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The team did fine work of packing up, grabbing a quick breakfast then good-bye Namche. Hello to Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Teboche, Cholatse, which are just a few peaks between 20,000' and 27,000'. Of course, the big one, Mt. Everest at 29,035' was also out in full bloom under clear skies and warm temperatures. No we didn't climb any of them, just enjoyed them from afar. Another great job by the A team. Tackled the Tengboche Hill in fine style and just as we arrived at the infamous monastery, a monk began blowing through a giant conch shell announcing the afternoon prayer. We abandoned our boots at the entrance and spent some time in the ornate sanctuary listening to them chant. A few nice photos and twenty minutes down the hill to the Rivendale Tea House for the night. A full day to say the least. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

Hey RMI, this is Linden Mallory calling from Island Peak High Camp. Just over 17,600' or so. We moved up here this morning and got settled in. Our weather this morning is a little breezy but not clouds. This afternoon some clouds rolled in. A little bit of new snow but it appears to be letting up. We are just about to have dinner and headed off to bed. Planning on going for the summit tomorrow. It appears that the new snow should not be much of an issue. We are looking forward to it. Everyone's feeling great. The altitude is treating us well. We're just keeping our fingers crossed and keeping warm and dry. We'll check in tomorrow and let you know how the climb goes. Take care. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

On The Map

We’ve officially arrived in Argentina and the team is finally together — which means the expedition has truly begun (because nothing counts until everyone and every bag is at the table).

Today was all about our first chance to sit down as a full group. After a long couple days of flights, luggage wrangling, and crossing hemispheres, we gathered for dinner to swap stories, meet faces that until now only existed on email threads, and confirm the important things — like who packed the best snacks.

Which brings us to the real highlight: our first gelato stop. Not our last, but a very important milestone nonetheless. Here’s a photo. Proof of life. Proof of carbs.

The energy is high, the team is already laughing, and somehow everyone still seems optimistic about carrying heavy packs into the Andes. A strong sign.

Tomorrow we’ll dive into gear checks, a full orientation meeting, and some last-minute shopping around Mendoza before we start heading toward the Vacas Valley. For now, we’re soaking up being together in the same place, enjoying the calm before the climb, and leaning into the very scientific expedition strategy of starting with joy, caffeine, and gelato.

So far, so good. ����️

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and team

This is Dave Han calling from Everest Basecamp. And another nice day here yesterday and today it didn't snow. First time in about 10 days. A little bit drier weather playing through. Teams are starting to get into position now. It's looking like there's gonna be little bit of weather window. They are talking at first about the 17th and the 18th. A little bit calmer weather up above. It didn't look all that windy today. It wasn't quite summit weather. A little bit more of a break coming up that a number of teams are hoping to jump on and establish that route to the top. We are actually looking a few days beyond that and monitoring the weather forecast to see if we get lucky out past that. Today our team went on various hikes. Everybody's feeling strong, feeling healthy. Nice to be running around on the hills around here. This afternoon we had our Annual Invitational Horseshoe Tournament at the RMI Base Camp and it was well attended. Lots of fun for the afternoon. [Groan] And sadly the RMI teams didn't finish in the finals, didn't win but it was a great tournament. We are looking forward to next year. All for now. RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Friday, June 20, 2025 9:59pm PDT

Happy Solstice from 11,000 ft

Today was our longest climbing day of the trip so far. We were up just after 2 a.m., in the shadows of the Kahiltna Glacier. Climbing began at 4:20 a.m. on the now-familiar Ski Hill. It was a cool morning, and the walking was easier thanks to a hard overnight freeze.

The hill steepened as we gained elevation, offering a striking view of the pyramidal granite of the West Buttress towering ahead. The team remained in shadow—a welcome relief—when we paused near our 10,000 ft cache from yesterday.

Leaving the main glacier, we stepped into the sun as we entered the basin below 11 Camp. We made it into camp in just under six hours, then spent a couple more building a secure and comfortable site.

There are a few clouds drifting about, but we expect the sun to stay with us well into the Alaskan night.

RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

Hola from Ecuador. We started our day with another bountiful and colorful breakfast this morning. The main dishes varied from yesterday's breakfast. Eggs, sausages, and mini breakfast burritos were the main attractions. Rounding out our breakfast of yogurt, papaya, mini pastries and once again fine Ecuadorian coffee. After breakfast we loaded the taxis and shuttled over to the teleferico ( or the gondola ). Which was a short 10 minute drive from our hotel through the bustling streets of Quito. The hearty breakfast was put to good use today as we had our first day of beginning our acclimatization with some physical activity. We rode the teleferico to about 13,500 ft. We then began our 3.5 hour hike up Rucu Pichincha. The weather and temperature for our hike could not have been more pleasant. We had some clouds in the area which helped to keep the temperature moderate. We all agreed that it felt splendid to stretch our legs and most importantly work our lungs, breathing hard as we hiked to nearly 15,500 ft. Conversation throughout the hike was animated, as we hiked through varied terrain of lush vegetation and some fun rocky terrain. The view of Quito throughout the day gave us an appreciation of how big this city of 2.2 million people is. We returned to our hotel in the afternoon for a few hours of free time to relax, explore local culture and prepare for our departure from Quito tomorrow morning. Dinner tonight was filled with laughs and great conversation. We are all back at the hotel this evening preparing for a good nights rest feeling satisfied with the day, looking forward to tomorrows adventures. RMI Guide Jason Thompson

The Four Day Summit Climb June 29 - 2 July led by RMI Guides Brent Okita, Gabriel Barral and Erik Nelson reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning shortly after 7 am (PT). The team reported cold temperatures, winds and a high overcast sky. The climbers spent 30 minutes on top before beginning their descent toward Camp Muir. The team will re-pack and re-fuel before at Camp Muir before continuing their descent to Paradise and on to Rainier Base Camp. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!

The Four Day Summit Climb led by Seth Waterfall and the Five Day Summit climb led by Gabriel Barral were forced to turn around at 11,000' due to storm conditions and high avalanche hazards. There is a large cap on the mountain that was descending to almost 10,000'. The team began their descent from Camp Muir. We look forward to meeting them at Rainier Base Camp later this morning.

Monday, June 26, 2023 - 10:47 pm PT

We continue to wait and be patient as less then ideal weather hangs onto Denali.  Another breakfast of bagels and locks was well received by the team and has helped to keep spirits high.  Waiting and being patient is an often overlooked skill necessary for expeditionary climbing. Our team is leaning wholeheartedly into this.  After more rest the afternoon was filled with fixed line training In preparation for our continued ascent.  Hopes are high for an opportunity to carry and climb above the fixed lines.

RMI Guide Seth Burns

RMI's Four Day Summit Climb Team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. RMI Guide Casey Grom reported a beautiful day with light winds and cold temperatures. The team will return to Camp Muir for a quick break and then continue to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!