Entries By sam marjerison
Posted by: Sam Marjerison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Chile Ski
October 1, 2025
After a big day of skiing yesterday, we planned to take it easy and learn about the rich culture of the Mapuche people in Arenales. After taking a leisurely lap and enjoying some classic spring skiing, we sat down for a traditional Mapuche lunch which included wild boar, sweet potatoes and even a cup of piñon coffee! We learned about the traditional Rokas (house) the native Mapuche people live in and the importance of their coexistence with the environment.
With our stomachs and minds full of all that we learned, we traveled back to Malalcahuello for one last night before an early morning to climb and ski Volcan Llaima in the morning! Pizza and Pisco Sours were on the menu tonight and we enjoyed another great evening in the Araucania region of Chile.
September 30, 2025
After a delicious breakfast at our hostel, Casa Esquina (Corner House), we loaded up the van and set off towards Volcan Lonquimay. The van wound through the tall Araucaria Araucana trees known for their tall trunks and wild leaves and we enjoyed the crisp spring air as we donned our boots and skins for the day ahead.
With 4,000 feet of elevation gain, we had a big day ahead of us and we slowly and enthusiastically weaved our way up onto the Southeast shoulder of Volcan Lonquimay. After skinning for most of the way, we strapped our skis to our packs and boot packed the last 600 feet to the summit crater and enjoyed views of Volcan Llaima (our next destination), Sierra Nevada, Volcan Villarica and Volcan Lanin.
After snapping some photos and enjoying the panoramic views, we began our 4,000 foot ski descent back to the car where we enjoyed soft turns straight off of the summit! Our day was capped with an afternoon beverage on the ski areas deck and the satisfaction of a summit well earned. Tomorrow we plan to take an active rest day and do some moderate skiing in an adjacent valley.
September 29, 2025
We woke up early to dew covered grass and foggy streets here in Temuco, Chile. After a hearty breakfast, we met the rest of the team and loaded our gear into a large bus that would be our wheels for the trip. We drove into the countryside and out to the Corralco Ski Area at the base of Volcan Lonquimay. Today our plan was to do some skiing, get to know each other and shake off the ski cobwebs.
With clear skies and warm temps, we enjoyed a day full of groomer laps, off piste skiing and spectating an FIS GS race where even Lindsey Vonn was in attendance! After skiing bell to bell, we drove back down to the town of Malalcahuello for dinner and drinks before getting a good night's rest for our first of four volcanoes tomorrow, Volcan Lonquimay.
September 28, 2025
After a long two days of travel, we arrived, with all bags accounted for here in Temuco, Chile. Naps were taken, Jacuzzis were utilized and we enjoyed a wonderful evening exploring the downtown city streets. With an early start tomorrow morning, we will drive over to Corralco Ski Area for a day of riding lifts and shaking off the cobwebs of a snowless summer.
RMI Guide Sam Marjerison
New Post Alerts:
Chile Ski Expedition September 27, 2025
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Raymond Holt, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,900'
The Kautz Seminar Team July 27 - 1 August led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison has spent the last several days training and climbing. They began their climb of Mt. Rainier from Paradise on July 29 ascending to camp near the Wilson Glacier. They spent time learning crevasse rescue skills, setting anchors and belays and worked on technical ice climbing skills before starting their summit attempt. The team climbed strong through the Kautz Ice chute this morning, reaching an elevation of 12,900'. At that point, deterioration weather forced them to retreat. They will spend another night at camp, perhaps get in a bit more training, and then descend to Paradise tomorrow. They will conclude their adventure in Ashford tomorrow afternoon.
Strong climbing team!
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: Jack Delaney, Sam Marjerison, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Billings, Arianna Drechsler, Layne Peters, Imogen Von Mertens, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
The Five Day Climb June 28 - 2 July led by RMI Guides Jack Delaney and Sam Marjerison reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning on a beautiful day. The teams enjoyed some time on the summit before beginning their descent from the crater rim around 9 am. The climbers will return to Camp Muir for their second night on the mountain and enjoy the views and their accomplishment. Tomorrow the teams will descend the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.
Nice work today team!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Ben Thorneycroft, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
The first Easton Glacier expedition of the 2025 season, led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison, reached the summit of Mt. Baker yesterday evening. After leaving the summit and spending the night back at high camp, the team will head down the mountain this morning to celebrate their success with friends, family, and a nice warm meal.
Way to go team!
Posted by: Brent Okita, George Hedreen, Nicole De Petris, Sam Marjerison, Hannah Billings, Annie Chapman, Fitz Elder, Julian Kral
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 16 - 19 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita & George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Raineir this morning around 7 am. It's a beautiful day with blue skies, light winds and cool temperatures. The team enjoyed about an hour in the summit crater before starting their descent from the crater rim shortly after 8 am. Once back at Camp Muir the climbers will have a short rest and repack, then continue 4.5 miles down to Paradise. They will have a short celebration at Rainier BaseCamp later today to conclude their adventure.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Ben Thorneycroft, Felipe Guarderas, Layne Peters
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expeditions Skills Seminar - Kautz June 6 - 11 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning via the Kautz Glacier route. After several days of training the team put their skills to the test ascending the Kautz Ice chute and Wapowety Cleaver. They reached Point Success at 8:50 am and crossed to Columbia Crest, the true summit of Mt. Rainier 14,410' arriving at 9:12 am. The team enjoyed a bit of time in the crater and then began their descent. They will return to camp for a well deserved rest and spend a final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will continue their descent to Paradise, returning to Rainier BaseCamp to conclude their program.
Way to go team!
PC: Felipe Guarderas & Layne Peters
Another great climb, Sam!! Love reading some of the details — stay safe!
Gram & Gramp ❤️
Posted by: Jeri Marjerison on 6/11/2025 at 8:26 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Bailey Servais, Sam Marjerison, Arianna Drechsler, Margo Kerr, Mac Nolde, Mark Tucker, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,600'
The Four-Day Climb with Dominic Cifelli & Sam Marjerison turned around at High Break (13,600’) today due to high winds and heavy clouds forming on the upper mountain during their ascent. The team is en route back to Camp Muir and should return to Basecamp early this afternoon.
Congratulations to the team on a strong climb!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 7,400'
Mt. Baker Ski & Summit May 17 - 19:
Led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison the team practice skills and did some ski touring yesterday. They arrived back to camp and settled in after turning around at 7,400 feet due to whiteout conditions. They are planning to enjoy a morning ski before making their exit around midday.
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 7,400'
Mt. Baker Summit & Ski Team Update:
The team spent last two days exploring the upper slopes of Mt. Baker, enjoying some great turns along the way. Unfortunately, weather conditions prevented them from climbing above 7,400 feet on their summit attempt today.
They’re now back at camp and will ski out tomorrow.
This team was led by RMI Guides Sam Marjerison and Bailey Servais
Sam and Remi, thanks for inviting Richard for this amazing mountain adventure. We are proud of all of you.
Alice Jo
Posted by: Alice Jo Rainville on 5/11/2025 at 2:42 pm
Super proud of Sam, Remi, and Richard…what an adventure! Thank you guides!
Posted by: Laurie Brook Douglas on 5/11/2025 at 5:47 am
Awesome work staying safe annd being smart! I know that you are deeply disappointed. You’ve waited years for this day, I hope the experience has been awe-inspiring and has just fueled the fire for the next time
Posted by: Anna Graf on 8/1/2025 at 1:12 am
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