100+ Duffel Bag(s)
A durable duffel bag (100-120L) made of tough material with rugged zippers for gear transport and storage. Can be used as checked luggage and for organizing gear at base locations.
11 Days
|
Skill Development
|
$7,200
|
$1,250
Deposit
|
Intermediate
An instructional expedition climbing seminar based out of the Great Gorge on the Ruth Glacier, combining skills development with a summit attempt on 9,545-foot Mt. Dickey via the West Face.
Day-by-day program overview.
Fitness, experience, and preparation.
Gear requirements for this program.
Meals and nutrition on the mountain.
Getting there and local logistics.
Booking, cancellations, and requirements.
Common questions, direct answers.
What climbers are saying.
A nine-day expedition skills seminar designed to build the technical foundation and expedition competency needed for major glaciated peaks, culminating in a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey.
Hands-on instruction in glacier travel, ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and expedition systems delivered in the Great Gorge on the Ruth Glacier, one of the most dramatic mountain environments in North America.
A fly-in expedition seminar set in the heart of the Alaska Range, where the remoteness of the Ruth Glacier shapes every aspect of how the program operates and what it demands.
As always with RMI, it was just a great group of both clients and guides. Location was amazing, logistics were all handled superbly, and all the key desired outcomes were met!
Christopher B.
The Ruth Glacier's Great Gorge sits in the heart of the Alaska Range, surrounded by walls and peaks that provide exceptional terrain for expedition-level instruction. RMI's Expedition Skills Seminar is built around this setting, using nine days on the glacier to teach the systems that define performance on bigger objectives. The program is designed specifically to prepare climbers for guided ascents of Mt. McKinley and Aconcagua, and to build the self-sufficiency needed to pursue glaciated peaks independently.
The curriculum covers glacier travel and navigation, ice climbing, crevasse rescue, camp construction, sled hauling, and fixed-line travel. Skills are introduced in structured sessions and applied directly on the terrain surrounding base camp, with the summit of 9,545-foot Mt. Dickey via the West Face as the primary climbing objective. Mt. Dickey is a serious and rewarding Alaska Range peak, and the program is structured so that the skills developed in the early days translate directly into what the climb demands.
The 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio keeps instruction focused and personal throughout. Guides move between teaching fundamental systems and leading the team toward the Mt. Dickey objective, with evening discussions covering expedition medicine, weather interpretation, route planning, and decision-making. Climbers leave with a working knowledge of expedition mountaineering systems and the on-mountain experience to apply them.
The Ruth Glacier's Great Gorge is not a forgiving environment for underprepared climbers or underprepared guide services. The remoteness of the setting, the scale of the terrain, and the commitment required to attempt Mt. Dickey demand a guiding operation that knows this area well and structures instruction around what the mountain actually requires. RMI has been running expedition programs in Alaska since 1975, and the Ruth Glacier seminar reflects that accumulated experience directly, from how base camp is established to how the instructional progression builds toward the Dickey objective.
This program is explicitly designed as preparation for Mt. McKinley and Aconcagua, and that intent shapes how guides teach. The skills covered, sled hauling, fixed-line travel, camp construction, crevasse rescue, and expedition decision-making, are not generic mountaineering fundamentals. They are the specific systems that determine performance on larger glaciated peaks, taught in an environment that closely mirrors what those objectives demand. The 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio ensures that instruction stays personal and that guides can track individual progression throughout the nine days.
Risk management in the Great Gorge operates on the same standards RMI applies to its full Alaska expeditions. Guides hold wilderness medicine certifications and technical rescue training, carry comprehensive medical and communication equipment, and conduct ongoing condition assessments throughout the program. The fly-in nature of the program means the team is fully committed once on the glacier, and guide judgment on weather, route conditions, and team readiness drives every decision from arrival to fly-out.
To learn more about RMI's history and guiding philosophy, visit our About page.
All our climbs in Mt. Rainier & Denali National Parks are 100% carbon neutral. We have acquired offsets for greenhouse gas emissions through our partnership with Ostrom Climate, Canada's top carbon management solutions provider. Their carbon offset projects undergo rigorous verification by third parties to validate that emission reductions are genuine and permanent, ensuring that our contribution is making a tangible impact.
The program flies into the Ruth Glacier on Day 2 and spends nine days in the Great Gorge, moving through foundational skills training, a push to high camp at 747 Pass, a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey, and dedicated technical sessions on crevasse rescue and expedition systems. The final morning on the glacier includes packing camp before flying back to Talkeetna.
Anchorage, AK
9,545' / 2,909 m
11 Days
4
4
10 - 12+ Hours
This seminar builds expedition climbing competency through progressive instruction in a remote Alaska Range environment. Skills are introduced at base camp and applied directly on the terrain surrounding the Ruth Glacier, culminating in a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey and dedicated training in the systems that define performance on larger glaciated peaks.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
1:30 p.m.: Meet the guides at Anchorage International Airport (Domestic Terminal), carousel 1 in Alaska Airlines baggage claim.
Shuttle transportation to Talkeetna is included in the program. The shuttle leaves at 2:00 p.m. and takes three hours to arrive in Talkeetna. The group will stop at a grocery store in Wasilla, for the opportunity to purchase any fresh food you'd like to bring on the mountain. The team will arrive in Talkeetna at approximately 5:00 p.m. Overnight in Talkeetna.
7:00 a.m.: Team Breakfast Meeting
There are a number of important items to accomplish in Talkeetna. After our breakfast meeting we begin our training at the K2 Aviation hangar. The team will go through extensive personal equipment checks. Final recommendations and suggestions concerning gear will be made at that time. The team will plan meals and ready group food and equipment for the glacier flight. There will be an introduction to risk management practices, including use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers. Instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations will be made as well. After all is made ready, we begin shuttling members into the Ruth Glacier, weather permitting. This spectacular scenic flight requires approximately 45 minutes, one way. Once at the airstrip, we continue our expedition skills training by learning camp site selection, and how to build a mountain camp and kitchen.
The following seminar itinerary is approximate and depends on such considerations as weather, route conditions and strength of the party. Nine man-days of food and fuel are carried on the mountain. There are emergency food rations at Base Camp, in case weather prevents the group from flying off.
We pack our camp, load our sleds, and move from the airstrip down the Ruth Glacier to establish our base camp at the base of Mt. Dickey. We'll use the afternoon for further technical skills training.
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At Base Camp we begin building the foundational skills that allow travel and access to more varied terrain. Skills covered on this day include: knots, harness, carabiner and avalanche transceiver use, proper use of the ice axe for balance and self and team arrest, cramponing on moderate terrain, and the basics of roped glacier travel. Evening discussions will take place throughout the seminar and cover a variety of mountaineering topics such as: mountain medicine and wellness, weather, route finding and navigation, expeditionary climbing techniques, alpine climbing techniques, self-care and the art of climbing efficiently.
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We will pack up the gear that we need for a few days of climbing, and move to our high camp at 747 Pass, in preparation to climb Mt. Dickey. We will cache unnecessary equipment at Base Camp. The route to 747 Pass follows the ascending glacial valley to the south of Mt. Dickey, reaching 747 Pass. We will make camp and prepare for the summit climb of the West Face tomorrow.
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Summit day on Mt. Dickey! We depart 747 Pass, wrapping around to gain the West Ridge and ascend the broad West Face to the summit. Incredible views of the Alaska Range treat us all the way to the summit, with the summit opening up expansive views of the Ruth Glacier and Great Gorge 5,000' below. We descend back to our camp at 747 Pass to spend the night.
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We pack up our camp, descending from 747 Pass back to our Base Camp in the Great Gorge. The descent takes a few hours, and once at camp, we will spend some time setting camp up again and settling in before doing some light training for the afternoon.
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During our crevasse rescue practice we learn self-rescue, how to extricate ourselves from a crevasse if we have fallen in, and companion rescue, how we extricate a team member. These are essential skills for an ascent of a large expeditionary peak like Mt. McKinley.
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We spend the morning learning how to construct a variety of snow and ice anchors for use in belaying, rappelling, and crevasse rescue. In the afternoon our focus will be on expedition skills such as fixed rope travel, sled rigging, and a discussion of crevasse rescue. We will consider a variety of crevasse rescue scenarios. In the afternoon, we pack all of our gear and leave our base camp home from the last few days to return to the airstrip and await the planes that will return us to Talkeetna in the morning.
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Weather permitting, we await the buzz of the engines of the trusty bush planes arriving to take us back to town. Once back in Talkeetna, we will dry and organize our gear and then enjoy a celebratory dinner.
You are responsible for your own lodging upon returning to Talkeetna.
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Shuttle transportation to Anchorage is provided. Your RMI Guides will arrange this transfer once you return to Talkeetna.
You should arrive in solid physical condition and prepared to carry 40 to 50 pounds, haul a sled on glacier terrain, and sustain physical effort across multiple consecutive days including a full summit day on Mt. Dickey.
There are no formal technical prerequisites for this program, though prior experience with rope, crampons, and ice axe is recommended, as is experience with backpacking, winter camping, or other mountain pursuits.
The program reaches 9,545 feet on the summit of Mt. Dickey, with base camp and high camp at moderate Alaska Range elevations; no formal acclimatization is required.
The Expedition Skills Seminar is designed to be accessible to climbers who are earlier in their mountaineering development, and no prior technical climbing certifications are required to participate. That said, this is a remote fly-in program in a serious mountain environment, and climbers should arrive with a genuine base of physical fitness and some familiarity with basic outdoor skills. The program builds on what you bring, and arriving better prepared means getting more out of nine days on the glacier.
Prior experience with rope handling, crampons, and ice axe use will help you engage with instruction from the first day rather than starting from zero. Experience with multi-day backpacking or winter camping is valuable preparation for the expedition living demands of the program, including camp construction, sled hauling, and managing gear and personal systems in cold conditions. None of these are hard requirements, but climbers who arrive with some of this background will find the learning curve more manageable.
Physically, training should focus on sustained aerobic output with a loaded pack, core strength for technical movement, and the ability to move efficiently on uneven terrain for extended periods. The approach to high camp, the summit day on Mt. Dickey, and the sled hauls between camps are the most demanding physical efforts of the program. Arriving fit gives you the energy to focus on learning.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Prior experience with ice axe and crampon use
Familiarity with basic rope handling and knots
Multi-day backpacking or winter camping experience
Experience moving on glaciated or snow-covered terrain
Items marked with an Asterix (*) are considered mandatory prerequisites for this program.
Mountaineering places sustained demands on your body and your ability to stay composed under effort. Even very fit people find that moving uphill with weight, for long hours, in variable weather is a different kind of challenge than most everyday training.
Preparation matters. Fitness directly affects how well you move, how much you learn, how the team functions, and how enjoyable the experience is overall.
Start early. Begin training well in advance of your program with the goal of arriving rested, resilient, and confident in your capacity for sustained effort.
Train intentionally. Emphasize aerobic endurance, uphill movement, and strength that supports long days on your feet. Core stability, balance, and mobility all play an important role in efficiency and injury prevention.
Train specifically. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the demands of mountaineering: hiking uphill with weight, moving steadily for hours, and recovering well enough to do it again the next day.
Across RMI programs, strong preparation typically means being comfortable with long days of continuous movement, carrying a pack appropriate to the objective, and maintaining focus and decision-making when tired. Technical skills are taught or reviewed as appropriate to each program, but fitness is something you bring with you.
Nothing contributes more to a successful and rewarding experience than arriving well prepared. Plan to be in excellent physical condition and ready for a demanding day in the mountains.
Total Hiking Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 1 — Travel to Talkeetna
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 2 — Pre-Trip Preparation, Gear Check, and Fly to Ruth Glacier (4,500')
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 3 — Move to Base Camp at Base of Mt. Dickey (4,500')
—
n/a
—
40 - 50 lbs + sled
DAY 4 — Training and Skills Day at Base Camp
n/a
n/a
n/a
40 - 50 lbs
DAY 5 — Move to High Camp at 747 Pass (6,370')
3 - 5 hours
Gain = 1,870'
3 miles
40 - 50 lbs + sled
DAY 6 — Mt. Dickey Summit Day (9,545') and Return to 747 Pass
8 - 12 hours
Gain = 3,175' | Loss = 3,175'
—
20 - 30 lbs
DAY 7 — Return to Base Camp (4,500')
2 - 4 hours
Loss = 1,870'
3 miles
40 - 50 lbs + sled
DAY 8 — Crevasse Rescue Training at Base Camp
n/a
n/a
n/a
40 - 50 lbs
DAY 9 — Technical Skills Training and Pack Camp
n/a
n/a
n/a
40 - 50 lbs
DAY 10 — Fly to Talkeetna (weather permitting)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 11 — Travel to Anchorage
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Our guides have decades of experience training for alpine objectives, and we've done our best to put together relevant resources to help you with your expedition preparation.
Develop your aerobic base for endurance, strength, and performance in alpine environments with RMI’s expert guidance. Level up your training today.
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Rainier
A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Own Progressive, Goal-Oriented Program
Fitness & Training
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Before any program begins, RMI works directly with prospective climbers to confirm that everyone joining a team is genuinely prepared for the demands ahead. Depending on the program, this may involve conversations with our office staff, a review of your climbing history, or feedback from guides and other climbers who know your abilities. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that every person on the rope belongs there. We ask that each climber hold themselves to the same standard:
The standards we set exist to protect everyone on the team. RMI holds all climbers accountable to them, and we take seriously our responsibility to build teams of people who are ready to be in the mountains together. RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from a program or send them to a lower altitude if our guide staff determines, in their sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared or capable of participating, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. In such cases, no refunds or credits will be issued, and the participant will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including evacuation, transportation, lodging, and meals.
The Expedition Skills Seminar takes place on the Ruth Glacier in a remote area of Denali National Park and Preserve, accessible only by ski plane and fully committed once the team is on the glacier. This gear list reflects decades of guiding experience on this route and represents what RMI expects every climber to bring to the mountain. It is designed to support nine days of expedition living and technical climbing in the Alaska Range, including glacier travel, ice and snow work, sled hauling, and a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey.
Not every item will be used on every program. Conditions and objectives influence what the team deploys at any given point, and every experienced climber refines their kit over time. That said, all required equipment must be present and functional before the team flies in from Talkeetna. There is no resupply once on the glacier. Guides conduct a thorough gear check at the K2 Aviation hangar in Talkeetna before the glacier flight. If you have questions about specific items or want guidance before your program date, contact the RMI office directly.
Each RMI program includes a required personal equipment list built around the specific terrain, conditions, and objectives of the climb. Every item serves a purpose and supports safety, efficiency, and comfort in the mountains.
Guide Picks™ are examples that meet our performance standards and illustrate the type of gear we recommend. Each year, our partners at Whittaker Mountaineering survey our staff of 70+ guides to get a consensus on the best gear for the job. You do not need to purchase the exact item shown, but any alternative must offer comparable function and durability.
All listed items are required for the gear check. Final adjustments may be recommended by your guide based on conditions and team needs once the expedition begins.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering.
A lightweight 100+ liter duffel to transport gear in your sled. This bag does not need to be waterproof. This can also be used as your second checked bag on your flight to Alaska.
We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.
10- or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates for general mountaineering and glacier travel. Automatic, semi-automatic, or strap-on attachment depending on boot compatibility. Ensure crampons are compatible with your specific boots before your program.
Approximately 12-20 inches each for securing gear and equipment.
Select a short to medium length model of snowshoe- 22" is an ideal size. Team members are more often 'drafting' as opposed to actually breaking trail, so it is not necessary to have a longer pair. You will log miles of roped glacier travel while wearing snowshoes, so spend some time walking in them prior to the trip. We highly recommend models with a heel lift, which makes uphill travel significantly easier.
Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light, and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, softshell, down, and synthetic options.
A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt in synthetic or merino wool for sun protection and moisture management during active climbing.
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.
An insulated jacket or softshell for warmth during low-output activity and extended rest breaks. Should fit over baselayers and midlayers, and under a shell.
An expedition-style down parka that extends below the waist with an insulated hood, designed to fit over all other layers. Worn primarily in camp, during rest breaks, and on summit day. Down fill recommended over synthetic.
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Lightweight synthetic or merino wool baselayer bottoms for moisture management and temperature regulation during active climbing.
Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.
A pair of lightweight, insulated pants are ideal for extra warmth on summit day and cold days at camps. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots.
Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.
Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.
We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications you should have for high-altitude climbing. These medications are only used in emergency situations, and if someone is showing symptoms of HAPE or HACE, our standard protocol is for immediate descent. We do not take any of these medications prophylactically, and please talk with your guide before taking medications.
We require each climber to have the following medications:
125mg tablets for the prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness. A normal prescription is 125mg tablets, twice a day. Recommend 15 - 20 tablets.
Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, basic pain reliever, and personal medications.
You are responsible for providing your own meals and snack food in town and while on your program. See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Books, magazines, or a journal for downtime at camp; a Kindle or similar e-reader is a practical alternative for longer expeditions where weight and bulk matter. Choose based on program length and personal preference.
A small container of moisturizer to prevent skin dryness at altitude and in cold, low-humidity environments. Bring a travel-size bottle that fits easily in your pack.
Disposable or reusable ear plugs for sleeping in shared tent or hut accommodations.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
A lightweight sleeping mask for blocking light in shared tent or hut accommodations and during extended daylight hours at high latitudes.
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.
If Glacier Glasses are not required, regular sunglasses will suffice on this program.
Purchase travel insurance.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the best shape of your life!
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, shovels, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, sleds, and avalanche probes.
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.
Each member will have a sled for use during the program. Sleds aid in transporting loads between camps on the lower mountain.
On the Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier, you will need 9 mountain lunches. All of your mountain lunch items should weigh 7+ lb.
Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included in your program cost. You are responsible for all meals while we are off the mountain.
Mountain lunches are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner! Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.
The importance of having foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. To combat the loss of appetite at altitude, we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.
Recommended mountain lunch items: bagels, tortillas, crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), hummus, Pringles, corn nuts, smoked almonds, roasted cashews, GORP mix (peanuts, M&M's, sunflowers seeds, raisins, etc.), smoked salmon, fresh veggies (carrots), salami, pepperoni, cheese (pepper jack, Swiss, cheddar), jerky, candy (sweet and sour varieties), chocolate bars, hard candies, energy bars (Cliff, Luna), dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, pear), and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).
Perishable food items may be purchased at a grocery store en-route to Talkeetna; you should have the bulk of lunch items already purchased and packed.
Breakfasts consist of fresh food (bagels, cream cheese), bacon and eggs, instant oatmeal, instant grits, cold cereal (granola), breakfast bars, and hot drinks.
Nine days of group food are carried on the mountain, which can be stretched in the event of bad weather. Additionally, a cache of emergency food is left at Ruth Base Camp.
The dinner menu is a combination of fresh food (vegetables, tortillas, cheese), retort entrees (fully cooked meals packaged in sealed containers and heated in hot water), freeze-dried entrees (Mountain House or Alpine Air), and packaged main course items (ramen, Lipton Rice or Noodles, macaroni and cheese). Various hot drinks (tea and cocoa) and dessert are also provided.
Every attempt is made to assure a variety and adequate quantity.
This page covers the practical details you’ll want to review before your trip, including travel logistics, entry requirements, local considerations, and required policies. Taking time to understand these details ahead of departure helps ensure a smoother experience once you’re on the ground and focused on the climb.
Climbers need to arrive at Anchorage International Airport (ANC) by 1:00 pm on Day 1 of the program. The group will meet at 1:30 p.m., Alaska Airlines domestic baggage claim, carousel #1.
If your flight cannot arrive in Anchorage before 1:00 p.m., it will be necessary to arrive a day earlier and go to the airport to meet the team.
We have found it works well to book a one-way flight to Anchorage, AK, for the beginning of your trip, then scheduling your return flight once the team returns to Talkeetna. Another option is to book a flight with a flexible return date. This works better than an open-ended ticket or missing an early return date.
We will arrange a transfer from Anchorage to Talkeetna at 2:00 p.m. the day your program begins. Please arrive in Anchorage no later than 1:00 p.m. Talkeetna is a three-hour drive from Anchorage. If you are traveling to Talkeetna on your own, please let RMI know in advance that you will not require transportation.
If you are arriving in Anchorage the day before your program begins, below are some hotel options close to the Anchorage Airport:
Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.
Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be challenging. When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact Travelex Insurance (800) 228-9792 and reference location number 47-0370.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York). RETWEB
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is travel insurance designed for adventurers, including the best evacuation and rescue services available.
Benefits are tailored for adventurers and include:
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word. Whether it’s reimbursing you for a cancelled trip, paying your travel medical bills or evacuating you home in an emergency, Ripcord takes the worry out of your travel.
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide travel planning support. Erin is an independent agent with extensive experience booking travel for adventure programs worldwide and understands the specific needs of RMI expeditions.
Phone: (208) 788-2870
Email: [email protected]
It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance policy provides appropriate coverage for your specific program and activities. Review policy details carefully before purchasing, and confirm coverage well in advance of your departure.
Mt. McKinley's weather forecast is updated through the National Weather Service
Our guides put considerable effort into ensuring your wellbeing and success on the mountain. If you had a positive experience, leaving a gratuity is a wonderful gesture to show your appreciation. The amount is up to you and should reflect how much you enjoyed the service. Typically, tips for excellent service range from 10% to 15% of the program cost. Guides can accept gratuities in cash, Venmo, or by check. If you prefer, you can also pay tips using a credit card through the RMI Office.
Mountaineering is replete with literary accounts of high adventure in Alaska. For aspiring Mt. McKinley climbers, certain historical narratives, as well as how-to guide books, can prove both entertaining and educational, significantly adding to one's enjoyment of the expedition.
The list below represents some personal favorites from over three decades of guiding in Alaska. I particularly enjoy the story of the first winter ascent: Minus 148 degrees!
Whether you are challenging the West Buttress or learning crevasse rescue on the Ruth Glacier, these titles will greatly enhance your experience and appreciation of Alaska!
- Joe Horiskey
The following policies are applicable for this expedition.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure.
Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit payment of $1,250 per person secures your reservation.
Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 120 days before the start of your program.
*There is a 3% surcharge on all credit/debit card transactions.
**Wire transfers must include all fees charged by your bank. The amount received by our bank must match the deposit amount.
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We do not offer refunds. Please remember this before registering for this program. Due to the time-sensitive nature of this program, no exceptions will be made to the cancellation policy.
Date changes are subject to availability and can only be applied to the current climbing season. Changes must be requested at least 90 days before the departure date and will incur a $200 fee per person. No date changes are allowed within 90 days of departure.
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently hazardous. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering, but they cannot eliminate them. Objective hazards include rockfall, icefall, avalanches, slides or falls by individuals and rope teams on steeper slopes, weather-related problems including cold, heat, high winds, and other unnamed dangers that can occur while climbing.
You are choosing to engage in an activity in which guided and non-guided climbers have been injured or killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risks and hazards of mountaineering and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Each Participant is required to share in the responsibility of the safety and success of the team. For this reason, we ask that each Participant:
RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a program or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if the RMI Guide Staff determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health or well-being of the Participant or the entire group. If this decision is made, the Participant will not receive any refunds or credits and will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to, evacuation, transportation, hotels, meals, etc.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) does not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate conduct under this policy may include conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a participant or employee. Engaging in such conduct is a violation of this policy.
RMI may consider conduct to violate the policy even if it falls short of unlawful harassment under applicable law. When determining whether conduct violates this policy, we will consider whether a reasonable person could conclude that the conduct created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.
Violation of this policy may result in removal from a program, as well as refusal to provide services indefinitely. We place the utmost value on the safety of our participants and employees. Please report any incidents to RMI management.
All participants must be 18 years old at the time of registration.
RMI’s Photo Release outlines the terms and conditions for using your likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media.
I hereby grant Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) or its affiliates permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications. By granting permission, you allow RMI to utilize these media for lawful purposes.
Here are the key points:
RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.
Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.
RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to, increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).
Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.
Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same- gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.
The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies. In addition, RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.
The Expedition Skills Seminar on the Ruth Glacier is a fly-in program in a remote Alaska Range environment, and the questions climbers ask most often reflect that commitment. The answers below address how the program is structured, what the terrain and instruction demand, and what climbers should expect from nine days on the glacier working toward a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey.
The Expedition Skills Seminar maintains a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio throughout. This ratio supports consistent, personalized instruction across both training days and climbing objectives.
The program moves through progressive stages: foundational glacier and rope skills in the early days, a push to high camp at 747 Pass and a summit attempt on Mt. Dickey in the middle of the program, and dedicated crevasse rescue and expedition systems training in the final days. The structure is designed so that each day builds directly on what came before.
Flights to the Ruth Glacier are operated by K2 Aviation and are weather dependent. If conditions prevent the glacier flight on Day 2, the team will wait in Talkeetna until flying is possible. Return flights from Anchorage should be booked with flexibility to accommodate potential weather delays.
The program operates on an approximate itinerary that accounts for weather, route conditions, and team readiness. Return flights from Anchorage should be booked to depart no earlier than one week after the program's scheduled end date.
Climbers must arrive at Anchorage International Airport by 1:00 p.m. on Day 1. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines domestic baggage claim, carousel 1. Shuttle transportation to Talkeetna is included and departs at 2:00 p.m.
After gear checks and preparation in Talkeetna on Day 2, the team flies to the Ruth Glacier via ski plane with K2 Aviation. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes one way and passes through spectacular glacial valleys in the heart of the Alaska Range.
Return flights should be booked to depart Anchorage no earlier than one week after the program's scheduled end date. Weather delays affecting glacier flights are common in Alaska, and an inflexible return ticket creates real risk of missing your flight home.
The team stops at a grocery store in Wasilla en route to Talkeetna on Day 1 for any last-minute fresh food purchases. There is no reliable place to purchase gear in Talkeetna, so all equipment should be sourced and tested before arriving in Alaska.
You should arrive in solid physical condition and prepared to carry 40 to 50 pounds, haul a sled on glacier terrain, and sustain physical effort across multiple consecutive days including a full summit day on Mt. Dickey. Training should emphasize sustained aerobic output with a loaded pack, core strength, and the ability to move efficiently on uneven terrain for extended periods.
There are no formal technical prerequisites for this program. Prior experience with rope handling, crampons, and ice axe use is recommended, as is experience with multi-day backpacking or winter camping. Climbers who arrive with some of this background will find the instructional progression more manageable.
Yes, though climbers with no prior glacier experience should arrive with strong physical preparation and a willingness to engage seriously with instruction from day one. The program is designed to build skills progressively, and guides will establish foundational glacier travel skills early in the itinerary.
The program covers glacier travel, snow and ice climbing, and technical rope work on the Ruth Glacier and surrounding terrain in the Great Gorge. The primary climbing objective is the summit of Mt. Dickey via the West Face, reached from high camp at 747 Pass.
Summit day departs from high camp at 747 Pass, wrapping around to gain the West Ridge before ascending the broad West Face to the 9,545-foot summit. The climb offers expansive views of the Alaska Range and the Ruth Glacier's Great Gorge far below. After summiting, the team descends back to high camp.
The route to 747 Pass follows an ascending glacial valley to the south of Mt. Dickey. The team carries gear needed for the summit push and caches unnecessary equipment at base camp before moving up.
After descending from 747 Pass back to base camp, the program shifts to crevasse rescue training and technical expedition skills, including snow and ice anchor construction, fixed-line travel, and sled rigging. These sessions are designed specifically to prepare climbers for larger glaciated objectives like Mt. McKinley.
Weather in the Alaska Range is variable and can change quickly. The Great Gorge is a dramatic and committing environment, and climbers should be prepared for a full range of conditions including wind, precipitation, and reduced visibility. Weather significantly influences the daily schedule and the summit window on Mt. Dickey.
Guides assess weather, route conditions, and team readiness before committing to the push to high camp and the summit attempt. If conditions are not suitable, the team will wait at base camp or adjust the schedule accordingly.
The program itinerary is structured with enough flexibility to absorb weather days. If the summit attempt on Mt. Dickey is not possible due to conditions, guides will use the time for additional technical training on the terrain available from base camp.
Skills are introduced in structured sessions at base camp and applied directly on the terrain surrounding the Ruth Glacier. Evening discussions throughout the seminar cover mountain medicine, weather interpretation, route finding, expedition techniques, and decision-making. Instruction is woven into the climbing rather than delivered separately from it.
The program dedicates specific sessions to sled rigging and hauling, fixed-line travel with mechanical ascenders, expedition camp construction, and crevasse rescue with full expedition loads. These are the systems that define performance on Mt. McKinley and other large glaciated peaks, and the Ruth Glacier environment closely mirrors what those objectives demand.
Successful completion of this seminar, combined with prior experience on Mt. Rainier or other glaciated peaks, makes climbers eligible for RMI's Mt. McKinley expeditions. The program is explicitly designed as a preparation pathway for that objective.
Guides conduct thorough pre-climb planning for each objective, assess conditions continuously throughout the program, and carry comprehensive medical and communication equipment including satellite phones and two-way radios. All guides hold wilderness medicine certifications and technical rescue training. The remote nature of the Ruth Glacier makes guide judgment on conditions, route selection, and team readiness the primary risk management tool.
Guides are trained in remote medicine and carry comprehensive medical kits. In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, guides can coordinate with the National Park Service and K2 Aviation for evacuation. Response will depend on the nature of the situation and current weather and flying conditions.
Avalanche transceiver use is introduced on Day 2 and reviewed throughout the program. Guides conduct ongoing hazard assessment and factor avalanche conditions into daily objective selection and route planning throughout the nine days on the glacier.
When you've been in business since 1969, you pick up a thing or two about mountains you guide. Below are the resources relevant to this program, but you can check out our full Resources section for all of our hard earned knowledge.
Understand the permit requirements and climbing regulations for McKinley to plan your expedition smoothly and legally. Start planning your adventure.
McKinley
Discover the history, environment, and culture of the land within Denali National Park.
McKinley
RMI Expeditions now uses “Mount McKinley” in compliance with federal guidelines. Learn why the name changed again in 2025, and where we stand.
McKinley
Explore the key dangers and technical challenges you’ll face on McKinley and how to mitigate risk while climbing. Start your climb with confidence.
McKinley
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Climber reviews of the Expedition Skills Seminar on the Ruth Glacier consistently reflect the impact of learning expedition systems in a genuine Alaska Range environment. Participants highlight the depth of instruction, the dramatic setting of the Great Gorge, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from applying new skills on a real summit objective. For many climbers, this seminar represents a meaningful step forward in their expedition readiness and a clear reference point for what larger glaciated peaks will demand.
May 24, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
Beautiful mountains and was great flying in. Learned a lot.
Justin d
May 24, 2026
Beautiful mountains and was great flying in. Learned a lot.
Additional Comments
Everything well organised and efficient thank you!
Additional Comments
The weather didn't play too nicely with us, but Sam made up for it with he time we had. Had a great trip and learnt a lot.
What did you enjoy most?
Beautiful mountains and was great flying in. Learned a lot.
What needs improvement?
Sam had a couple of suggestions on some adjustments to the recommended gear.
May 21, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
Quick turnaround. Excellent logistics.
Yevgeniy F
May 21, 2026
Quick turnaround. Excellent logistics.
Additional Comments
Phenomenal guide
What did you enjoy most?
Quick turnaround. Excellent logistics.
May 29, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
I think it's the perfect class to prep for or decide if you really want to take it to the next level and CLIMB Denali. My skills were rusty, so I still need some practice, but I can't think of a better way to get ready!
Steve W
May 29, 2025
I think it's the perfect class to prep for or decide if you really want to take it to the next level and CLIMB Denali. My skills were rusty, so I still need some practice, but I can't think of a better way to get ready!
Additional Comments
Daniel was amazing. His ability to provide the highest level of training, and accommodate students of various skill levels was impressive. He made it seem effortless! RMI is lucky to have him as a guide.
Additional Comments
The gear list was invaluable. I am still in disbelief that we actually used almost EVERY piece of gear.
Additional Comments
Our trip was weather-dependent obviously and it did impact our trip. We left a day late, and were limited in how far we could go across the glacier due to the weather, but we still got to practice our skills. And RMI did a good job setting expectations about potential weather-related impacts, so everyone was flexible on the trip.
What did you enjoy most?
The opportunity to learn these mountaineering skills in the perfect outdoor classroom!
What needs improvement?
I would probably recommend a second pre-trip zoom call. I was pretty stressed about the gear before the trip (needlessly it turned out) and Daniel was very responsive and helpful via email. Once we got out there, I realized everything was under control.
May 15, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
As always with RMI, it was just a great group of both clients and guides. Location was amazing, logistics were all handled superbly, and all the key desired outcomes were met!
Christopher B
May 15, 2023
As always with RMI, it was just a great group of both clients and guides. Location was amazing, logistics were all handled superbly, and all the key desired outcomes were met!
Additional Comments
Can't say enough good things - had an amazing experience with Jack, who demonstrated the highest levels of proficiency as a guide and is just all around a great human being!
Additional Comments
The equipment list was pretty good, giving it a 9 instead of a 10 only because there were a couple gaps that Jack filled in via email that weren't considered on the website.
What did you enjoy most?
As always with RMI, it was just a great group of both clients and guides. Location was amazing, logistics were all handled superbly, and all the key desired outcomes were met!
What needs improvement?
Nothing, keep up the great work!
May 15, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
Great group of people, amazing environment. Jack and Mike are excellent guides and nice down to earth people.
John K
May 15, 2023
Great group of people, amazing environment. Jack and Mike are excellent guides and nice down to earth people.
What did you enjoy most?
Great group of people, amazing environment. Jack and Mike are excellent guides and nice down to earth people.
May 31, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier
This expedition was instrumental for me in my consideration of a Denali trip. If I were RMI, I would continue the Ruth Glacier expedition for anyone interested in Denali, or skill building more generally.
Lenhardt S
May 31, 2022
This expedition was instrumental for me in my consideration of a Denali trip. If I were RMI, I would continue the Ruth Glacier expedition for anyone interested in Denali, or skill building more generally.
What did you enjoy most?
Sitting on the mountain with the team and looking out over the Alaska range.
What needs improvement?
Nothing.
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
You might consdier one of these trips instead:
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Guides: Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel, Calvin Jiricko
Mt McKinley - West Buttress Expedition
May 5, 2026
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Additional Comments
Sam was a pleasure to engage with. He is knowledgeable and organised and was always calm and well prepared. He is a great asset to the RMI team. Highly recommend him and would be happy to have him as a guide on future trips, maybe a full Denali summit attempt next time!