RMI Expeditions Blog
Posted by: Tatum Whatford, Eric Frank
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
We’re excited to share that the Four-Day Climb led by Tatum Whatford and Eric Frank reached the summit early this morning! The team reported encountering some wind but otherwise enjoyed a beautiful morning high on the mountain.
After taking in the views from the summit, the climbers began their descent and are currently en route back to Camp Muir. They’re expected to return to Basecamp in Ashford, Washington, later this afternoon.
Congratulations to the entire team on a successful climb and summit!
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
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Sunday, June 1, 2025 12:25am PDT
Everyone’s weather dance must have worked, because we finally made it onto the mountain. After two and a half days of waiting, the stars aligned, and we got the call to load up around 1 PM. Everyone put on their mountain boots, threw their duffles into the conex for the next 20 days, took one final team picture, and boarded the planes.
After a flight above the clouds, we quickly descended to basecamp and unloaded into a pocket of sunshine. We went through group gear, repacked our duffles, and rigged the sleds to set out on our journey. Around 3 PM, we were finally walking and beginning the long-awaited climb.
We inched our way across the lower Kahiltna until we made it to Camp One, with the sun still above the mountains. This was our first chance to practice the craft of camp building—everyone set up their tents, crawled in, and waited for a late-night dinner of pesto tortellini. Finally, close to midnight, we wrapped up our day and prepped for tomorrow, when we hope to cache somewhere above 9,500 feet.
We’re excited to finally be climbing!
RMI Guide Nikki Champion & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 27, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
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Saturday, May 31, 2025 9:20pm PDT
After 8 days in the comfort of 14,000' camp we went climbing today. The team packed up and we made our way once again up the fixed lines. The west buttress did not disappoint, delivering panoramic views. The weather could not have been better with only the slightest of breezes and the occasional cloud. While tired, the team is ready to hopefully take advantage of a small weather window. Send good weather vibes our way!
RMI Guide Seth and Team
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lacie Smith, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,200'
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and his team checked in from the K2 Aviation airstrip to let us know they’re en route to Base Camp. Their next update will come from the slopes of Mt. McKinley!
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 29, 2025
Hey Dustin! I ll be following you and your team! Sending best wishes for perfect weather and legs of steel!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/1/2025 at 3:54 am
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,200'
RMI Guide Nikki Champion and her team flew onto Kahiltna Base Camp this afternoon and are all settled in, ready to begin their climb.
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 27, 2025
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Bailey Servais, Sam Marjerison, Arianna Drechsler, Margo Kerr, Mac Nolde, Mark Tucker, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,600'
The Four-Day Climb with Dominic Cifelli & Sam Marjerison turned around at High Break (13,600’) today due to high winds and heavy clouds forming on the upper mountain during their ascent. The team is en route back to Camp Muir and should return to Basecamp early this afternoon.
Congratulations to the team on a strong climb!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lacie Smith, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Friday, May 30, 2025 - 11:47 pm PT
RMI Denali Team #4 is assembled and after a full day of packing, is ready to embark on a grand adventure. What exact adventure awaits is somewhat of an unknown, an uncertainty that is a part of the process.
Today was spent packing, leaving no stone unturned because once we land on the glacier we basically just have what we have. Sure, some bartering can take place at the various camps, but we must make every effort to remember every item. Details matter.
Also throughout the day we continued to acquaint ourselves with the logistics of climbing and specifically of climbing this route in full expedition style. The K2 Aviation team gave us a quick orientation about flying on; and we were in close contact with them all day, sorting some additional details about our flights and basecamp logistics. The National Park Service briefed us on the route and provided some information that will help us climb responsibly in regard to our safety as a team and our ability to keep the mountain clean.
To wrap up the day we had a meal at the Denali Brewpub and got to bed hopefully early enough to get a full night's rest in a real bed, possibly our last for a few weeks. One big sigh of relief for every climber, knowing they have everything they need packed and ready to go.
RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier, Lacie Smith, Will Ambler & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 29, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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Friday, May 30, 2025 - 7:57pm PDT
Waiting at 14,000
Our guides warned us that days at 14,000 feet could be among the hardest. Not because of the altitude, the vertical climbs, or the heavy loads—but because of the waiting.
Today, we hoped for a weather window to move to 17, the penultimate step in our push for the summit. Instead, we were sequestered in camp by wind and snow. Nerves and hopes for tomorrow run high. These are the days that can wear on you—but I am fortunate to be part of an intrepid, resolved, and collegial team.
I am inspired by you, my fellow climbers—by your humor and strength, your spirit of adventure and fierce determination, your perseverance and positivity. We came together by different paths, but we now share a common journey. When I falter, you wait. When you ascend, I cheer. We move together, always supporting, never judging.
I am equally emboldened by our guides—by their friendliness, focus, and vision. They work while we rest. They carry the heavier loads. Though their frustration with our poor packing skills and questionable foot care is sometimes apparent, their patience, calm, and capability give me confidence—not in the outcome, which even they cannot promise, but in the possibility. There are a thousand reasons—weather, injury, error—that any one of us might not summit. But these three remarkable people are the reason we can try.
I don’t know what the next few days hold. But I know this: the ten of us will face what comes together, as we have faced everything so far—one expedition, one team, one rope.
– David and team
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Take care of my sister! I love you Shannon. I am very proud of you.
Posted by: Mariah Phares on 6/2/2025 at 12:46 am
In awe of Shannon and team for your resilience, determination and spirit! Following closely on Garmin.
Wishing you great weather and a safe climb from base camp.
Posted by: Jenn & Ted Tucker on 6/1/2025 at 8:42 am
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!
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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Jarmilo drzim palce!
To everyone I wish you clear days and low winds.
Posted by: Iveta on 6/2/2025 at 10:04 pm
Sending warm thoughts to Mila and the team!
Posted by: Eva on 6/2/2025 at 10:12 am
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