RMI Expeditions Blog
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Rosie Hust, Liam Moore
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Our Five Day Emmons Expedition led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier, Rosie Hust and Liam Moore left Camp Shurman early this morning in hopes of reaching the top of Mt. Rainier. At 7:45am they acheived their goal, summitting the 14,410' volcano. They're on the decent back to camp and will stay one more night at Camp Schurman to rest up before walking out tomorrow morning.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 12:55 am PT
Denali Dispatch 6/24/26
Thoughts on Patience:
As Ben says, if this mountain teaches you anything it’s patience.
Patience with the weather, with the conditions and with each other. It’s easy to forget on the days of warm sun, calm winds and endless views that Denali isn’t always this way. That she can change her mind in a moments notice and have you walking in circles from whiteout conditions and cursing her tent rattling winds as you try and sleep.
But one way or another patience always pays off. To remeber that the sun is always shining somewhere above the clouds and that these glaciers and rocks have been here long before us patiently observing each passerby. Our time on this mountain is short in the grand scheme of things and I know everyone here will soon miss the simplicity of life on Denali. The rhythm we have found over leisurely breakfast conversation, camp walks, reading, writing and excess games of M-deal. Our time here is utterly human- working as a team to do what we need to survive.
So as today marks day 8 of being at 14,0000' Camp and waiting to see when the mountain will invite us higher. We once again practice patience. Waiting in this jaw dropping alpine amphitheater for the mountain to tell us we have been patient long enough and it’s our turn to try and touch the top.
So as we get excited and motivated to move higher. We must remeber to move at rhythm of the mountain slow and steady. Observing, listening and being. Always remembering that in a moments notice she can decide to test our patience once again.
It is such a privilege to be among these echoing cliffs and snowy spines and I’m so proud of our team for keeping their spirits high among the waiting game. There is so much time to still be had here and I feel lucky I get to practice my patience with each and every one of you.
Now let’s patiently wait to see what tomorrow brings!
With love from 14k camp,
RMI Guide Avery Stolte and team!
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition, June 9, 2026
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Josh Geiser, CJ Rogers, Marissa Tremblay
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 22–25 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today under the leadership of RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli. The team of climbers from Black Diamond arrived at the crater rim around 6:30 a.m. and enjoyed time at the summit before beginning their descent.
The climbers are on their descent and will take a short break at Camp Muir before continuing down to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers on a successful summit of Mt. Rainier!
Posted by: Ben Ammon, Ben Thorneycroft, Nina Bridges, Edward Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 22 - 25 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today led by RMI Guide Ben Ammon. The climbers reached the crater rim around 6:15 am this morning and enjoyed a bit of time in the crater before starting their descent. The team will take a short break at Camp Muir before continuing down to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Will Ambler, Jack Ritterson, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 9:44 pm PT
Well the storm was still around today but it got done piling snow on our tents by 5AM. We ended up getting a pretty sunny calm day. There were still clouds everywhere but not on us. Having received at least a foot of new snow in a relatively short time, we needed the slopes to cook and settle in the sunshine to cut down on avalanche possibilities. They seemed to be doing just that. Will Ambler gave a master class in snow/avalanche science to our assembled climbing team this afternoon. We’ve now got our eyes on a move up to 14,000' tomorrow morning in what should be good weather.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Custom Expedition June 15, 2026
Praying for steady progress and sure footing for you and all your team!
Posted by: Jay Emory on 6/25/2026 at 6:51 pm
Good luck moving up to 14k. Glad the storm has passed.
Posted by: Bob Jordan on 6/25/2026 at 1:30 pm
Posted by: Tom Skoog, Felipe Guarderas, Jackson Breen, Celeste Wilson, Robert Whyte, Kat Porter, Lukas Bergsten, Gabriel Puhky
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Climbers were greeted with clear skies and calm winds as they made a successful ascent of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reached the summit under beautiful conditions, led by RMI Guides Tom Skoog and Felipe Guarderas.
After spending time on the summit, the teams have begun their descent and will return to Camp Muir before continuing down to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers and guides on a successful summit day!
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:34 pm PT
Egg muffins kicked off our snowy day,
and Farkle helped pass the time away.
With plenty of group talks in the den,
and camp strolls now and then,
We rested while weather held sway.
Monopoly Deal took the lead,
And castle walls got what they need.
Now we wait and we see,
What weather will be,
And hope for summit bound speed.
RMI Climber Ethan
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition, June 9, 2026
How did I not know this blog existed until today?!! I’ve been waiting for updates, third person instead—and Kier’s been wonderful in sending them. But now, I’m reading these truly made-for-movie daily updates, written with such descriptive detail, only imagining the unimaginable “work” you are accomplishing & experiencing as a team! And I am in awe of you! The reason for your endeavor is clearer! Knowing the depth of Jimmy & Allison’s strength, mentally & physically, and their determination to conquer their bucket list, I also know the strength & determination you each have!!! You are all PHENOMS!!
I will follow you to the summit and back home!!! Thank you for giving us these updates. We are with you♥️♥️ SENDING ALL OF YOU OUR LOVE & PRAYERS!!
Posted by: Linda Kwasnowski on 6/25/2026 at 8:06 am
Let’s go team!
Posted by: Cory Tran on 6/24/2026 at 8:59 pm
Posted by: Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Billings
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:00 pm PT
The expedition continues! The past few days have been overwhelmingly successful. On the 21st we had a short day consisting of picking up our cache at 9,800 and bringing it up to 11,000' Camp. The next day, we brought a cache up to 14 Camp and met up with Ben’s team. Today, we woke up early and outran (or out-shuffled) the worst of the bad upcoming weather to 14 Camp, and are resting victoriously!
With luck, we’ll be able to get a cache up high after weathering the storm.
RMI Climber Daniel
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition June 16, 2026
YAY! So exciting to hear from this private expedition! Thank you for the incredible adventure update! Victorious rest sounds fabulous!
Posted by: Patti on 6/24/2026 at 10:16 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Will Ambler, Jack Ritterson, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:57 pm PT
Not much action for us today, big storm hitting the mountain. We were watching the weather from 3 AM, hoping for a chance to sneak up to 14 Camp ahead of the incoming storm, but ultimately we decided there wasn’t a sufficient window for doing it safely. After five days of walking and carrying loads, we rested today and watched it snow and blow. We sat a little long following meals and told each other stories in the dining tent. Forecasts suggest the storm will be with us tonight and tomorrow as well. We can wait.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Custom Expedition June 15, 2026
Hi team!! I’m glad the storm is passing or by now has passed! Love the daily updates! Thinking of you, Jodi V!! Bosco!!!
Posted by: Cathy on 6/25/2026 at 11:09 am
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Dylan Anderson, Margo Kerr, Aidan Whitelaw
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz June 19 - 24 led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo, Dylan Anderson, Margo Kerr, and Aidan Whitelaw reached the summit of Mt. Rainier just before 10 am today. Henry reported beautiful weather and great route conditions. The team spent a few minutes in the crater before starting their descent. They will return to their high camp for one more night on the mountain and some additional training. Tomorrow they will retrace their steps to Paradise and conclude their program at Rainier BaseCamp in the afternoon.
Way to go climbers!
How has been today team with Nicole Wall?
Posted by: Roxana Trejo on 6/24/2026 at 6:04 am
Well said. Patience with a dash of mindfulness. Hoping for the window to open for good movement up this mighty mountain.
Posted by: Ed DaPra on 6/25/2026 at 2:54 pm
Thanks for the update, Avery and the much needed reminder of the value of patience! This adventure is killing me (lol that was for Jimmy)!
I am patiently waiting for the amazing stories and breathtaking pictures, the lessons learned and transformations made.
Avery I’m so glad you are there and literally guiding the way!
Keep up the great work!
All my love,
Kier
Stay safe, stay SUPER SHARP!
Posted by: Kierstin Decicco on 6/25/2026 at 1:46 pm
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