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Mt. Elbrus: JJ and Team Reach Summit!

July 9, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 18,510'

Hello friends and family of Rainier Mountaineering. This is J.J. Justman really happy to report that our entire team is on the summit of Mt. Elbrus as we speak at 18,510’. We had a great day today. We actually started out pretty iffy weather, there were a lot of clouds, winds, sleet, snow and rain but it parted ways. We started out about 3 in the morning and wouldn’t you know it, we toughed it out, we are in a little bit of a white out. We wish we could have better photos but we are on top. Everyone wants to say hello to friend and family back home. I’d like to definitely give a shout out to the folks back at RMI: Autumn, Sarah, Melissa, Lacey and Casey for helping to get this trip started the right way. Definitely helps me focus on what I need to focus on and that was making sure our team was acclimatized and having fun. What do you say guys, are you having a fun time? [Cheers in background]. So, we are a little tired and we still have a little bit of work to do so we are going to start heading down hill. Chaio from Russia. That was Vladimir our co-guide along here with me, it was great climbing with him. We will have some photos and videos for all of you of our terrific summit day. We will send them tomorrow when we descend to the village of Cheget at the base of Mt. Elbrus. RMI Guide J.J. Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman calls in from the summit of Mt. Elbrus.

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Storm Day at 14 Camp

June 27, 2025

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Bailey Servais, Sam Hoffman, Calvin Jiricko

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

It snowed continuously through the night and all day. Finally, at six in the evening, it stopped, and we could see a bit more than a hundred feet in any direction. There was never a possibility of climbing today, so we made the best of a storm/rest day by enjoying a slow, leisurely breakfast in our dining tent. Afterward, we dug out the camp, took naps, and read books.

We managed to squeeze in a little training for the “fixed ropes” we hope to climb next. We practiced as the last snow fell and the clouds began to clear. That put us in a good position to witness the event of the day—a big avalanche roaring out of the Messner Couloir on the South Peak. We knew we weren’t in any danger from that particular couloir, but it was still sobering to be engulfed by the powder cloud thrown up by the slide. We’d heard several avalanches over the past 24 hours, but it was thrilling to actually watch one.

As we ate dinner, the clouds continued to melt away, and it was wonderful to be in actual sunshine again. Many of us found it hard to take our eyes off the mountain and all the fresh scars from sliding snow. We hope to climb the West Buttress in the morning, but that will depend on whether the new snow has had enough time to settle.

— RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

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Mt. McKinley Expedition, June 14, 2025

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I can’t imagine how intense it must have been to witness something as powerful as an avalanche! Great to hear the trip has been so amazing!

Posted by: Lawrence Chan on 6/27/2025 at 3:27 pm

The majestic beauty of it all must be breathtaking. I have confidence that you’re in good hands and you’ll proceed only if it’s safe to do so. Sending positive vibes.

Posted by: Kari Servais on 6/27/2025 at 9:50 am

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Denali Expedition: Champion & Team Depart Talkeetna, Land at Kahiltna Glacier

May 18, 2023

Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 11:46 pm PT

We woke up to an early call from K2 that said chances looked good to fly, so after a quick cup of coffee we rushed over to the hangar. After a few hours of hurry up and waiting, we were able to get out on a flight and land on the Kahiltna glacier in beautiful conditions. We unloaded all the group gear, organized everything for moving, and made our way to our first camp for the night. After six long hours, we finally pulled into the base of Ski Hill. Set up camp, and made a quick dinner of Mac and cheese under the clear skies. We are set up to carry tomorrow, but might sleep in a little bit first.

Check in tomorrow,

RMI Guide Nikki Champion

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Get it done Dawny!!! Watching you!!!

Posted by: Tiff on 5/19/2023 at 9:47 am

You got this Dawn! We are all thinking about you down here and cheering you on!!

Posted by: Kendyl and James on 5/19/2023 at 5:18 am

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Vinson Massif: Rest/ Storm/ Holiday

December 25, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Elevation: 12,400'

We spent the night listening to a wind play through high camp. It wasn't a strong wind, but it was persistent and if anybody got out of the tent to feel it, it was a cold wind. It had eased considerably by morning and so there was hope that our Christmas gift from the universe would be a nice calm summit day. But no. One look at the summits of surrounding peaks (we can't see Vinson summit from high camp) revealed wind driven and sleekly sculpted cloud caps on everything. It could not be a summit day, but it turned out to be a pretty great holiday. We took it very easy and slow; resting, reading, taking pictures, eating and drinking. No parades, no football, no turkey and no tree. But also no complaints. The weather (in camp and up high) got quite nice as the day went on. We each took walks a couple hundred feet to the west to peer over the edge... a thousand meters straight down to Low Camp, and to see where Vinson Basecamp might be hiding under a carpet of low cloud, and to gaze out at the endless ice cap. We have high hopes for tomorrow. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Camped Beneath the Great Barranco Wall

July 30, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 12,800'

Jambo from Barranco Camp, Another cloudless day awaited us as we got out of the tents this morning. The whole upper mountain was in clear view and even Mt. Meru was visible to the south. It was a bit colder this morning, but warmed right up as the sun hit our tents. Being our third day on the trail, the team was quick to get everything packed up and we were the first team out of camp. The climb up the Shira Plateau is not steep, but is a gradual incline all the way up to Lava Tower, our high point of the day at 15,100'. The group was strong the whole way up, even as we broke the personal altitude records of eight of our team members. After a nice break at Lava Tower camp, we began our descent to Barranco Camp. Since it was such a beautiful day, we stopped often for pictures and to just take in the views. The Barranco Camp has to be one of the best camps on the whole mountain. It is nestled on a flat bench with Kili's southern face rising dramatically right out of camp and dominating the horizon. On the valley floor, we are surrounded by some very unique plants including scenacios and lobelias, creating a landscape that almost looks like a page out of a Dr. Suess book. A pretty amazing place. We had an early dinner tonight and are now enjoying a beautiful night sky as we get ready for bed. Tomorrow, we tackle the Great Barranco Wall. Even though it looks a bit intimidating from camp, everyone is up for the challenge. We all wish Winsor a very Happy Birthday. RMI Guide Jeff Martin & the Kili Team.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi KATERINA!!!!,
We read the blogs and saw the pics from Jeff and are so amazed and excited about your trip!
We are so proud of you! We are also excited and preparing for our trip to Greece this coming weekend. Hope that u continue to be well. We wish you a fun and safe remaining journey. Love Vicky
Hi Catherine its Jason. It must be really cool climbing a mountain. Did you see any animals? Tell me how it was climbing mount Kilimanjaro. Love Jason
HiCathie its me john i looked at the pictures and it looks awesome to be climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. Are u tired? we miss yo u love john.

Posted by: Vicky, Jason & John on 7/31/2011 at 8:56 am

A special hello to my dear friend Catherine! I’m so proud of you (but not surprised)!!! You are AMAZING. DON’T STOP. KEEP GOING!!!! Love and miss you, Angelica P.S. Many thanks to Jeff for the great blogs and best wishes for continued safe climbing for you and your entire team.

Posted by: Angelica on 7/31/2011 at 6:24 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Enjoy Christmas Duck in May

May 30, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Today we awoke to another beautiful day at 14,000 camp on Denali. Feeling better about the altitude we cruised down to our cache and back in no time. A cloud rolled in and brought light snow this afternoon which has surprisingly been a welcome change to the hot temps and our sunburned lips from these past few days. We were able to do a little practice with fixed lines in preparation for the real deal in a couple days. Everyone did great, even with monster lobster gloves on! Tonight, Gerald treated us to duck burritos, with duck that came all the way from New Jersey, also a welcome change then to "chicken", resembling tuna from a bag. A shout out to Emma Rose, happy birthday! RMI Guides Leah, Logan, and Brent

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Is that why you got such a big snow blower?

Posted by: Charles on 6/5/2013 at 2:27 pm

Gerald you continue to amaze us! Stay safe and enjoy the climb

Posted by: eileen & mike meehan on 6/3/2013 at 3:15 am

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Ecuador Volcanoes: Nugent & Team Summit Cayambe!

January 14, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 18,997'

Our preparations for high altitude complete, the team awoke a few minutes after midnight on Monday morning for our summit bid on Cayambe. The sky was cloudy, but calm- a hopeful sign given the hail and rain the afternoon prior. The first hour of climbing found us negotiating a long rocky stretch in big mountain boots. We transitioned to snowy slopes and the group moved steadily uphill in high spirits as the clouds gave way to a clear and starry night. At a break at ~17k, we caught the sunrise, as well as a glimpse of three climbers high up on the mountain. Several of us were amazed at the steepness of the slope they were ascending, only to discover shortly thereafter that that would be our route, as well! However, our group was more than up to the task, and everyone summitted after 7.5 hours en route. The weather on top was flawless(!), so we lounged around and took hero shots for an hour before heading down. The steep section was just as exciting on the descent, but the remainder of the route was easily accomplished by our crew. After arriving at the refugio, we quickly packed up our gear and hightailed it down the mountain to get to some food! Unfortunately, hightailing it only works so well when you have 36k of rough road and 6000' to descend! After eating, everyone was looking forward to seeing our lodging at Chilcabama. However, the travel gods felt differently, and the expected transit time stretched out longer and longer, as first rain (on our duffels on top of the van), then traffic, the construction, and finally dark, unmarked roads had their way with us. Finally, we arrived to Chilcabama, where hot showers, freshly-made soup, and fires in our in-room fireplaces awaited us. It was the perfect end to a very long day. Pictures to come pending wifi access! RMI Guides Billy Nugent, Katie Bono and Team

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Enjoy a Rest Day

May 27, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

A rest day! Yay! We did such amazing things as sleeping in, more turbo tanning, sport eating, walking out to the Edge of the World, more sport eating, fixed line practice, and packing for tomorrow's carry up the fixed lines. Per the norm, the team is in good spirits but perhaps a bit anxious for tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be in and out for the extended forecast so we are planning to stick to our schedule until we are forced to wait. Hoping for a great day tomorrow, once we get this cache in we will be on standby for good weather and hopefully pulling the trigger on our move to high camp and subsequent summit push... RMI Guide Billy Nugent and friends

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello GRD from AOMS in Tucson Arizona. We are thinking of you and tracking your progress. Your almost to the top!!! WooHoo!!! Looking forward to the Summit pictures, stories and your safe return!
Enjoy every moment!!! :)

Posted by: Robin Alexander on 5/29/2012 at 9:22 am

Hi Donny. We are so proud of you. The whole family in St Louis is following your team’s progress. Uncle Jim

Posted by: Jim on 5/29/2012 at 5:40 am

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Ecuador Volcanoes: Beren & Team Exploring the Otovalo Market

February 13, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

The team is currently exploring Otovalo, the market town near the base of Cayambe. The sea of brightly colored goods in the town square is a fantastic place for a little cultural souvenir shopping. After our outing, we will head towards our next climbing objective, Cayambe. With a positive trend in the weather, it seems as though all the crossed fingers up North have made a difference. Keep it up amigos and we will check in from the hut! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Dan and friends!! Love the updates, following y’all daily! Wishes for good weather, good health and happy hiking!

Posted by: Patsy on 2/14/2013 at 5:12 pm

Yes, Happy Valentines day to Dan and friends! Following you daily, love the updates! Wishing good weather and successful hiking!

Posted by: Patsy on 2/14/2013 at 5:08 pm

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Mt. Rainier: August 23rd Summit!

August 23, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb August 20 - 23 led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Jake Beren reached the top of Mt. Rainier today! They experienced very high winds with a cloud cap on top of the mountain. The teams began their descent from the crater rim a little after 9:00 a.m. PT. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons will continue training today. Due to high winds and heavy rain last night the team will postpone their summit attempt until tomorrow morning. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!

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