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Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Arrive in the Mountains

July 24, 2017

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 7,500'

Здравствуйте (hello) from Russia! We had an early start to the day as we left Moscow this morning and have traveled via plane and bus to the beautiful Caucus mountains. Our flight took us to southern Russia not too far from the Black Sea to a place called Mineralnye Vody, which simply translates to Mineral Water. This part of the country is predominately rural and is responsible for much of the agriculture that the larger cities depends on. We were meet by our trustworthy guide Yuri, whom I've climbed with many times. Then hopped in our van for the 3 hour drive up the Baksan Valley to the base Mt. Elbrus. Things went pretty smooth minus a few little traffic jams with cars, motorcycles and cows all humorously trying to use the road. The small town we are in is called Cheget, and it doubles as a ski town in winter and converts to climbing town in the summer. We didn't do a ton of exploring this afternoon due to the adjustment of the time that we are all still feeling and having started so early. However, tomorrow we will do our first acclimatizing hike and do a little exploring too. All is well here as we are looking forward to a little exercise tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Arrive at Base Camp

January 23, 2015

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

We are settled in to our camp for the next several days in a situation that in mountain terms is very plush. We woke up early this morning to get our bags packed for the arryaros, and then prepared to cross the Vacas river. Some opted to brave the chilly temps, cold water, and multiple channels, rolling up their pant legs and wading right in. Others took the unique opportunity to ride a mule across. We all learned something new from our Norwegian teammate, who showed up with ultralight waders and cruised across without getting the least bit damp. The sun was shining again today, but the increasing altitude and another welcome breeze kept things mostly comfortable. We saw more Guanacos today (the team no longer believes us when we tell them it's pretty rare), this time either playing or arguing with a game of king of the hill. As we came through the top of the Relinchos valley, we got our first really unobstructed views of Aconcagua and its sister peak Amegino. A dining tent, lemonade, and an assortment of peanuts, crackers, cheese, and olives greeted us when we walked into Plaza Argentina. With tents up, it was time for the afternoon siesta before a delicious chicken dinner prepared by Anita, the wonderful base camp cook. We're off to bed shortly, and after a lot of miles and hours the last three days, everyone is looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. We send our best to everyone back home, RMI Guides Pete, Juan, Alex, and crew

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Cotopaxi Express: Bennett, Hoffman & Entire Team Reach Cotopaxi Summit

October 31, 2025

Posted by: Mike Bennett, Sam Hoffman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 19,348'

UPDATE: Friday, October, 31, 2025

Cumbre!

We all went to bed with a degree of anxiety about the weather. For days prior, and even the day we went to Cotopaxi Refugio, there were intense periods of rain. However, luck was on our side and our guide Sam woke us up around 11pm with the best news ever - it was a clear starry night. We finalized our packs, put on our crampons, and set out for the summit.

The climb began on rocky terrain, a steady but manageable approach. We soon got to the soft snow level and the intensity started to pick up. It was a constant uphill ascent without any switchbacks. For many of us, this was the steepest continuous climb we’ve ever done and also the highest altitude ever achieved. This led to some challenges, but we pushed through with our resilience and amazing support from our guides. Before we knew it, the summit was in sight. The entire group showed their grit and determination and we all made it! What an incredible sight that we were rewarded with at the top of Cotopaxi. After taking it all in, we began the descent. We weren’t able to appreciate the beauty of the mountain on the ascent as it was mostly dark, but the descent revealed Cotopaxi’s splendor from various angles. We enjoyed a light breakfast at the Refugio and then descended to the parking lot where a bus took us to our cozy hacienda. It wasn’t long before we arrived at the hacienda that the rain and hail storms began. It’s still a mystery on how we had such a perfect weather window for our climb, but we are grateful! And all excited about our accomplishment!

RMI Climber, Madhur Nayan

Friday, October 31, 2025 - 11:00 am PT

RMI Guide Mike Bennett sent a quick update to let us know that 100% of the team reached the summit of Cotopaxi today! They will return to the climbers hut, repack and meet their drivers and vehicles for the short transfer to Chilcabamba Lodge where they will spend the night. Tomorrow the team will return to Quito for their final night in Ecuador.

Congratulations team!

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Cotopaxi Express October 25, 2025

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Mt. Rainier: The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir Completes a Successful Week of Training

May 10, 2024

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,200'

The Expedition Skills Seminar Muir led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Joe Hoch spent a week honing their mountaineering skills in preparation for future big mountain objectives. This starts with ice axe use and cramponing techniques, and moves on to more advanced skills such as anchor placements, various self and team crevasse rescue techniques, steep technical ice climbing, belays, rappelling, knots, route finding, avalanche forecasting and fixed rope travel. Evening discussions included such topics as mountain weather, medicine for mountaineering, altitude wellness and equipment. The team climbed to Ingraham Flats, but were unable to travel higher on the mountain due to unstable snow conditions.

Congratulations Team!

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Descend to 11,200’ Camp

June 21, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Friday, June 21, 2019 - 7:55 PM PT We got up and started packing when the sun hit the tents this morning. It’s nice to have the Buttress to yourself and not have to contend with uphill traffic. The Team probably could have used a few more hours of sleep after the big summit day but the weather was splitter and we launched with the hopes of getting to 11 Camp. The descent was fairly warm and provided for lots of photo opportunities as we traveled on the ridge that was obscured in clouds during our ascent just a few days prior. After getting down the fixed lines we spent 3 hours at 14 Camp to collect our cache of food, trash, human waste and equipment. Our friends of RMI 6 had some water for us and we said our goodbyes. Pulling sleds around Windy Corner is always an ordeal but the new snow made for good trails and traction. A little under 3 hours had us down Squirrel and Motorcycle Hills. We are settled in at 11,200’ waiting for some dinner and water. Our plan is to launch in the early AM and head for the airstrip. Cooler temperatures will make traveling on the Kahiltna glacier easier and first flights are around 9 am. Unless we get pinned down by weather the next dispatch will come from Talkeetna. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

June 2, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Saturday, June 1, 2019 - 11:00 PM PT And the train keeps on rolling! We were up and attem early again this morning, rolling out of bed at 530 am and on the trail by 730 am with all of the remainder of our food and gear on our backs. We spent about 6 hours breaking trail from 7800’ camp all the way to 11,000’ Camp, without a single other climbing team in sight. The snow and clouds kept us cool, and allowed us to make efficient work of the climb. We made it to “11” camp just in time to see our fellow RMI teams led by Mike Walter and Steve Gately before we got down to building camp, which should be our home for the next few nights. Tomorrow, we’ll ‘back-carry’ and finally get the rest of gear up here at 11,000 and be all set to start setting our sites on some of the more fun climbing of the trip. Until then, keep it real out there in the real world. We’ll keep you updated on our progress. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Trail Break

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Fly on the Mountain!

May 14, 2019

Posted by: Mike Walter, Alan Davis, Alex Halliday

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska

Elevation: 7,800'

Three times is a charm, I guess. On our third flight trying to get to Basecamp over the past few days, we had good clear skies and smooth sailing and finally made it in. After a few hours of repacking our gear, rigging our sleds, and digging a cache hole, we set off for our first camp at the Base of Ski Hill. The Kahiltna Glacier was in great condition and the weather was nearly ideal; mostly cloudy with the occasional snow shower - which kept temperatures from getting too hot. We made it to camp with full packs and sleds in tow in just under six hours. Today we'll carry a cache of supplies up a couple thousand feet and then return to camp. We'll keep you posted. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Mt. Rainier: Haugen, Van Deventer & Teams Reach Summit

July 29, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb July 26 - 29 teams led by RMI Guides Mike Haugen and Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Pete reported that 100% of climbers and guides in both teams reached Columbia Crest. Mike reported warm temperatures and light winds. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Alpamayo: Schellens & Team Ascend to High Camp

July 22, 2017

Posted by: Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar

After a tough day the team is chilling at high camp, tired but very happy. We woke up early this morning to beat the heat on the glacier, though inevitably it caught us. Slow and steady was the name of the game as we pushed into the 17,000 foot world. After a couple hours on the lower glacier we got the the steep steps leading to the Col. Two pitches of steep ice and snow, with full packs, put us on the Col and looking right at the impressive south face of Alpamayo. Another two minute stroll brought us to our high camp. Once we had tents set up everyone settled in to get out of the sun and catch a few zzz's before dinner. Despite being tired the team is happy, healthy and excited for our climb. We will take a full rest day tomorrow so we can make our summit bid with all our reserves roped off. That's all for now. Thanks for staying with us throughout this incredible adventure RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take a Snow Day

May 17, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

May 17, 2016 - 6:02 p.m. PDT We declared a snow day today. We woke to what could be described as a heavy fall of snow, and our hopes of heading uphill diminished. An hour later as we ate breakfast, the sky cleared, the sun came out, and our hopes rose. Just as quickly, the clouds, snow, and blustery gusts returned, and convinced us that today was a day to remain indoors. And so we have, napping, snacking, reading, and watching movies. The weather hasn't relented either, reinforcing our decision. The low pressure that seems to be moving over us is hinting at moving out over the next few days, so we hope that tomorrow gives us a better opportunity to head up to Windy Corner and cache. In the meantime, we'll take the opportunity to rest up and get ready for another round of big days. All for now from snowy 11 Camp. Thanks for following! RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, and Jess Matthes, and team

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Most Popular Entries

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Arrive in the Mountains

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Arrive at Base Camp

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Cotopaxi Express: Bennett, Hoffman & Entire Team Reach Cotopaxi Summit

Mt. Rainier: The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir Completes a Successful Week of Training

Denali Expedition: King & Team Descend to 11,200’ Camp

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Fly on the Mountain!

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Mt. Rainier: Haugen, Van Deventer & Teams Reach Summit

Alpamayo: Schellens & Team Ascend to High Camp

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take a Snow Day

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