Entries By henry coppolillo
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
After two days of heavy rain kept the Five Day Team hunkered down in the hut at Camp Muir, conditions finally began to improve around 7:00 AM this morning. Although the team was unable to make their summit attempt, they made the most of the break in the weather by venturing out onto the Cowlitz Glacier for a scenic walk and additional mountaineering training.
Led by guides Henry Coppolillo and Bailey Servais, the team is now departing Camp Muir and heading back to Paradise. They’re expected to arrive in the early afternoon, wrapping up their adventure with resilience and camaraderie despite the challenging conditions.
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Mitch Valaitis, Arianna Drechsler, Dylan Anderson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
After several days of training including a Mountaineering Day School and Technical training day, the RMI Emmons Seminar July 25 - 30 team began their ascent of Mt. Rainier. Transferring to the White River Entrance the team set off from the trailhead with heavy packs to establish their first night's camp. With nice temperatures and blue skies they continued their training, establishing camp, practicing crevasse rescue, setting anchors and belays. The team ascended to Camp Schurman where they established their second camp. This morning, with an alpine start, the team made a successful ascent to the summit of Mt. Rainier. The nice weather continues for them as they descend back to Camp Schurman. They will spend another night at camp before continuing down to the trailhead tomorrow. We look forward to hearing more about their adventure tomorrow afternoon when they return to Rainier BaseCamp.
Nice work team!
PC: Arianna Drechsler
On July 18th, the RMI team, led by guide Henry Coppolillo, successfully reached the summit of Forbidden Peak, completing the climb via the renowned West Ridge route.
The journey began with a picturesque trek through the North Cascades’ alpine meadows, immersing them in the region's rugged beauty. To prepare for the challenging summit push, they trained on the iconic Sharkfin Tower, sharpening their skills and refining their techniques. With an early alpine start on the 18th, the team navigated glaciers and rocky terrain to reach the top of this stunning peak.
Nice Work Climbers!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Jess Wedel, Miles Watson, Tate Hughes, Simon Kearns, Mitch Valaitis, Annie Chapman, Fitz Elder
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Happy Fourth of July!
Led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Jess Wedel, the Mt. Rainier Four Day Climbs reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 5:35 am. The teams were approaching the top of Disappointment Cleaver on their descent, when they checked in around 7:30 am. They will continue their descent back to Camp Muir where they will pack up before descending the Muir Snowfield to Paradise. We look forward to welcoming them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,200'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Jess Wedel made a push toward the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning, the group reached 13,200 feet before Mother Nature made her presence known.
As the team ascended through the early morning hours, increasing winds and steady snowfall began to challenge their progress. With safety as the top priority, the guides made the decision to turn the team around just below the summit.
Now back at Camp Muir, where light snow continues to fall, the team is regrouping and preparing for their descent to Paradise.
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Jackson Breen, Nicole De Petris, Dylan Anderson, Jack Ritterson, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 12 - 15 led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Jackson Breen, reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 6:20 am. Henry reported a beautiful and slightly busy day on the mountain. The skies were clear and winds low. The teams enjoyed some time in the summit crater before starting their descent from the crater rim. Once back at Camp Muir, they repacked and descended the remaining 4,500'. This afternoon they will complete their adventure with a small ceremony.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Bailey Servais, Bryan Mazaika, Tom Skoog, Stella Johnson, Sam Hoffman, Miles Watson, CJ Rogers
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Good morning!
The Four Day Climb of Mt. Rainier led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Bailey Servais reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 5:20 am PT this morning. Both teams went 100% to the summit--an incredible achievement! The guides reported beautiful weather and a great climbing route! The teams are currently descending and will be back in Ashford at Rainier Base Camp later this afternoon.
Congratuations to today's climbers!
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
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,500'
Our first Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir of the season wrapped up a productive and rewarding week on Mt. Rainier. Led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Dominic Cifelli, the team came together on Saturday for a comprehensive gear check and began their foundational skills training at Rainier Base Camp.
With full packs and high spirits, they made the ascent to Camp Muir the following day. Throughout the week, the group focused on essential mountaineering techniques, including glacier travel, ice axe arrest, and cramponing. They also practiced crevasse rescue skills, learned how to set up tents in alpine conditions, and took a windy acclimatization hike to Ingraham Flats.
Today, the team set out for their summit attempt and reached an elevation of 12,500 feet before making the decision to turn back due to potential avalanche hazards. They returned safely to Camp Muir and will continue their final 4,500-foot descent to Paradise.
It’s been a great start to the seminar season, with valuable experience gained and strong teamwork throughout.
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
Well done! Three cheers! We salute you !
Posted by: Sarah Robey Hall on 7/29/2025 at 2:14 pm
View All Comments