McKinley Expedition: Champion & Team Move to 11,000ft Camp
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Nick Sinapius, Rosie Hust
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Monday, May 18, 2026 - 11:48 pm PT
The first alarm went off at 5AM. The sound of snow falling on the tent was there, but lighter than the last few days. We spent the next hour paying attention to the weather to see how the winds and snow progressed, and they seemed to stay the same. By 7AM the stoves were rolling and the plan was to move uphill if weather didn't get much worse. The light snowfall and dense clouds lingered, but winds remained calm at camp. By 10:30 we had torn down camp and began our way up Ski Hill in the light snow and clouds. As we made our way through the first few stretches the sun would occasionally try to peak out, but sooner rather than later the clouds rolled in, snowfall picked up, and visibility was reduced to a whiteout. This continued all the way past our cache before the skies broke again. After a tough day, we finally rolled into 11 camp where we found our RMI cohorts, and set up camp right below them. The long day was wrapped up with some ramen, and a little bit of wall building to prep for the next incoming storm.
We are hunkered down and now set to face the storm, or back carry, whatever weather brings.
RMI Guide Nikki Champion
Comments (4)
The Taos Ski Valley Team sends their love and thoughts of warmth and the open sunshiny days of New Mexico. Good luck to you all, especially Jeff Moses!
Posted by: Human Resources on
Wishing you all the best on your expedition.
Posted by: Kevin Prykull on
Sending you lots of love, patience and resilience. “Every breath you take…Every move you make…” we’re supporting you!!
Xoxo
Posted by: HILARY FOULKES on
Sending warm thoughts and good vibes to all! And a hug to Karen Marie from your mom.
Posted by: Toni Thornton on