Entries By calvin jiricko
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 8,000'
Thursday, June 19, 2025 9:36pm PDT
We were up and at ’em at 3 a.m., trying to beat the heat. This had us moving up the glacier from our 8,000 ft camp by 5 a.m. First up was Ski Hill—a steeper and longer incline than anything we’ve tackled so far. It was tough, but conditions were excellent after a solid overnight freeze.
It took about four hours to reach our goal: the head of the Kahiltna Glacier at 10,000 feet. There, we dug a deep, raven-proof hole in the snow and cached food and fuel.
The descent was pleasant, with lighter loads and easy walking. The team rolled back into camp at 11:30 a.m. and sheltered in the tents to escape the afternoon sun.
Tomorrow, we’ll move past the cache and camp at 11,000 feet.
RMI Guide Sam Hoffman & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition, June 14, 2025
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Sunday, June 15, 2025 - 10:01 pm PT
It was a long but good day of getting ready to go climbing. The team met for a fine breakfast at the Swiss Alaska. We began by hearing out each other’s motivations and inspirations for taking on such a challenge. We talked over our priorities and strategies and then we got out to the airplane hangar to go through the gear. Breaking up the day, we made a run over to the National Park Service ranger station in Talkeetna to register and receive a presentation on keeping the mountain clean and ourselves healthy. But the bulk of the day was spent at the hangar, listening to trains and airplanes revving up and rattling past as we packed and weighed gear for the climb. We’d finished by early evening and relaxed in town at Mile High Pizza Pie. Either a little luck we’ll load up the planes and go climbing in the morning.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition, June 14, 2025
All the best team! and Rahul on this adventure!
Posted by: Raj Mahalingam on 6/22/2025 at 8:38 pm
Tony, Hope you are having a great experience AGAIN! Thinking of you today….
Posted by: Karl Ring on 6/20/2025 at 6:06 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 11:25 pm PT
Nobody missed a flight and all the bags arrived just fine. They came from Norway and New Zealand and a few places in between. Our team -8 climbers and four guides- got together as planned in the Anchorage airport. We talked gear and logistics briefly before relocating to the curb for our van shuttle to Talkeetna. It was a day of blazing sun and wide open blue sky in Alaska.
We broke up the three hour drive with a stop for groceries in Wasilla and then pushed on to Talkeetna, rolling in at about 6:30 PM. Along the way we had been granted a few breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. Our first stop was the K2 Aviation hangar to drop off the big bags of gear. Next we checked in at the Swiss Alaska Inn. The team then strolled ten minutes through the birch forest and over the railroad tracks to beautiful downtown Talkeetna. The town was bustling with tourists and the odd climbing team. We ate our fill at the brewery and then walked the 100 meter length of town to the banks of the mighty Susitna River. McKinley, Hunter and Foraker shot up into the sky across the river… impossibly high. Or maybe just possible. We’ll see. Tomorrow we get started… packing and prepping in earnest.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition, June 14, 2025
You’ve got this!! Wishing you good weather.
Posted by: Tom Leonard on 6/19/2025 at 10:07 am
Enjoy The Journey to THE TOP. Prayers and thoughts will be with the entire team. Here’s to SUCCESS!
Posted by: Scottie P on 6/18/2025 at 3:18 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Joe Hoch, Celeste Wilson, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais, Tom Skoog, Fitz Elder, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by Dave Hahn and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:30 AM today!
It’s a beautiful, sunny day with light winds, allowing the team to spend about an hour on the summit soaking in the views and celebrating their accomplishment.
Congratulations to all!
WOOHOO!!!!!
Posted by: T Northrup on 5/24/2025 at 4:08 pm
Awesome job Zach!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 5/24/2025 at 1:31 pm
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Dominic Cifelli, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais, Rosie Hust, Imogen Von Mertens, CJ Rogers
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,700'
RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Dominic Cifelli led their Four Day teams May 15 - 18, on an early alpine start from Camp Muir this morning. Unfortunately, high winds forced the teams to turn around at 10,600 feet. Everyone returned safely to Camp Muir. They plan to begin their descent at 9:30 a.m. PT and are expected to arrive back at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford by early afternoon.
Posted by: Eric Frank, Joe Hoch, Ben Ammon, Calvin Jiricko, Tom Skoog, Hannah Billings
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,100'
Led by RMI Guides Eric Frank and Joe Hoch, the Four Day Climb May 8 - 11 teams reached an elevation of 13,100 feet today before being turned back due to route conditions. They are currently descending to Camp Muir for a short rest and to repack before continuing down to Paradise later this afternoon.
Posted by: Casey Grom, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb May 1 - 5 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Calvin Jiricko. Casey reported strong winds but otherwise clear and sunny.
This is the first RMI team of the season to reach the summit. What a great start!
Congratulations to the today's climbers!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Mike Bennett, Seth Burns, Calvin Jiricko, Rosie Hust, Claire Pennell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Although Paradise remains in a bit of a cloud this morning, it is sunny and clear above Camp Muir. The Five Day Climb August 21 - 25 led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Mike Bennett reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams found a bit of new snow on the upper mountain but the route was in good shape and the weather is beautiful, so they had a great climb to top. They started their descent from the crater rim around 7:20 am. They will return to Camp Muir for a quick break and continue down to Paradise. Their program will conclude this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Jeff Miller and team we are super proud of you ! What an accomplishment to achieve in your life ! Way to lead the wolf pack ! Gus has the drinks ready !
Posted by: Gus on 8/25/2024 at 8:34 am
Congratulations!! Way to go team!!
So proud of you Jeff ❤️
Posted by: Jaimie on 8/25/2024 at 8:33 am
Posted by: Seth Burns, Mike Bennett, Nicole De Petris, Margo Kerr, Will Ambler, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day climb with Seth Burns and Mike Bennett made a sunset climb of Mt. Rainier. The team enjoyed a great route, and beautiful sunset on their way to the top. They plan to depart Camp Muir around 10am.
Congratulations Team!
Looks like the summit view was way better yesterday than the day before. Guess the delay was so everyone could have the awesome view! Congratulations!
Posted by: Chris Bruns on 8/19/2024 at 12:15 pm
Posted by: Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise Team reached the top of Mt. Rainier Early this Morning in 6 hours and 35 minutes. The team spent the week learning advanced mountaineering skills as they trained on and then ascended the Paradise Glacier to Camp Muir for a summit attempt via the Disappointment Cleaver route. RMI Guide Sam Hoffman reported a clear and calm day on the summit! They will descend via the Muir Snowfield this afternoon.
Congratulations Team!
Go Team! That’s incredible.
Posted by: Pamela Banker on 6/21/2025 at 4:04 pm
Great work team!!! Enjoy!
Posted by: Heather on 6/21/2025 at 11:09 am
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