RMI Expeditions Blog

Hello from Cusco!

We made it. Though “made it” is a relative term for a group that survived delayed flights, rebooked tickets, and enough all-night travel to qualify as its own endurance event. But every duffel and every human is here, upright, and (mostly) coherent. We’ll take it.

Today’s whole job was: recuperate. And that we did. Some wandered the streets a bit, some rested and most of us consumed our first coca and muña teas. Definitely not our last.

Then this afternoon we gathered for our first team meeting — introductions, the shape of the next 10 days, and the buzz of a team coming together.

Cusco is not a city you see, it’s a city you feel. With its narrow cobblestone streets, worn smooth by about a thousand years of foot traffic. Terracotta pots hang off white walls. Immovable gray stone sits shoulder to shoulder with European facades, and somehow none of it argues with the other. Then color just erupts everywhere it can: pinks, blues, greens, color forever.

We closed the day with our first team dinner. Authentic Peruvian — lomo saltado, osobucco, potatoes and corn galore. (Nom nom nom, no notes.)

Ten days, one incredible crew, and Salkantay and Machu Picchu waiting on the other side. We’re just getting started.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Machu Picchu team

8/1: Just wanted to give you a quick update about our trip to Baker. 

All went smooth. Weather was great for the climbing days. Bad weather came in as we where hiking out. All clients reached the summit in good style. 

The climb was fun and the ridge is in good condition still. Creavases are starting to open a bit, but still manageable and safe. We had a great time. 

- RMI Guide Felipe Guarderas

The Four Day Climb led by Nikki Champion turned at the top of the Cleaver this morning due to high winds. They'll descend from Camp Muir around 9am and return back to Basecamp in Ashford this afternoon. 

Yesterday, July 31st, RMI guide Avery Stolte and her team summitted Mt Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys. They descended back to the trailhead today. 

Congrats on a successful trip! 

RMI guide Dustin Wittmier and his team summitted Mt Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier on July 28th, 2026. 

Great work!

This morning at 6:30am, the Four Day climb led by RMI guide Mike Bennett and Stella Johnson reached the summit of Mt Rainier. They were leaving the crater around 7am and are currently on their way back to Camp Muir. They will return to Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work everyone!

The Four-Day climb led by RMI guides Jackson Breen and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 5:45am. They reported beautiful weather and a lovely morning to stand on top. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will return to Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work up there!

At 5:15 am the Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Calvin Jiricko were standing on the summit of Mt. Rainer 14,410'! Calvin reported a beautiful day and a great climb. The team is on their descent in route to Camp Muir.

Congratulations Team! 

The All Women's Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Jess Wedel Reached the Summit at 5:15 am this Morning. The team reported beautiful views and great weather. They are on the descent and will be back at Camp Muir Shortly. 

Congratulations Team! 

Great news from the mountain!

The Expedition Skills Seminar Emmons Team, led by Sam Hoffman, successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team enjoyed favorable climbing conditions with clear skies, some gusty winds, and an excellent day on the mountain.

The climbers are currently descending and have reached approximately 13,800 feet as they make their way back to Camp Schurman. They will spend one more night on the mountain continuing their training before beginning their final descent.

Congratulations Team!