Entries By mitch valaitis
August 25, 2023
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mike Bennett, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Five Day Climb led by RMI Guide Joe Hoch spent two days on the mountain. The team climbed to Ingraham Flats where they were able to spend the day learning crevasse rescue skills. The team had a great couple of days on the upper slopes of Mt. Rainier.
August 8, 2023
Posted by: Alan Davis, Jack Delaney, Michael Murray, Charlie Harrison, Mitch Valaitis, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 14,410'
After a few days of unsettled weather on the mountain, the Four Day Climb August 5 - 8 was able to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier led by RMI Guides Alan Davis and Jack Delaney. The teams reached the crater rim around 6:30 am PT and enjoyed an hour in the crater. They will return to Camp Muir for a quick stop before continuing down to Paradise this afternoon. We look forward to seeing the teams back at BaseCamp later today.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
August 5, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Luedtke, Jess Wedel, Erika Birkeland, Mitch Valaitis, Will Nash
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ben Luedtke reached the summit of Mt. Rainier and were greeted with Snow! A summer storm with clouds, snow, and low visability kept the team from spending too much time on the summit. The team is on the descent, and in route to Camp Muir where the weather is currently a mix of rain and sleet.
Congratulations Team!
July 31, 2023
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, George Hedreen, Bailey Servais, Mitch Valaitis, Evan Redman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb teams reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 7:45 am today led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Dustin Wittmier. Dave reported very pleasant climbing conditions for the morning. After enjoying some time in the crater the teams will descend to Camp Muir for the second and final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will descend the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise and conclude their program at Rainier BaseCamp.
Nice work team!
Congratulations to you all! Proud of you and your hard work!!
Posted by: Chrissy M. on 7/31/2023 at 11:36 am
Congratulations!! So proud of the hard work this crew has put in! Incredible grit and dedication, y’all rock!!!
Posted by: Angela Govila on 7/31/2023 at 9:31 am
July 26, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Emma Lyddan, Josh Geiser, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by RMI Guide Mike Walter reached the summit of Mt. Rainier yesterday. High winds delayed their summit alpine start but the team was still able to make a summit attempt and all of the team memebers were able to stand on top. The team returned to Camp Schurman for their final night on the mountain. Today they intend to do a bit of training before descending to the trail head and transferring back to Rainier BaseCamp. We look forward to seeing them later this afternoon at the conclusion of their program.
Congratulations everyone!
Hats off to a super professional team at RMI. Great work navigating some tricky weather Mike. I wasn’t sure we were going to make it. The next time I’m taking a flight over the Andes, I know who I want on my plane!
Posted by: James Coley on 7/27/2023 at 6:36 pm
July 21, 2023
Posted by: Brent Okita, Calvin Jiricko, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Footprints of Fight team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. RMI Guide Brent Okita reported clear skies and a breezy morning on the summit.
These climbers have trained to climb Mt. Rainier for a year while raising funds to support their mission. Footprints of Fight is a organization that is dedicated to providing services for the family and patient of pediatric cancer in Washington while going through the treatment process. The purpose of these services is to reduce the family's stress of everyday life through which increased levels of courage, optimism, strength, and resiliency will form to help the family conquer cancer in present and future.
Congratulations Team for your efforts on and off the mountain!
July 12, 2023
Posted by: Brent Okita, Dustin Wittmier, Daniel May, Sam Hoffman, Mitch Valaitis, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Brent Okita & Dustin Wittmier led their team of climbers to the summit of Mt. Rainier. The Four Day Climb team July 9 - 12 enjoyed a beautiful morning on the mountain with a nice route and 15 mph winds. The teams were on Columbia Crest at 7:30 am and began their descent from the crater rim just after 8 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a short break to repack and refuel before descending the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.
Congratulations team!
If I had one word to describe the RMI team it would be professional. They really took good care of our team and let us enjoy the experience. A top notch crew I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone considering a Rainier summit in the future. Thank you ALA for all your support as well! Climbing for a purpose (other than bagging a peak) is really special and I’ve been happy to support your cause. Thank you team, you really made it enjoyable and it was a pleasure to be part of this group that is forever connected by this amazing experience!
Posted by: David Lamp on 7/20/2023 at 12:48 pm
Such an awesome experience! Thank you to our guide team and to all of the other climbers who worked hard out there. From the guides to everyone climbing with with ALA, you all made this such a memorable experienced. Climb on y’all!!
Posted by: Jonathan Mack on 7/15/2023 at 9:56 am
July 3, 2023
Posted by: Steve Gately, Emma Lyddan, Charlie Harrison, Josh Geiser, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
After enjoying a day of training at Ingraham Flats, 11,200ft, yesterday, the Five Day Climb June 29 - 3 July led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Emma Lyddan put their training to good use. The teams climbed 4,500' from Camp Muir to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Steve reported a pleasant day on the mountain with a bit of a breeze towards the summit. The teams began their descent from the crater rim just before 7:30 am en route to Camp Muir. Once back at camp they will have a short break to repack before continuing the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's climbing teams!
June 24, 2023
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Taylor Bickford, Josh Geiser, Nick Sinapius, Robert Whyte, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Walt Hailes and Taylor Bickford were on the 14,410' summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Walt reported that is was a nice day of climbing on the Disappointment Cleaver Route. The team started their descent at 8:25 am and are making their way back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations Team!
Congrats Cindy!!! Can’t wait to hear all about your Washington adventure. Xx Jill
Posted by: Jill Arvai Acker on 6/27/2023 at 7:51 pm
Congratulations to all esp. C, D & P. You’re “rock”stars!
Posted by: Sarah Thompson on 6/24/2023 at 10:39 am
June 18, 2023
Posted by: Steve Gately, Emma Lyddan, Ellison Boord, Trevor Katz, Robert Whyte, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,000'
The Mt. Rainier Four-Day climb led by RMI guides, Steve Gately and Emma Lyddan, turned around near 13,000’ this morning. After a cold morning and a light dusting of flurries, the team made the decision to turn back. The climbers are currently on their descent and will be back to celebrate their hard-work this afternoon in Ashford.
Congratulations Peter and thanks to RMI guides & staff for a safe and successful climb
Posted by: Chuck Lorenz on 8/9/2023 at 8:34 pm
Congratulations Brett! Glad to read of the team success. You’re awesome
Posted by: Olga Walker on 8/9/2023 at 6:51 am
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