removed the Vibram soles from his climbing boots and affixed them to his tennis shoes — improvising a lightweight trekking shoe out of necessity. He brought the idea to New Balance, and the result was the Rainier Boot, released in 1982. It combined the cushioning of a running shoe with the traction of a climbing boot, and it was on Lou's feet on Everest's North Col route in 1984. Lou also served as a product designer and consultant for JanSport and K2.
Before taking over RMI, Peter had already been working with gear companies as a sponsored athlete and product collaborator — Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Buck Knives, Timberland. These weren't endorsement deals. They were working relationships built on the same premise Lou established with New Balance: guides know what works, and manufacturers benefit from that knowledge. When Peter assumed leadership of RMI in 1999, that philosophy became part of how the company operated.
A climb of Rainier with Neil Fiske, then CEO of Eddie Bauer, became the spark for something larger. Peter and a team of RMI guides spent the next several years designing the First Ascent technical apparel line, testing every piece on Rainier under real expedition conditions. The line launched with the 2009 RMI Everest Expedition and grew to $42 million. When Eddie Bauer eventually stepped away from the technical direction, Peter took the design team and the process with him.
Peter founded Bight Gear in 2016 with one goal: simplify the mountain system. Where major brands were offering twenty-plus versions of the same jacket, Bight built one or two options per layer, designed by the same team from base layer to expedition parka. Every product had to log 100,000 vertical feet of human-powered testing on Rainier before it went to market. RMI guides were the test team. In 2023, Bight was acquired by Black Diamond.
The acquisition led to something bigger. In January 2025, Black Diamond announced a formal partnership with RMI, integrating 70+ RMI guides into product development and field testing. The partnership includes a guide scholarship fund for AMGA education and a co-developed 6,000-meter parka currently in testing. Neil Fiske, who sparked the First Ascent collaboration on a Rainier climb with Peter fifteen years earlier, is now Black Diamond's President. He called it full circle. It is.
RMI enters its sixth decade as the same company Lou built and something new at the same time. The guiding philosophy hasn't changed. The ambition for what comes next has.
In June 2025, Brent Okita became the first person to summit Mount Rainier 600 times. He has been guiding with RMI since 1986, and he reached the record while leading a client team to the top - the only way he wanted to do it. Six hundred summits works out to approximately 5.4 million feet of elevation gained, not counting training, attempts, or the times he biked from Ashford to Paradise. He has also led 23 consecutive successful Mt. McKinley expeditions. When asked what comes next: "More climbing, more Mount Rainier. It's what I do." An exemplary RMI guide, Brent has been at this for four decades, and just keeps going.
Speed records on Mount Rainier have always belonged to the people who know her best. Since Lou and Jim Whittaker, along with John Day, set the first documented speed record in 1959 -- car to car in 7 hours and 20 minutes -- the record has almost always been set by guides, climbers, and athletes for whom Rainier isn't just a destination, but a home mountain. On May 9th, 2026, RMI guide Simon Kearns added his name to that lineage in a big way, running from the Paradise parking lot to the summit and back in 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds -- the fastest unsupported on-foot round trip in the mountain's recorded history, shattering the previous mark by more than 30 minutes.
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Peter's current priority is to build year-round, full-time mountain guide positions, still rare anywhere in American guiding. For too long, professional guiding has been seasonal by default; structurally incompatible with a full career, a family, or long-term financial stability. Alongside that, RMI's partnership with Black Diamond has opened new ground in guide-driven gear development, and over $100,000 in AMGA education grants continues to back the technical development of every guide on the roster. The product has always been the guides. This is what investing in that product actually looks like.
The website you're reading is part of a larger effort to make RMI as clear and accessible as the mountain experience itself. New program pages, sharper qualification standards, better tools for climbers making decisions about which objective is right for them; all of it built around the same question Lou asked in 1969: what does it actually mean to take someone into the mountains responsibly? Kristian Whittaker, Peter's son and Lou's grandson, is now a partial owner, bringing a focus on operations, marketing, and business development into the third generation of family leadership. Together, the team is ensuring our standards, principles, and practices are ready for the next generation of aspiring climbers.
Lou Whittaker started this company with a conviction that guides should teach, not just lead. Nearly six decades later, that conviction runs through every hire, every program, and every decision made above the trailhead. The guides are better trained, better supported, and more diverse than at any point in RMI's history. The programs reach further. The partnerships run deeper. And somewhere on Rainier today, an RMI guide is leading a rope team up a route they know better than almost anyone alive, exactly the way Lou intended.
RMI is fortunate to partner with a range of excellent companies and organizations that help us run world-class mountain expeditions — from the gear manufacturers whose equipment gets us up the mountain, to the nonprofits, training organizations, and land managers whose work protects the places we climb.
We are proud to say that all of RMI's programs and operations within U.S. National Parks are carbon neutral.
We believe climate change presents significant challenges to the planet and the mountains we cherish. By implementing practices to reduce our emissions, coupled with purchasing carbon offsets, we achieve our goal of sustainability and further promote responsible environmental practices.
We have acquired offsets for greenhouse gas emissions through our partnership with Ostrom Climate, Canada's top carbon management solutions provider. Their carbon offset projects undergo rigorous verification by third parties to validate that emission reductions are genuine and permanent, ensuring that our contribution is making a tangible impact.
By supporting this project, we effectively prevent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from our operations from being emitted elsewhere. These offsets are instrumental in fulfilling our sustainability objectives and advancing responsible environmental practices.
In its simplest form, Leave No Trace is about making good decisions to protect the world around you - the world we all enjoy.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.
The Juniper Fund supports and empowers families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers by providing cost-of-living grants, vocational training, and business grants.
The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) is a U.S. nonprofit organization based out of Boulder, Colorado. Through its Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) in Moshi, IMEC’s focus is improving the working conditions of the porters on Kilimanjaro. IMEC supports the mountain crew by lending donated clothing at no charge, providing free educational classes and by advocating for responsible mountain trekking practices.
RMI Expeditions is proud to have worked closely with the Climb for Clean Air, a fundraising program for the American Lung Association, since 1988. Climb for Clean Air offers programs on Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and Mexico's Volcanoes to all who are ready to take on the Challenge. Climb A Mountain. Make A Difference.
Uphill Athlete is a platform for openly sharing proven training knowledge for alpinism, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, ski mountaineering, skimo racing, and mountain running. We offer free educational resources, sell well-designed training plans, and coach amateurs and experienced athletes to maximize their fitness and succeed in the mountain sports they love.
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been supporting the mountain guiding and climbing instructor community since 1979.
Their mission is to be the leader in education, standards, and advocacy for professional guides and climbing instructors.
MSR is fueled by the belief that better, safer, more reliable equipment is the key to unlocking greater adventures.
Petzl's mission is to create innovative tools and services that allow men and women to progress, position, and protect themselves in vertical environments, as well as to light their way in the dark.
We Simplify Outfitting
As retailers, we're beholden to no one but our customers. As climbers, we'd never trust our lives to mediocre gear. Our name says it all: Whittaker Mountaineering. We test, select, and offer the best mountain trekking and climbing equipment available. We take on the hard work to simplify outfitting for you.
From its headquarters in the Jura mountains of France, Julbo has been at the forefront of action sports optics since the company was founded in 1888. Three generations have directed Julbo's evolution from a manufacturer of corrective lenses to a global producer of protective eyewear for all active outdoor pursuits.
Black Diamond is committed to designing and engineering the most innovative mountain equipment in the world.
Black Diamond is an official sponsor of RMI. Black Diamond will contribute to the growth and development of our guides by providing and improving opportunities for the pursuit of more certifications and official training. In return, our guides will continue to wear, test, and provide valuable feedback to Black Diamond for the improvement of their mountaineering gear.
RMI Expeditions operates in the Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest for Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak programs. These programs include Mt. Baker - North Ridge, Mt. Baker - Easton Glacier, Mt. Baker Coleman-Deming, Expedition Skills Seminar - Baker: Coleman-Deming, Mt. Baker Summit & Ski Descent, Mt. Baker Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Course, Glacier Peak Climb, and custom programs.
RMI Expeditions operates in North Cascades National Park under a Commercial Use Authorization. Our programs within North Cascades National Park include Mt. Shuksan - Sulphide Glacier, Mt Shuksan - Fisher Chimneys, Expedition Skills Seminar - Shuksan, Forbidden Peak - West Ridge, and custom programs.
RMI Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Mount Rainier National Park. We have operated within Mount Rainier National Park since 1969.
RMI Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Denali National Park and Preserve. We have operated within Denali National Park and Preserve since 1975 and lead programs on Mt. McKinley and the Kahiltna, Pika, and Ruth Glaciers.
The reviews below come from climbers across every program RMI runs, from first-time Rainier ascents to multi-week international expeditions. What people tend to remember isn't just the summit. It's the guide who caught something before it became a problem, the rope team that held together on a hard day, and the feeling of arriving back at BaseCamp having done something they weren't sure they could do. Read them with that in mind.
August 6, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
Their route and updates are the absolute best Would not go with anyone else.
Oana R
August 6, 2026
Their route and updates are the absolute best Would not go with anyone else.
Additional Comments
Calvin is an amazing guide, so thoughtful with route planning, so fun, energetic, highly knowledgable and committed to everyone's success. I am so grateful that RMI has such an elite team and honored to be on this climb with them .I learned so much . Thank you!
What did you enjoy most?
Their route and updates are the absolute best Would not go with anyone else.
August 6, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
My guides, and my fellow climbers made this experience and this seminar a memorable and enjoyable time. Who knew that working one’s butt off hauling gear, carrying heavy loads and “wag-bags” would be so fun! Can’t wait to see you all again soon RMI.
Samuel T
August 6, 2026
My guides, and my fellow climbers made this experience and this seminar a memorable and enjoyable time. Who knew that working one’s butt off hauling gear, carrying heavy loads and “wag-bags” would be so fun! Can’t wait to see you all again soon RMI.
Additional Comments
Will is an elite guide. His flawless execution of safety protocols, strong decision-making, and unmatched customer care turned a demanding peak into an absolutely perfect experience.
Additional Comments
Communication was thorough. Correspondence between myself and office staff was pleasant.
Additional Comments
Very well planned. RMI has it down to a science. From planning, logistics, transportation, accommodations and then some!
What did you enjoy most?
Gaining new skills, building upon those skills, and continuing throughout program trying and testing said skills. Most of all, the experience. And of course….the people. Both guides and fellow climbers.
August 5, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
Honestly the only point of difficulty I had was with packing my backpack. Not really in terms of how to do the bricks and mortar method, but in terms of speed and packing certain items for easy access. Next time I'm sure it'll go smoother and faster. The guides were helpful with packing tips, I think it's just a matter of experience.
Ben S
August 5, 2026
Honestly the only point of difficulty I had was with packing my backpack. Not really in terms of how to do the bricks and mortar method, but in terms of speed and packing certain items for easy access. Next time I'm sure it'll go smoother and faster. The guides were helpful with packing tips, I think it's just a matter of experience.
Additional Comments
George was awesome, he was the first guide I met on orientation day, also was a great instructor on school day, instilled tons of confidence in the program from the get-go. Excellent communicator.
What did you enjoy most?
Camp Muir was obvs super cool. It was a great group all around, both the clients and guides. In terms of trip management I was really impressed by time management and pacing, it felt like a well-oiled machine.
What needs improvement?
Honestly the only point of difficulty I had was with packing my backpack. Not really in terms of how to do the bricks and mortar method, but in terms of speed and packing certain items for easy access. Next time I'm sure it'll go smoother and faster. The guides were helpful with packing tips, I think it's just a matter of experience.
August 5, 2026
Mt. Baker - Easton Glacier
Avery! And the fact that we made it to the summit
Peter S
August 5, 2026
Avery! And the fact that we made it to the summit
Additional Comments
Avery was an ideal guide for my brother and I. Both of us are healthy but in our mid forties and her encouragement, pacing, and expertise were the keys to us having such an unforgettable experience on Mt Baker. Her attention to safety and knowledge of the trail were reassuring. Not to mention she’s just a really cool person to hike and camp with for a couple days! I would absolutely seek out Avery’s guiding services on a future climb.
What did you enjoy most?
Avery! And the fact that we made it to the summit
August 5, 2026
Mt. Shuksan - Fisher Chimneys
The time with my son and beautiful scenery.
Joe S
August 5, 2026
The time with my son and beautiful scenery.
What did you enjoy most?
The time with my son and beautiful scenery.
What needs improvement?
Control the weather...good luck with that one.
August 4, 2026
Mt. Rainier Five Day Climb
It was a bucket list trip. The support and expertise of the guides made doing the hardest thing of my life so rewarding. 100/10!
Becky P
August 4, 2026
It was a bucket list trip. The support and expertise of the guides made doing the hardest thing of my life so rewarding. 100/10!
Additional Comments
Mike is amazing. He is knowledgeable, approachable, caring and an absolute expert. He took time to listen to our concerns, support each team member and make sure we were safe and successful. Nothing but the highest praise for Mike!!
Additional Comments
Everything was great! Very helpful.
Additional Comments
Top notch!
What did you enjoy most?
It was a bucket list trip. The support and expertise of the guides made doing the hardest thing of my life so rewarding. 100/10!
What needs improvement?
NA
August 3, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
We learned a lot more than with thought with the school day and throughout the trip. Learning about mountaineering, the guides and other guests created a comfortable and cohesive group that started as strangers.
Peter M
August 3, 2026
We learned a lot more than with thought with the school day and throughout the trip. Learning about mountaineering, the guides and other guests created a comfortable and cohesive group that started as strangers.
Additional Comments
Stella is the best guide we have ever had. She was our point person from the minute we walked up to the very end. She is amazing at what she does, loves her work and it shows. She is very great at both the people, technical and physical parts of her work. Her enthusiasm and optimism is infectious. She made it easy to put our faith and confidence in her in this environment. It is clear she knows her stuff inside and out and she is calm and collected in managing so many moving parts and variables. I was behind her on the rope to the summit and she was managing us, others on the radio and in tune with everything that goes on. She never missed a beat. She is a natural leader that takes charge and makes things happen, when they need to happen. She does it in a way that instills respect and trust. She was a critical part of our success to the summit.
Additional Comments
Everything was communicated well. What to expect, what to bring, what condition to be in, etc. Between emails and social media posts we were kept abreast of what we needed to do coming into this adventure.
Additional Comments
RMI has this dialed in from the compound with food, rentals, pro shop, lodging and parking. This could not be any easier for someone flying in from out of town. The schedule was clear and precise and everything was a smooth machine.
What did you enjoy most?
We learned a lot more than with thought with the school day and throughout the trip. Learning about mountaineering, the guides and other guests created a comfortable and cohesive group that started as strangers.
What needs improvement?
The only thing I would change it to give guests 3-4 quick stops on save places to take quick photos. For some of us this may be the only time we are there. If guests are moving well, keeping up and conditions permit just 2 or 3 quick minutes to get some amazing photos would have been nice. Particularly between just above the cleaver to below high break with the ice formations, etc.
August 3, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The cool group of guides + we were able to summit!
Giovanni B
August 3, 2026
The cool group of guides + we were able to summit!
Additional Comments
George is an amazing leader! I appreciate all the pointers he added during our training day and along our summit journey.
What did you enjoy most?
The cool group of guides + we were able to summit!
August 3, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The dedication to safety and the clear priority to be transparent with guests. There was nothing left unchecked or in doubt. I knew exactly where to be when and what to have with me. All said, I enjoyed the balance between legitimate consequence and fun. Yes, it's a very serious mountain. But with preparation and the right guides, it's also a helluva a lot of fun.
Craig R
August 3, 2026
The dedication to safety and the clear priority to be transparent with guests. There was nothing left unchecked or in doubt. I knew exactly where to be when and what to have with me. All said, I enjoyed the balance between legitimate consequence and fun. Yes, it's a very serious mountain. But with preparation and the right guides, it's also a helluva a lot of fun.
Additional Comments
Stella is unequivocally a bonafide leader in every sense of the word. Not to put too fine a point on it, I can't imagine her not excelling in any industry, and RMI and her clients should feel blessed she just happened to choose mountaineering. She was direct and transparent without ever coming across as demanding, and her dedication to safety could not have been more pronounced. On top of all that, she was incredibly positive, fun to be around, and clearly cares about her clients' success, regardless of where on the summit scale it lands. I learned a great deal, never felt unsafe (although the mountain certainly demonstrated its might), and am grateful she had the confidence in our team to summit. Hang on to Stella, your organization will forever be better off with her in it.
Additional Comments
I think RMI could benefit clients with more interpersonal, direct communication before trips. The mass emails come off as canned and un-specific to the recipient. I would have liked to make contact with our specific trip leaders, maybe even a team conference call. At the very least, an email from the team leads or an admin.
What did you enjoy most?
The dedication to safety and the clear priority to be transparent with guests. There was nothing left unchecked or in doubt. I knew exactly where to be when and what to have with me. All said, I enjoyed the balance between legitimate consequence and fun. Yes, it's a very serious mountain. But with preparation and the right guides, it's also a helluva a lot of fun.
What needs improvement?
As stated, more personal and frequent pre-trip communication.
August 2, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
RMI is excellent -- great people throughout -- my flight was cancelled and I arrived late but everyone from the main office to the crew who guided was super graceful and fantastic throughout -- the whole experience was once in a lifetime and I can express enough gratitude!
Sid K
August 2, 2026
RMI is excellent -- great people throughout -- my flight was cancelled and I arrived late but everyone from the main office to the crew who guided was super graceful and fantastic throughout -- the whole experience was once in a lifetime and I can express enough gratitude!
Additional Comments
Mike was great -- very knowledgeable, experienced and had great energy! Loved climbing with him -- he is also a very strong climber and battled tough conditions to get people through to the summit
What did you enjoy most?
RMI is excellent -- great people throughout -- my flight was cancelled and I arrived late but everyone from the main office to the crew who guided was super graceful and fantastic throughout -- the whole experience was once in a lifetime and I can express enough gratitude!
August 2, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
I learned so much, made personal connections, and witnessed the stillness and the power of the mountain. The people - guides and participants - made this experience truly amazing. I'm so grateful!
Jocelyn V
August 2, 2026
I learned so much, made personal connections, and witnessed the stillness and the power of the mountain. The people - guides and participants - made this experience truly amazing. I'm so grateful!
Additional Comments
From gear check to mountain school to the climb, Jess was everything. She was attentive to each individual and still lead us all as a team. She taught us the important skills we needed and still made it so fun. She put our safety above all and still guided three women to the summit. That is so much to hold at once, and she did it with so much grace. Amazing woman!
Additional Comments
I thought the cadence of email correspondence was right on. I think the process is fine, which is what it needs to be. There wasn't really anything outstanding about it. Good, though! On the Website category: My login timed out (I guess) before I went to submit this evaluation, and all my responses got wiped when I logged back in. :(
Additional Comments
Just great!
What did you enjoy most?
I learned so much, made personal connections, and witnessed the stillness and the power of the mountain. The people - guides and participants - made this experience truly amazing. I'm so grateful!
What needs improvement?
There is only one women's climb offered, and it ran in tandem with another climb of mostly men. It was fine, but it diluted the reason I chose this particular climb a bit.
August 2, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
Just guessing but I suspect George stuck his neck out a bit to get us out for some climbing. He could have (and possibly did) check the wind on the Ingraham Glacier and maybe knew it was too high speed to climb, but we got out there and turned back where it was too dangerous. I think the group all understood this- and we all appreciated getting out there and being tested and using our skills, even though we had to turn back. Definitely had "a blast" and 100% understood it wasn't possible to continue. That was good leadership- trust in the guides and group, plus a desire to give us the best possible experience in bad circumstances. It was a great success in that regard.
Edward H
August 2, 2026
Just guessing but I suspect George stuck his neck out a bit to get us out for some climbing. He could have (and possibly did) check the wind on the Ingraham Glacier and maybe knew it was too high speed to climb, but we got out there and turned back where it was too dangerous. I think the group all understood this- and we all appreciated getting out there and being tested and using our skills, even though we had to turn back. Definitely had "a blast" and 100% understood it wasn't possible to continue. That was good leadership- trust in the guides and group, plus a desire to give us the best possible experience in bad circumstances. It was a great success in that regard.
Additional Comments
George is a true leader who puts 100% into the work. He understands the clients and takes the time to get to know each. He has the heart of a teacher and understands customer service. He made the call to take us out during very strong winds- with a high probability of needing to turn back. The result was a true Mountain climbing experience, the ability to test our skills and in the end, it's the entirety of the package- skills, the climb to Muir and a short but tough traverse to turn back that became the totality of an experience we won't forget.
Additional Comments
Nate and I both found the upper layers confusing- the list was "Light weight base layer (UV Hoodie); Medium Weight Insulating Layer (I brought a warm Rab climbing fleece); Rain Jacket and Parka. These were all ticked off on my list. Nate wasn't sure what to get so he got a poly hoodie. Then at orientation, we both needed to rent what was clearly a warm but light weight Goose-down jacket with hood. This item seemed to confuse other climbers. I don't know if it was just us, but please review the list and see if it can't be clarified- thank you.
Additional Comments
Training is short but sufficient. A list of techniques we learned and the terms in the kit would be helpful for study/practice on our own (in addition to the equipment check-list). For example, the specific emergency words and the terms for using a block and rope and maybe a diagram of crampon lacing.
What did you enjoy most?
Just guessing but I suspect George stuck his neck out a bit to get us out for some climbing. He could have (and possibly did) check the wind on the Ingraham Glacier and maybe knew it was too high speed to climb, but we got out there and turned back where it was too dangerous. I think the group all understood this- and we all appreciated getting out there and being tested and using our skills, even though we had to turn back. Definitely had "a blast" and 100% understood it wasn't possible to continue. That was good leadership- trust in the guides and group, plus a desire to give us the best possible experience in bad circumstances. It was a great success in that regard.
What needs improvement?
Rental list suggestion above. Please don't take away the hot water so fast in the morning 😜.
August 1, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
Being a part of the all womens expedition made the experience phenomenally better than my first attempt when I was the only female. Please offer more all women climbs!
Jennifer O
August 1, 2026
Being a part of the all womens expedition made the experience phenomenally better than my first attempt when I was the only female. Please offer more all women climbs!
What did you enjoy most?
Being a part of the all womens expedition made the experience phenomenally better than my first attempt when I was the only female. Please offer more all women climbs!
August 1, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
You guys are amazing! Everything about the trip was better than I expected.
Maya S
August 1, 2026
You guys are amazing! Everything about the trip was better than I expected.
Additional Comments
From the moment I met George I knew we were in good hands. The way he even just went through our equipment I knew he was the guy. His knowledge was so extensive and the way he explained things and what to expect was amazing.
Additional Comments
The equipment list I was so impressed with. Coming down I can say everything on there is exactly what you need and not extras.
Additional Comments
I was so impressed with the logistics as weak as the way the climb was paced out. The fueling schedule was top notch.
What did you enjoy most?
Meeting the guides they were all such amazing and inspirational people.
August 1, 2026
Mt. Rainier Five Day Climb
Getting to feel the rhythm of the mountain.
Monty E
August 1, 2026
Getting to feel the rhythm of the mountain.
Additional Comments
Tom was incredibly friendly, always down to answer questions, and gave really thorough explanations of the safety decisions the guides were making. Was v. cool of him to plan ice climbing and the sunrise hike to make up for missing out on a summit. Gives great book recommendations and frolics like a mountain goat.
Additional Comments
Would have been great if the website had explained the difference between the 4 & 5 day trips, and generally made it clear that both trips don't really have a fixed itinerary, but rather is about reading and responding to the weather.
What did you enjoy most?
Getting to feel the rhythm of the mountain.
What needs improvement?
Would have been great to have more opportunities for learning throughout. I was hoping to come out of this feeling confident about climbing Mt Rainier with a friend unguided, and I definitely don't feel confident to do that, but I realized pretty quickly that this wasn't really the goal of the course.
July 31, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
I loved the guides' positive attitudes and how attentive they were throughout the trip. I also really enjoyed the company of the other women—as I mentioned, it's a very different experience from a coed trip, and one I really appreciated. Of course, the views were incredible as well. I'm not sure whether it was because I'm a bit fitter this time or because the route was more enjoyable, but the pace felt great compared to my previous Rainier trips.
Karla H
July 31, 2026
I loved the guides' positive attitudes and how attentive they were throughout the trip. I also really enjoyed the company of the other women—as I mentioned, it's a very different experience from a coed trip, and one I really appreciated. Of course, the views were incredible as well. I'm not sure whether it was because I'm a bit fitter this time or because the route was more enjoyable, but the pace felt great compared to my previous Rainier trips.
Additional Comments
I really enjoyed my experience with Jess! I've been on several expeditions with RMI, and she's one of my top two favorite guides so far. She created a positive, encouraging atmosphere while always making safety the top priority. Jess struck a great balance between keeping the team motivated and ensuring we made smart decisions throughout the climb. I would happily join another expedition with her in the future.
Additional Comments
I really appreciated RMI accommodating my request to skip the Day 1 orientation, since I've been on several RMI trips before. I would also love to see more women-only trips—they offer a very different experience from coed trips, and I really enjoyed that aspect of this climb. It would also be great to see a women's Mount Rainier trip scheduled a bit earlier in the season. I'm not sure if there's a logistical reason for the current timing, but by the end of July I'm always a little concerned that the route may no longer be in condition.
Additional Comments
One small piece of feedback: after having to turn back on summit day, spending several extra hours at Camp Muir can be a bit tough. I'm not sure whether this is something that could realistically be improved—there may be logistical or safety reasons for the current itinerary—but I wondered if there might be an option for groups that return to Camp Muir early (for example, before 4:00 a.m.) to head down earlier with a guide rather than waiting until the full team is ready. I realize this is mostly only an issue when summit teams are significantly behind schedule, and it may not be practical to change. Still, I thought I'd mention it. After an unsuccessful summit attempt, those extra hours at Camp Muir can feel especially long, particularly since most people leave books, electronics, and other entertainment behind to save weight.
What did you enjoy most?
I loved the guides' positive attitudes and how attentive they were throughout the trip. I also really enjoyed the company of the other women—as I mentioned, it's a very different experience from a coed trip, and one I really appreciated. Of course, the views were incredible as well. I'm not sure whether it was because I'm a bit fitter this time or because the route was more enjoyable, but the pace felt great compared to my previous Rainier trips.
What needs improvement?
Coffee at camp Muir for those who turn around after a failed summit could help lift people's spirits.
July 31, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Ice climbing out of a crevasse and learning mountaineering skills!
Matthew H
July 31, 2026
Ice climbing out of a crevasse and learning mountaineering skills!
Additional Comments
Professional and a natural leader. Really glad I had him as our lead guide!
What did you enjoy most?
Ice climbing out of a crevasse and learning mountaineering skills!
What needs improvement?
nothing. was great
July 30, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The guides were great, professional and fun. Most importantly, they got us up and down safely!
Cody H
July 30, 2026
The guides were great, professional and fun. Most importantly, they got us up and down safely!
Additional Comments
Jackson was a great team leader. He was professional in all of his interactions with the climbers and other guides. I was very impressed. I felt very comfortable and safe with him as the team leader.
Additional Comments
My only complaint was the bus ride back from Paradise after the climb was extremely warm. I understand it was unseasonably warm, but an air conditioned ride back to Ashford would have been nice.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were great, professional and fun. Most importantly, they got us up and down safely!
What needs improvement?
The hut experience at Muir was very unpleasant. I would have preferred my own tent and my own sleeping pad.
July 29, 2026
Mt. Rainier Five Day Climb
The sunrise view. Since we couldn’t reach the summit the team did a good job of improvising.
Andrew H
July 29, 2026
The sunrise view. Since we couldn’t reach the summit the team did a good job of improvising.
Additional Comments
Tom was great. Knew everyone’s name and commanded the room when he walked in, which is often what we needed.
Additional Comments
When we signed up we received numerous emails, but then went months with no correspondence. There is a message board but only clients respond. It would have been nice to connect with the lead guide prior to the start. The equipment list may be relevant to earlier hikes when it is cold but not in July. I spent $100’s on gear I didn’t need.
Additional Comments
Long lines into the park, not much you can do about that. Prepping us before the week would have been good.
What did you enjoy most?
The sunrise view. Since we couldn’t reach the summit the team did a good job of improvising.
What needs improvement?
Better coordination before the week.
July 29, 2026
Mt. Rainier Five Day Climb
The whole of Base Camp takes the experience to next level. I utilized all of the resources there. The Whittaker shop is beyond expectations. Having food, drink, coffee, ice cream and a world class shop all onsite with an affordable lodge is something I haven’t seen before. I mentioned to Peter what a great place you all have. The only downside is I can’t help myself from spending money when I’m there!
Glen M
July 29, 2026
The whole of Base Camp takes the experience to next level. I utilized all of the resources there. The Whittaker shop is beyond expectations. Having food, drink, coffee, ice cream and a world class shop all onsite with an affordable lodge is something I haven’t seen before. I mentioned to Peter what a great place you all have. The only downside is I can’t help myself from spending money when I’m there!
Additional Comments
Tom was an outstanding leader. He was extremely transparent with us and made sure that we had an outstanding experience despite the circumstances. I really appreciated his direct approach and he was super helpful at improving my skills. I also appreciated the direct unfiltered feedback when I asked for it. Tom’s focus on foot care likely helped me avoid issues I’ve had on previous non-RMI climbs. I will seek Tom as a trip leader in the future.
Additional Comments
Add sandals as optional. Tom really focused on foot care and stressed the importance thereof. Sandals are part of his prescription.
Additional Comments
Might be really helpful to align with shuttle drivers for transport from SEA. Renting a car is my preferred option but I found it difficult during peak tourist season.
What did you enjoy most?
My favorite activity was crevasse work. Makes my want to take a course with that as a focus or perhaps try an ice climbing trip. I never thought I was capable but the instructions from the guides made it seem way easier and it was super fun. Also the fact that we decided to sleep longer and climb in daylight made it even better. Next up was sunrise in the glacier. Super emotional experience for me.
What needs improvement?
Expand and heat Camp Muir - understandably not possible. But we can dream.
July 29, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The thrill and challenge of the climb from Camp Muir up to the point where we had to turn around due to high winds and a cap cloud at 13K feet. It was an awesome experience to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and to experience the upper mountain in variable, challenging conditions.
Matthew C
July 29, 2026
The thrill and challenge of the climb from Camp Muir up to the point where we had to turn around due to high winds and a cap cloud at 13K feet. It was an awesome experience to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and to experience the upper mountain in variable, challenging conditions.
Additional Comments
Dominic was an exceptional lead guide that commanded the respect and admiration of both the climbers and the other guides. Even though I was a bit anxious about the conditions as we departed Camp Muir for the summit, I had total faith and confidence in his ability to navigate the mountain and conditions safely with good judgement. Even though we did not make it to the summit that day, I truly enjoyed the experience and was thankful to have had Dominic leading our team.
What did you enjoy most?
The thrill and challenge of the climb from Camp Muir up to the point where we had to turn around due to high winds and a cap cloud at 13K feet. It was an awesome experience to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and to experience the upper mountain in variable, challenging conditions.
What needs improvement?
The only thing I can think of, is for teams that don't reach the summit (especially if due to factors beyond the climbers control), maybe offering some sort of discount and/or shorter itinerary (perhaps without the mountaineering school day) either later in that same climbing season or the next year to entice climbers to come back and hopefully make it all the way to the summit.
July 28, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
All of our guides were extremely professional but quite goofy and really down to earth. I loved that all of our guides got on board with my scheme to make everyone wear glitter. It brought some silliness to a moment that felt a bit daunting right before we left the ridgeline.
Madeleine D
July 28, 2026
All of our guides were extremely professional but quite goofy and really down to earth. I loved that all of our guides got on board with my scheme to make everyone wear glitter. It brought some silliness to a moment that felt a bit daunting right before we left the ridgeline.
Additional Comments
Dominic is a fantastic leader. I’m sad we didn’t tag his 100th Rainier summit but really happy to have had him lead us. I was nervous during the week leading up to the climb due to the recent rockfall events but felt really secure after meeting him. His demeanor was really reassuring despite the terrible conditions we had and I had no doubt that he would take us as high as the mountain would let us, and get us back safely. His dedication to mountaineering and embracing the suck is inspiring!
Additional Comments
I’m really happy with the logistics side of this trip. Booking was really easy and the office team was great with answering questions. I thought it was great that the office staff were familiar with details about the climb from personal experience. Thank you Bailey! I also had a small boot debacle (wide feet :/ ) and the staff at the rental shop worked with me to try a few different options after mountain school.
Additional Comments
Thank you Linda for the ride!!
What did you enjoy most?
All of our guides were extremely professional but quite goofy and really down to earth. I loved that all of our guides got on board with my scheme to make everyone wear glitter. It brought some silliness to a moment that felt a bit daunting right before we left the ridgeline.
What needs improvement?
The only thing I wish could’ve been better was the weather!
July 28, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The relentless focus on safety throughout the trip
Aaqib A
July 28, 2026
The relentless focus on safety throughout the trip
What did you enjoy most?
The relentless focus on safety throughout the trip
July 28, 2026
Mt. Rainier Kautz Climb
The technical challenge and the ice climbing.
Jacob W
July 28, 2026
The technical challenge and the ice climbing.
Additional Comments
Henry demonstrated fantastic leadership for the whole trip even after his knee injury while under stress belaying us down an ice wall.
Additional Comments
The equipment list on the website didn't fully reflect the equipment list handed to use in the folder. May want to update that
What did you enjoy most?
The technical challenge and the ice climbing.
What needs improvement?
Letting people know what better to expect so the clients could have improved their technical climbing skills to a higher extent before the trip.
July 28, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
Meeting all the great people. Guides and participants
Ron O
July 28, 2026
Meeting all the great people. Guides and participants
Additional Comments
Nikki is knowledgeable and articulate as well as being an outstanding guide.
Additional Comments
My interactions with RMI as a whole were excellent. All of the guides, including those in the 2nd group, were excellent. Most of my interactions were with Nikki and Edward. Cannot say enough positive about them.
What did you enjoy most?
Meeting all the great people. Guides and participants
What needs improvement?
Fix the beds at camp Muir 🙂. Otherwise no complaints
July 28, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz
The guides - their encouragement and support, learning from them and benefitting from their experience
Rachael H
July 28, 2026
The guides - their encouragement and support, learning from them and benefitting from their experience
Additional Comments
We all owe our successful summit to Mike's incredible experience and knowledge of Mount Rainier and its weather. I am so grateful that he adjusted the plan to enable us to summit safely. I loved that he gave the other guides opportunities to lead and asked for their thoughts and input throughout the climb. Mike kept things fun, and I always felt that we were safe and in good hands. Thank you Mike for a fantastic experience!
Additional Comments
My only suggestion would be to review the technical gear section. There were a couple items that were a little unclear to me exactly what to get, so I called the RMI office and ended up being advised to get different things than what was on the website, and then there were some items of technical gear that were required but that I never needed, not because of conditions but because the guides always had what was required - I could have saved both money and weight on those.
Additional Comments
The shuttles between Ashford and the park were excellent. My only suggestion here would be to consider offering a shuttle from the airport, even just one or two per day. Even if there were an added fee for this, it would almost certainly be cheaper than everyone renting their own cars (which was prohibitive for me). Another option might be to have a place on the website for arranging carpools across all RMI trips, not just the trip you are on - none of the other people on my 8-person trip needed to carpool, but I probably could have found someone if there had been a way to communicate with more people on other trips.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides - their encouragement and support, learning from them and benefitting from their experience
What needs improvement?
Please see above for a couple ideas on gear list and transportation to Ashford
July 27, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz
The Katuz seminar was really fantastic. The three days climbing on the Katuz was a rare level of isolation and independence on a mountain with thousands of climbers each year. No established paths kicked in, no wands, no prebuilt anchors, only six other independent climbers. In part because of this, in part because it was a small group, and largely because we had four awesome guides, the trip felt like a proper expedition. We felt included in conversations about trip plans and mitigations, and my sense was that the six climbers and four guides developed solid camaraderie. I genuinely felt that all four guides cared about us developing skills and competence on the mountain, rather than having their role as guide be simply to get us to the top and back down. The only downside is that it will be hard to find another RMI trip this great : )
Peter N
July 27, 2026
The Katuz seminar was really fantastic. The three days climbing on the Katuz was a rare level of isolation and independence on a mountain with thousands of climbers each year. No established paths kicked in, no wands, no prebuilt anchors, only six other independent climbers. In part because of this, in part because it was a small group, and largely because we had four awesome guides, the trip felt like a proper expedition. We felt included in conversations about trip plans and mitigations, and my sense was that the six climbers and four guides developed solid camaraderie. I genuinely felt that all four guides cared about us developing skills and competence on the mountain, rather than having their role as guide be simply to get us to the top and back down. The only downside is that it will be hard to find another RMI trip this great : )
Additional Comments
I was certainly impressed that Mike was able to adapt to some tricky weather conditions and get us into position for the summit push. But what really made the trip for me was that he and the supporting guides talked us through the various options and mitigations so that we could better understand how an experienced professional approaches these decisions. Additional kudos to Mike for showing a lot of trust and respect to his team of guides, creating space for them to do their best work.
Additional Comments
This is my third climb with RMI, and in each of these the equipment the guides recommend or require deviates a fair amount from the RMI issued equipment list. This is particularly true for the technical gear, for example which ice axe(s) are more or less appropriate for the climb, do we actually need 7mm accessory cord or are we cutting it up into prusik loops, is the optional pulley or ascender actually going to be used for anything? And often the guides have some good suggestions that aren't on the list. It would be great if one of the guides could contextualize the gear reqs at some point.
Additional Comments
RMI vans are awesome, and much love to the drivers for getting us in and out of the park <3. And every interaction with RMI I've had has fully embraced LNT backcountry travel. On my previous RMI trips I've felt like day 1 orientation is a bit boring and thin on material... kudos to the Kautz Seminar planners that with the ice climbing wall, self-rescue, and tent assembly practice sessions we had a very full day. My only nitpick is that I've had some life experience teaching knots, and you might consider a session where knots are taught in context of doing things (tying into a belay with harnesses on, making a prusik or auto block and using it as a third-hand or progress capture, etc.)
What did you enjoy most?
The Katuz seminar was really fantastic. The three days climbing on the Katuz was a rare level of isolation and independence on a mountain with thousands of climbers each year. No established paths kicked in, no wands, no prebuilt anchors, only six other independent climbers. In part because of this, in part because it was a small group, and largely because we had four awesome guides, the trip felt like a proper expedition. We felt included in conversations about trip plans and mitigations, and my sense was that the six climbers and four guides developed solid camaraderie. I genuinely felt that all four guides cared about us developing skills and competence on the mountain, rather than having their role as guide be simply to get us to the top and back down. The only downside is that it will be hard to find another RMI trip this great : )
July 27, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
The summit and the relationships we built with the team and the guides.
David C
July 27, 2026
The summit and the relationships we built with the team and the guides.
Additional Comments
Calvin did a great job of connecting with all of the climbers and encouraging us to push ourselves appropriately. He was confident with a healthy dose of the reality of the dangers of the mountain. I would climb with him again in a second.
Additional Comments
The website was a little wonky at times. I could not find the things I wanted or it kept logging me out in the middle of the session.
Additional Comments
The van after the summit was so hot. I could have used some more A/C on the way down. It was unusually hot that day though. Otherwise, they worked really well.
What did you enjoy most?
The summit and the relationships we built with the team and the guides.
What needs improvement?
One improvement I would suggest is that the nutrition concept could have been better. The idea that we will live on "snacks" for 36 hours was off for a guy in his late 40's. I would encourage the guides to tell us the time of day, so we could eat more substantial food around lunchtime. This was on me, but it would have been helpful to hear that it was noon. I cramped on the first day because I did not eat enough earlier in the day. Once again, that is on me, but I needed way more than 200 calories at each break. I fixed it on the summit bid and ate a lot more, but it would have been helpful to hear that from the guides beforehand. Also, I needed more water than what we suggested. That could be because it was unusually hot on our summit day.
July 27, 2026
Glacier Peak Climb
All three of my guides were incredible and easily the highlight of the trip. They worked well as a team and perfectly executed their responsibilities of guiding the team through a challenging task while making it fun along the way.
Lucas P
July 27, 2026
All three of my guides were incredible and easily the highlight of the trip. They worked well as a team and perfectly executed their responsibilities of guiding the team through a challenging task while making it fun along the way.
Additional Comments
Jess was an outstanding lead guide. She led the group with confidence and warmth, successfully keeping us on track each day while making me (and I'm sure everyone else) feel welcome and safe. Under Jess's leadership, everyone in our climbing group got to experience not only an incredible mountain summit but also the fulfillment of bonding with a group of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I could not imagine someone better suited for this role than Jess.
Additional Comments
All of the pertinent information was clearly communicated and easy to access on the website. I felt fully prepared for my trip and didn't experience any hiccups on my trip as a result.
Additional Comments
All of the guides exhibited leave no trace principles and held the entire time accountable to doing the same. The itinerary was well thought out and made the summit day as reasonably demanding as possible.
What did you enjoy most?
All three of my guides were incredible and easily the highlight of the trip. They worked well as a team and perfectly executed their responsibilities of guiding the team through a challenging task while making it fun along the way.
What needs improvement?
Work on providing more incremental dispatch updates for family members wanting to see how things are progressing. At least for this trip, we summitted on the third day and there were no updates prior to our summit announcement.
July 26, 2026
Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb
What I enjoyed most about the trip was getting to know the guides and feeling their love for climbing as well as the care they had for each and every one of us. They always had our best interest in mind, and did a great job in helping us achieve our objective. Everyone has moments in their life that they will remember for a lifetime, and this is one for me. I can't thank everyone enough. I'm not sure when my next climb will be, but I know for a fact who I will be asking to take me.
Dillon B
July 26, 2026
What I enjoyed most about the trip was getting to know the guides and feeling their love for climbing as well as the care they had for each and every one of us. They always had our best interest in mind, and did a great job in helping us achieve our objective. Everyone has moments in their life that they will remember for a lifetime, and this is one for me. I can't thank everyone enough. I'm not sure when my next climb will be, but I know for a fact who I will be asking to take me.
Additional Comments
Mike was quite literally a walking encyclopedia when it came to mountaineering. Day 1 introduction was thorough and I felt very comfortable with attempting my first summit. I was not part of any rope teams with Mike, but watching him coach and encourage everyone was special.
Additional Comments
My friend Jayson invited me on this trip and I'm super thankful he did. This was my first mountaineering experience, and I definitely didn't know what I was getting myself into. The website and equipment list was great. I rented everything that was recommended and that turned out to be perfect. I brought more things because I'm an over-packer. If I were to do the climb again, I would leave some of the things at home as I didn't need them. 10/10.
Additional Comments
Transportation was amazing. It was nice riding to and from the mountain with everyone. The drivers were extremely prompt with getting us from the mountain. I can't say there was much waiting. You can tell this is a well oiled machine and the RMI group as perfected all of this.
What did you enjoy most?
What I enjoyed most about the trip was getting to know the guides and feeling their love for climbing as well as the care they had for each and every one of us. They always had our best interest in mind, and did a great job in helping us achieve our objective. Everyone has moments in their life that they will remember for a lifetime, and this is one for me. I can't thank everyone enough. I'm not sure when my next climb will be, but I know for a fact who I will be asking to take me.
What needs improvement?
Keep doing what you're doing. I also really enjoyed sitting around the table after we got back down and just chatting it up with everyone.
