Associate Guide
With RMI
Mount Vernon, WA
Mount Olympus, in eighth grade.
Reading, fishing, playing the fiddle, and sea kayaking.
Sam is from Skagit Valley, WA and grew up romping around the North Cascades. His first experience glacier mountaineering was on Mount Olympus at the age of 14, and his first experience rock climbing was at Mount Erie at the age of 18. Shortly after, he became hooked. Sam attended Whitman College, where he studied Environmental Science and Philosophy, but spent all of his free time climbing rocks, ice, and glaciers. Ever since graduating, Sam has been working in outdoor education, ski patrol, and guiding in Washington, Alaska, Patagonia, and New Zealand. When he’s not outside, you can find him cooking, sea kayaking, reading, and hanging out with his friends and family.
Having conversations with people from all walks of life as we ascend the Muir Snowfield.
I live and work in Chilean Patagonia.
Mountaineering is all about maintaining mind over matter.
1 | Cerro Aislado, Northern Ice Field, Patagonia | 6,204' (East Ridge)
1 | Grand Marquis, Southern Alps, NZ | 7,943' (South Face)
1 | Cerro Castillo, Aysen, Patagonia | 7,230' (Ruta Nueva)
1 | Mt. Rainier, Washington, USA | 14,410' (Kautz Glacier and Ingraham Direct)
1 | Mt. Baker, Washington, USA | 10,786' (North Ridge, Coleman-Deming, Easton, Squak)
1 | Mt. Shuksan, Washington, USA | 9,131' (Sulphide Glacier)
1 | Mt. Stuart, Washington, USA | 9,415' (Full North Ridge)
1 | Grand Teton, Wyoming, USA | 13,770' (Full Exum Ridge)
1 | Pingora Peak, Wyoming, USA | 11,884' (East Face)
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.
November 2, 2025
Program Name
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- Name
Mountaineering
The Four Day Rainier Climb is the classic route to the summit of Mount Rainier and the most common path climbers take into high-altitude mountaineering, following the standard south-side routes through glaciated terrain to one of North America's most recognizable peaks. It's a serious alpine objective that rewards preparation, fitness, and focus — for many climbers, the moment mountaineering becomes real, yet still within reach of well-prepared first-timers. Being able to say "I've been on top of that" while driving I-5 or flying out of Sea-Tac is an incredible achievement.
The climb begins with a half day orientation at BaseCamp, followed by a full day of mountaineering school on the mountain, then ascends to Camp Muir, where teams stay in the private hut RMI uses — the only guide service with its own shelter at Camp Muir. Throughout, you climb in small rope teams at a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio — closer instruction, steadier pacing, and more attention on summit day. Before and after, your team is based at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford, home to the BaseCamp Bar & Grill, Whittaker Mountaineering, and Whittaker's Bunkhouse.
November 2, 2025
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-Name
Leadership
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