Entries from Locations
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Friday May 30, 2025 -5:06 pm PDT
Well, we got everyone ready. Spirits were high, packs were packed, and the skies were crystal clear in town when we woke up… but sadly, the mountain had other plans. Basecamp was totally socked in.
So we got put on standby, crossing fingers and toes for a break in the weather.
And then we waited… and waited… and waited some more.
Unfortunately, instead of a magical clearing, the weather just kept building, and it became pretty clear that our window wasn’t going to open today. So, we shifted gears—found some lodging in town, went on a few sanity-preserving jogs, and then regrouped for dinner as a team.
Wash, rinse, repeat… and hope Friday brings the goods.
Think clear thoughts!
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 27, 2025
Posted by: Brent Okita, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb with Brent Okita and Henry Coppolillo reached the Summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Brent reported a clear, calm, and beautiful day on top.
The team spent time on the summit signing the summit registry, taking pictures, and celebrating before starting their descent back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:15 pm PDT
The rest day at 14K. Waiting on the weather.
99% of people come to Denali with the sole aspiration of reaching the summit. Don’t be like these folks, they are basic and miss out While tent-bound and waiting for our weather window (hopefully Saturday or Sunday by the way, put it on your calendars), we’ve been busy with:
- Building an ice monument at camp to honor the ice Pharaohs that will last a thousand suns.
- Setting up an HOA and developing our surrounding community.
- Reenacting 12 Angry Men, except the crime is who left a covert poop in our bathroom?
- Putting up “Wanted” posters for Shannon’s friend, the elusive Bill “Big Moxy” Marshall.
- Filming our workout tape, Body by Denali, guaranteed to deliver muscle loss in 22 days.
Once we complete all these side quests, I think we unlock a free ride to the top.
- RMI Climber Jason
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Love the blogs!!!!
Awesome way to keep in touch while you’re in one of God’s awesome creations!
Stay warm!!!
Praying for better weather!
Will, missing you!!!
We’re at Julian’s tournament.
Wishing everyone an amazing climb!
Love, Mom
Posted by: Annette Sutila on 5/30/2025 at 3:07 pm
Keep it up Will, and the rest of the team! Every step, every day and every challenge is all part of the story. The summit is so close. Stay focused and stay safe.
-Mike and Andrew
Posted by: Reddington Najem on 5/30/2025 at 12:41 pm
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 7:27 pm PT
We’ve officially made it to Talkeetna! After a long travel day yesterday for most of the team, we all finally met up at the Anchorage airport and started our journey north. A few hours (and some great scenery) later, we rolled into Talkeetna, dropped our gear at K2, and made a beeline for Denali BrewPub. Over burgers and beers, we got to know each other a bit better—swapping stories and sharing what brought each of us to Denali this season.
This morning kicked off our first full day together, and it was a busy one. We started with a deep dive into the packing list, making sure everyone is dialed for the climb ahead. Mid-morning, we took a short walk over to the National Park Service office for our official briefing. We were lucky to have fellow RMI guide Alan Davis—who’s also working for the Park this season—lead our session. Afterward, it was back to the hangar for final packing, sorting group gear, and manifesting everything to get ready for tomorrow’s flight.
The team is looking strong, stoked, and ready to get this expedition rolling. We’re hoping for good weather and an early flight into the Alaska Range tomorrow so we can hit the ground running. Stay tuned!
RMI Guide Nikki Champion
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 27, 2025
Enjoy every moment of it Caroline and remember the butterfly is right behind you.
Posted by: Page Evans on 5/30/2025 at 7:16 pm
Enjoy your climb and return healthy! I wish You best weather to enjoy each of the sights! Care of each other!
Elisabeth
Posted by: Elisabeth Jente on 5/30/2025 at 1:01 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, James Bealer, Mitch Valaitis, Nicole De Petris, Rosie Hust, Miles Watson, Stella Johnson, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Four-Day Climb from May 26–29, led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and James Bealer, was unable to make a summit attempt this morning due to sustained high winds and stronger gusts. The teams remained safely sheltered at Camp Muir and will begin their descent to Paradise later this morning.
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 10:41 pm PT
A true rest day at 14000' Camp. The day began with a more than filling pancake breakfast that lasted well into the late morning. After some more lounging we began adding to our walls of snow building a true fortress. The rest of the day was filled with more eating and resting.
That's all for now. We are set up for an anticipated snowy couple of days.
-RMI Guide Seth
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Note to David, This is probably one of the most adventurous activities you could be doing on your birthday. I’m sure this birthday was a happy one! We’re wishing you and the whole team an amazing summit experience soon.
Posted by: Theresa & Chris Mizer on 5/29/2025 at 9:48 pm
Wish David a very happy birthday for me! I know you are having a great time! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Helen Christensen on 5/29/2025 at 10:28 am
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - 9:53 pm PT
Once upon a time in a land far far away,
7 Denali climbers were sleeping dreaming of the next day.
Before sun had risen they awoke to a rattle,
loud stoves were a burning, breakfast before the next battle.
They packed and readied getting out of warm beds,
The climbers excited for the next challenge ahead.
Folks started with cold toes up the steep mountain side,
But quickly warmed as legs churned and turned their tide.
Up the fixed lines to the climbers next cache,
They reached the spot, oh boy what a dash?!
Back down they went making truly great time.
Home for ramen dinner while the sun did still shine.
Now back in their tents, the days sure do fly by,
Dreams of the summit with hopes set sky high!
Farewell for now as guides need sleep too,
The team will check back tomorrow with updates for you!
RMI Guide Jackson Breen
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Go Jaru!! Greeings from Prague.
Thinking of you and can’t wait to hug you and hear all About this incredible Adventure.
Posted by: Helena Lind on 5/28/2025 at 8:45 pm
Tell David that his coworkers miss him an appropriate amount; neither more or less than is approved by Human Resources. Stay safe out there!
Posted by: Zac on 5/28/2025 at 7:43 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Tatum Whatford, Brooks Ordway-Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five-Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom, Tatum Whatford, and Brooks Ordway-Smith reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today at 12:50 p.m. Taking advantage of calm winds and clear skies, the team successfully ascended to Columbia Crest at 14,410 feet. They spent about an hour on the summit soaking in the views before beginning their descent.
The team is now safely back at Camp Muir, where they will spend one more night before continuing their descent to Paradise in the morning. Congratulations to all climbers on a fantastic summit day!
What an amazing journey to the summit of Mt. Rainier, a majestic treasure of the lower 48.
Posted by: Lyn on 5/28/2025 at 3:46 pm
Posted by: Sam Hoffman, Joey Manship, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
May 23–28 Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons: Summit Success!
The Emmons Seminar team, led by RMI Guide Sam Hoffman, successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today via the Emmons Glacier route. Over the past several days, the team has been hard at work training and refining their mountaineering skills.
Early this morning, they made an alpine start from Camp Schurman and reached the crater rim around 8:15 AM. After enjoying their time on the summit, the team will descend back to Camp Schurman, where they will spend the night. Tomorrow, they’ll make their final descent to the trailhead and return to Rainier BaseCamp by late afternoon.
Congratulations to the entire Emmons team on a strong and successful climb!
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Nick Sinapius, Ben Thorneycroft
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - 12:10 am PT
After a big day yesterday and sleeping at 17,000' still, we slept in to get what recovery we could. It was a cold morning, but we eventually roused, downed some breakfast, and got all of our things in packs and headed down. It’s been a funny day of environments. Weather at 17,000 was frigid and clear this morning. Passing through 14,000' Camp felt like we were at the beach, and we said Hi, Good luck, and See ya to our friends with RMI Guide Seth Burns and team.
Moving below 14,000' across the Polo Field, everything was white, muffled, and there was ~24” of new snow on the ground and it was snowing hard. We are now at 11,000' Camp, pausing to sleep and enjoy the warm and oxygen rich climes. It’s not at all how they felt on the ascent! Tomorrow, we’ll pack things one more time, and walk out the Kahiltna Glacier to base camp. We’re excited and ready.
RMI Guides Pete, Nick, Ben, and team
Thanks for guiding my girl (Lily) to the summit and back down safely!!! WooHoo!!!!
Posted by: Mary Benson on 5/30/2025 at 3:30 pm
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