Entries By mitch valaitis
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
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mitch Valaitis, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
On July 18th the Mt. Baker Easton Climb summited all climbers and guides on a sunny, windy morning around 9:30 am. We had been climbing with a forecast of possible rain in the afternoon, but the building clouds cleared for us at the top of the mountain for some great views.
Just as we returned to the tents around 2 pm, the sky opened up. Nowhere better than a dry tent after a summit to watch the rain pour down.
- RMI Guide Joe Hoch
Congratulations Climbers!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Felipe Guarderas, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
The Mt. Baker North Ridge team, led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison, reached the summit of Mt. Baker this morning. The team ascended via the North Ridge route, a classic climb in the North Cascades. Strong work by all, as everyone reached the top — a 100% success rate!
Congratulations, Team!
Congratulations to Kyle Zeitounian and the entire team om a great job,!
Posted by: Dee Zeitounian on 7/17/2025 at 12:33 pm
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: Tatum Whatford, Felipe Guarderas, Mitch Valaitis, Ben Thorneycroft, Miles Watson, Avery Stolte, Matt Kelly, Ben Porter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Tatum Whatford and Felipe Guarderas led their Five Day Climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The guides reported an amazing day with light winds and clear skies. The route is busy with climbers so the teams reached the crater rim and have started their descent to Camp Muir. Once back at camp the climbers will enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the mountain and celebrate their accomplishment. The team will spend tonight at 10,080' and continue the remaining 4.5 miles/4,500' down to Paradise tomorrow.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Such a wonderful trip! Still reeling. Looking forward to the next one ;)
Posted by: Alex Trimpe on 7/1/2025 at 11:12 am
Wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations.
Posted by: Joyce Metcalf on 6/29/2025 at 8:17 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Lael Butler, Mitch Valaitis, Brooks Ordway-Smith, Julian Kral, Felipe Guarderas, CJ Rogers, Simon Kearns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climbs led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Lael Butler reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning! The teams were on the summit around 7:45 am and enjoying the beautiful weather. We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mitch Valaitis, Stella Johnson, Matt Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb June 7 - 11 led by RMI Guide Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today with 100% of the team. We started in full moonlight and summited 100 percent on a perfect morning!
The climbers will return to Camp Muir for a sort break and to repack before beginning the final descent to Paradise. They will conclude their program later today at Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to the team!
Congrats to the team! Having only made it to Camp Muir many years ago, I wish I could have been with them. I love the shot of Mt. Adams to the west where we did climb the Klickitat icefall.
Posted by: Gordon Gribble on 6/12/2025 at 2:23 am
Yayyyy!!! Congrats ♥️
Posted by: Nichole Hand on 6/11/2025 at 7:44 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, George Hedreen, Nicole De Petris, Mitch Valaitis, Margo Kerr, Fitz Elder, Mark Tucker, Imogen Von Mertens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 3 - 6 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The ropes teams were walking into the crater rim around 6:30 am PT. It's a beautiful day with clear skies. This marks summit #599 for RMI Guide Brent Okita. Wow!
After enjoying some time in the crater the teams will descend to Camp Muir and then Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers.
Brent is awesome!!! xox
Posted by: Jill Caven on 6/6/2025 at 10:02 am
Amazing!! Congrats !!
Posted by: Hélène Coulombe on 6/6/2025 at 8:47 am
Posted by: Eric Frank, Joe Hoch, Dylan Anderson, Mitch Valaitis, Layne Peters, Arianna Drechsler, Jack Ritterson, Brooks Ordway-Smith, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Eric Frank and Joe Hoch led their Four Day Climb June 2 - 5 to the summit of Mt. Rainier today. They reached the summit shortly after 7 am and reported clear skies and light winds. The teams will enjoy some time in the crater before starting their descent back to Camp Muir. After a short stop, they will continue down to Paradise and return to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
PC: Layne Peters & Joe Hoch
I’m so thankful to have met and climbed (to Muir) with this group of people. There was so much positivity and honesty amongst this group of strangers. It was inspiring to watch each person climb and battle their way to the summit and back. RMI’s guides are beyond impressive. The strength you all posses is incredible. To do what you do AND be personable AND lighthearted is truly a gift. I cant say enough about all the things you had to juggle to make this trip a success. Thank you to everyone for making this one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Posted by: Nate on 6/6/2025 at 9:53 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, James Bealer, Mitch Valaitis, Nicole De Petris, Rosie Hust, Miles Watson, Stella Johnson, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Four-Day Climb from May 26–29, led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and James Bealer, was unable to make a summit attempt this morning due to sustained high winds and stronger gusts. The teams remained safely sheltered at Camp Muir and will begin their descent to Paradise later this morning.
Well done! Three cheers! We salute you !
Posted by: Sarah Robey Hall on 7/29/2025 at 2:14 pm
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