Senior Guide
With RMI
James grew up playing in the mountains of Colorado, where he climbed his first 14,000-foot peak at the age of 14. He quickly became an avid rock climber and was climbing multi-pitch climbs before he graduated high school. To further pursue his passion for the Outdoors, James went on to get a degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education from Western Colorado University. In the winter, James guides in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he also enjoys winter 14ers and ice climbing. When not climbing, James enjoys mountain biking and will always be up for a game of ping-pong.
25+ | Mt. Rainier, Washington, USA | 14,410' (Disappointment Cleaver, Ingraham Direct & Kautz routes)
2 | Mt. McKinley, Alaska, USA | 20,310'
1 | Aconcagua, Argentina | 22,840' (expedition)
1 | Pico de Orizaba, Mexico | 18,491'
Multiple | Mt. Baker, Washington, USA | 10,786' (North Ridge, Coleman-Deming & Easton routes)
Multiple | Mt. Shuksan, Washington, USA | 9,131' (Fisher Chimneys, Sulphide Glacier & winter White Salmon)
Multiple | Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA | 11,249' (Pearly Gates & winter ski descent)
1 | Mt. Stuart, Washington, USA | 9,145' (North Ridge Direct)
1 | Forbidden Peak, Washington, USA | 8,815' (West Ridge)
1 | Mt. St. Helens, Washington, USA | 8,365' (winter ski descent)
1 | Glacier Peak, Washington, USA | 10,541' (Gerdine Ridge)
11 | Colorado 14ers (winter ascents), Colorado, USA
Multiple | Gannett Peak, Wyoming, USA | 13,810' (Gooseneck & SE Couloir routes)
10+ | Black Canyon of the Gunnison Routes, Colorado, USA
Multiple | Rock & Ice Climbing (Colorado, Washington, Wyoming), USA
RMI Expeditions Guides are required to hold a number of certifications, but many go above and beyond with their technical and outdoor training. We actively encourage (and provide funding for) our guides' continuing education.
AIARE 2
LNT Level 2 Instructor
November 2, 2025
Program Name
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- Name
Mountaineering
The Fuhrer’s Finger Climb offers a distinctly alpine way to ascend Mount Rainier, following a direct snow and ice line up the mountain’s south face. Unlike more traveled routes, the Fuhrer’s Finger emphasizes sustained climbing in a narrow couloir, where the experience is defined by continuous movement, careful footwork, and steady decision-making rather than staged progression between established camps.
Climbed in small teams, this route feels focused and personal. The terrain is steep and engaging for much of the ascent, with long sections of snow and ice that require attention and rhythm nearly all the way to the summit. The result is a climb that feels immersive and committing, rewarding preparation with a strong sense of flow and purpose.
This program is designed for climbers who have solid mountaineering foundations and are looking for a more technical Rainier experience without the structure of an instructional seminar. The emphasis is on applying existing skills in a classic alpine setting, moving efficiently through advanced terrain, and experiencing Mount Rainier from a quieter, more demanding line.
November 2, 2025
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-Name
Leadership
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