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Today was the real first step of the adventure. We woke up early to catch one of the first rides on the gondola and we’re glad we did. The team enjoyed beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes, Rucu Pichincha itself, and the cityscape of Quito to start our morning up in the hills. The weather out here in Ecuador is notoriously unpredictable though. Shortly after we set out, we were surrounded by clouds and a breeze that chilled us for the remainder of the climb. Still thankful for no rain, we climbed on and reached the summit in style. The best part of the climb? Well of course it was the coffee and donuts that awaited us at the top of the gondola. The Euro-style café there has sprawling views of Quito and coffee that tastes extra good after a hard day’s work. The team is headed back to Quito for our last night here before we head out to our next peak, Fuya Fuya.
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Kel Rossiter
Categories: Guide News Guide Grant
Ultimately, beyond peering down a microscope, knowing the snow is a very sensory experience, incorporating sight, sound, and touch in order to determine its stability: windslabs are often squeaky like styrofoam, while faceted grains bounce off a gloved hand and make for a poor snowball. Of course, once stability is determined, the sensory experience is the pure enjoyment—how well does it ski? Through careful tracking of the Wasatch area over our week of study, we knew that north aspects were retaining the best snow. So, after our final exam, involving each person doing a complete analysis of the season's snowpack and weaknesses, we gathered together for a final run back into the front-country. We ripped our skins and then laid tracks down a beautiful bowl, each up us kicking up huge roostertails of powder joy—a reward for all of our diligent study.
The pleasures of backcountry skiing and the benefits of big mountain climbing with skis are becoming increasingly known in the outdoor world and RMI is right out in front of the trend. Safely partaking of those pleasures and benefits involves really coming to know the snow. While in its essence knowledge of the snow is like knowledge itself, where “The more one knows the more one knows they don't completely understand,” coming away from the Level 3 avalanche course, I feel good in knowing that I'm keeping the learning edge sharp. That sharp edge will aid me whether cramponing up alpine routes on Rainier or schussing down couloirs in the North Cascades.
hi im in Gayle Staffords reading class please can you get Matt Brennan to respond
Posted by: Karli L on 12/3/2018 at 10:57 am
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Elevation: 12,300'
On The Map
Seth: A comment you taught me could be appropriate at this time: the three P’s, perserverance, patience and a positive attitude along with a bit of luck will get you there! Best on a safe climb!
Posted by: phil usher on 9/1/2013 at 6:33 pm
Choo and team,
Bit bummed to read about the weather stalling things but I’m sure you’re still making the most of it! Only a success if you make it up…and back down…so be safe!!! Fingers crossed and sending wishes/thoughts/prayers for it to open up and give you a chance if it is right!!!
Pulling for ya! Enjoy and have fun!
LT
Posted by: Lauren on 9/1/2013 at 4:17 pm
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We had a long, but productive, day yesterday. We established our high cache at 17,200'. Wind and snow moved in while we were up on the ridge, making for a challenging day at altitude, and a long, arduous descent on technical terrain. All told, it was a 12 hour day, with a late dinner and late bedtime.
Today we are resting, eating, and rehydrating. We slept in and enjoyed a hearty breakfast burrito brunch that lasted until noon. We will be resting again tomorrow, as there is currently a high wind warning for the upper mountain. Hopefully, things mellow out soon and we can move to high camp for our summit attempt. Until then we are enjoying the relative comfort of 14,000’ camp. We will check in again tomorrow to update you on our status.
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
Yayy! Upward progress awesome!! You all are doing great, praying for good weather so you can Summit this weekend.
Happy Birthday to Rich, looking forward to seeing all the pics and stories he has to share. Love you son ❤️
Posted by: Kim on 5/25/2023 at 3:57 pm
Today we enjoyed an acclimitization hike on La Malinche. The trail was busy with other hikers and we made our first dog friends of the trip. Along the trail and through the trees we weaved our way up, spotting hummingbirds and rocky peaks surrounding us. 
We did not have the opportunity to summit due to weather and time but we still made it to 13,000 feet!
After a well earned, delicious meal at our resort, we settle in at 10,000 feet to rest for our Izta adventure tomorrow.
RMI Guide Abby Westling and team
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 2:48 pm PT
We are back in camp with tired legs and full minds after a windy but successful summit bid. We will wrap up our training this afternoon and hike back to trailhead in the morning.
RMI Guide Alex Halliday & Team
shinbangers triumphant return!!!! congrats all! cheers praveen and fam :)
Posted by: Corey on 7/22/2021 at 9:14 am
Team Alex - Congratulations!
Great job Captain Alex and definitely
Terrific Job everyone!!
Posted by: Tej Kabra on 7/20/2021 at 7:07 pm
On The Map
Roger I am so happy that you made it. Now you can say I told you so.Rest an Enjoy the safari. Cam
Posted by: Cam on 8/25/2014 at 6:04 am
Roger Hope you are taking lots of pictures. So proud of your progress. Looks so challenging. Good luck. Cam
Posted by: Cam on 8/21/2014 at 7:41 am
Go team. America is counting on you to bring home the glory. Or at least a good story.
Posted by: Scott Humphrey on 1/8/2013 at 5:49 pm
Just do it! Happy trails!
Posted by: Ruby on 11/4/2022 at 1:39 pm
Go Joe Go !!
Daryl
Posted by: Daryl on 11/2/2022 at 7:36 pm
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