Entries By lacie smith
As we slowly bounced our way up the 4x4 road to Pico de Orizaba high camp at 14,000', a thick wet fog started to coat the windshield and then our tents. I semi jokingly asked our local guide Allan when the fog would clear. ‘11pm’ he replied, laughing.
Sure enough, when we woke around 1230am, we were greeted by a starry sky and cold! A 12,000' freezing level on an 18,500' mountain had us leaving camp in pretty much all our layers, and I for one stayed in my summit parka from camp to the summit.
We were treated to great conditions on our climb of Orizaba. The Labyrinth, commonly a confusing and tricky walk through loose then smooth then loose rock, was all easy snow. And as we passed 16,000' onto the upper mountain, the cramponing was easy.
Our team pushed hard toward the summit, and was welcomed by a beautiful sunrise and the classic Orizaba pyramid shadow over the lowlands. We gained the summit ridge, and warm sun greeted us at the top of Mexico.
We spent a pleasant half hour on the summit, carefully made our way back to camp, and eventually were treated to a delicious dinner in Tlachichuca.
Congratulations to the team on a long week and some strong climbing!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 18, 2025
Our time spent in Puebla amongst the dozens of beautifully lit cathedrals, vibrant colonial architecture and calming atmosphere is never enough. But our two nights in the lovely Hotel Colonial and a full day of rest were just enough for the group to refresh from La Malinche and Ixta.
After a laidback day of trinket shopping, napping and sightseeing, our group of newly relaxed climbers met for a dinner of steak and gold plated burgers last night above Puebla’s main square. The stoke was high and there were smiles all around and excitement for our final and largest mountain.
This morning we reloaded the van and set off for Tlachichuca and 18,500’ Pico de Orizaba.
Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 18, 2025
After leaving La Malinche we drove towards Amecameca to gather last minute supplies before starting our climb to Ixtaccihuatl 17,340.’
We drove up a windy rode to the national park gate, then continued up a bumpy dirt road to La Joya, ~ 13,047’. There, we were greeted with warm soup and tacos (great fuel before a big climb!)
The team tidied up their packs -and spent the afternoon climbing to high camp ~ 14,500ft.
We ate ramen, fresh quesadillas and made a plan to have an alpine start of 1:30 am. The little hours we layed horizontally was just enough to rest our bodies and minds for the summit push. The morning shuffle included coffee, oatmeal, perfect weather and many constellations in the sky to keep us company. The climb was tough and long but all worth it once we gained the ridge in time for sunrise! From the summit we were able to see where we came from, La malinche, and our next goal, Pico De Orizaba!
The team now arrives in Puebla for some much-needed rest, site seeing and great food!
RMI Guides Lacie Smith, Joe Hoch, and Team
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 18, 2025
Well, it wouldn’t be an international climbing expedition without some unexpected adventures. So as we drove up a mountain pass outside Mexico City on our way to our first volcano, La Malinche, and our minibus motor essentially exploded, team Mexico Volcanoes took it all in stride.
Three hours of quality suntanning time later, our new van arrived, we gear exploded and were on our way.
We were greeted at our cabin resort with everyone’s favorite dinner, a tower of meat, cheese and grilled cactus. The Torre de Carne righted any troubles of the day, and everyone went to bed ready to get up early and climb 14,500’ La Malinche.
Our summit day dawned clear and beautiful and we made great time up the lower part of the mountain. People started to feel the elevation around 13000’, but the stoke was high, and around 12 noon our entire climbing team stood on the summit of La Malinche!
We celebrated at dinner with yet another tower of meat, and got ready for our next volcano, 17,159’ Iztaccihautl!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 18, 2025
Last night, after a successful arrival, our Mexico Volcanos team assembled at our lovely Hotel Geneve in the Zona Rosa district of Mexico City.
We ran through intros and headed out to the local taco bar.
The team is stoked and ready to head to our first volcano, La Malinche!
RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Lacie Smith
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes January 18, 2025
Posted by: Lacie Smith, Nicole De Petris, Margo Kerr
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guides Lacie Smith, Nicole De Petris & Margo Kerr and the Mt. Baker - Easton Climb August 10 - 12 have enjoyed a few great days in the mountain. Yesterday, the completed their glacier skills training while watching the clouds roll in. This morning at 5:50 am the team reached the summit of Mt. Baker. The climb included watching the northern lights, lightning on the eastern horizon and a meteor shower. What more could you ask for?
Nice work team!
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Josh Geiser, Lacie Smith, Hannah Blum, Layne Peters, Dylan Anderson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 2 - 5 led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Josh Geiser reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams enjoyed a bit of time in the crater before starting their descent from the crater rim aroun 7 am. Dave reported sunny skies and a steady SW wind of 30 mph. The teams are on their descent to Camp Muir. Once back at camp, they will pack up and continue another 4,500' down to Paradise. There program concludes this afternoon with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Lacie Smith, Arianna Drechsler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
Good morning ,
We reached the summit of Mt. Baker at 9:15pm last night!
Our team is enjoying coffee and views at the moment, while also reminiscing on the shooting stars we saw last night on the descent. We will be packing up camp and descending later this afternoon.
RMI Guide Lacie Smith & Team
Posted by: Steve Gately, Walter Hailes, Lacie Smith, Layne Peters, Daniel May, Nicole De Petris, Rosie Hust
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Lacie Smith and Walt Hailes reached Ingraham Flats today. The team was unable to move further up on the mountain due to route conditions. The team was able to do some additional training as well as enjoy a beautiful sunrise from 11,200' on Mt. Rainier.
Posted by: Casey Grom, Tom Skoog, Jack Ritterson, Joe Hoch, Lacie Smith, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 9 am this morning. The team climbed in beautiful calm weather. They are on the descent to Camp Muir where they will spend one more night before returning to Ashford Basecamp.
Congratulations Team!
