6 Days
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Skill Development
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$3,795
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$600
Deposit
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Intermediate
The immersion seminar — four nights at 10,080 feet in the private hut RMI uses at Camp Muir, living at altitude while you learn rather than commuting to it.
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 comprehensive seminar focused on developing foundational mountaineering skills in real alpine terrain.
Built on Rainier’s classic route, this program delivers a deep, practical base for climbers preparing for future expeditions on glaciated peaks around the world.
Spend 4 nights in RMI's private hut at Camp Muir, living and training at 10,080'
I can't give enough high praises for the professionalism, expertise and focus that each guide exhibited. It definitely speaks very highly of the company to have this level of individuals work for them. Each guide definitely brought their own specific personalities and skill to the table. This guide team that was assembled for this session couldn't have been matched and paired better. I can't imagine having a better team. It made for an awesome, safe, educational and thrilling experience.
Gene L.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir is a foundational training program for climbers developing core mountaineering skills on Mount Rainier. Based out of the climbers’ hut at Camp Muir, the seminar emphasizes repetition, terrain-based learning, and time spent moving efficiently in an alpine environment. With team equipment staged at camp, climbers spend full days on surrounding glaciers practicing essential skills in realistic, demanding conditions.
The program’s flexible structure allows guides to adapt training objectives and identify an appropriate summit window based on conditions and team readiness. The result is an immersive experience that prioritizes skill development while still working toward a true summit objective, giving climbers both depth of instruction and meaningful time on the mountain.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir exists because RMI exists. Camp Muir has been central to RMI’s guiding, training, and instructional programs for more than five decades, and no organization has spent more cumulative time teaching mountaineering skills from this base on Mount Rainier. This seminar reflects that history. It is built around the terrain, conditions, and logistics that RMI knows best, allowing instruction to happen efficiently, repeatedly, and in real alpine context rather than in rushed or artificial blocks.
RMI guides are educators first on this program. Based out of the climbers’ hut at Camp Muir, guides are able to structure full training days on nearby glaciers, return to shelter, review systems, and progressively layer skills without the pressure of daily camp moves. That depth of instruction is a direct result of RMI’s long-standing relationship with Camp Muir and decades of experience designing instructional programs specifically for this environment.
“I was extremely pleased with all the guides. Every one of them was friendly, knowledgeable, and able to effectively communicate and teach.” — Hyde C.
Risk management and client security are integral to how this seminar operates. Guides apply disciplined decision-making, constant condition assessment, and thorough planning to support extended days of hands-on training and a flexible summit schedule. Every guide holds Wilderness First Responder and technical rescue certification; lead guides hold U.S. Level 2 avalanche certification. Our guides participate in ongoing professional development to ensure instruction remains current and grounded in real-world practice.
To learn more about RMI’s history on Mount Rainier and why our instructional programs are structured the way they are, visit our About page.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is authorized to provide guided mountaineering services, mountaineering day school, alpine training, and guided winter activities within Mount Rainier National Park.
Address comments to:
Superintendent | Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
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.
Build foundational mountaineering skills in the heart of Mount Rainier’s alpine environment, based out of Camp Muir. This itinerary prioritizes hands-on instruction, repetition, and learning progression over summit outcomes, using nearby glaciers as a real-world classroom.
Ashford, WA
6 Days
1
5
14,410' / 4,392 m
Private Hut
8–12 Hours
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir is designed to build strong foundational mountaineering systems through repeated practice in a controlled alpine environment. Using Camp Muir as a stable base, climbers learn skills incrementally, refine them over multiple days, and apply them on a guided summit attempt of Mount Rainier.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
“Learned solid fundamentals from wonderful guides, and I loved every minute of it. My goal was to learn solid technique and improve as a climber and a mountaineer.” — Thomas G.
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford, WA. Please dress casually and bring your climbing equipment and clothing.
We begin our Technical Training Day with a welcome and introduction of team members and guides. Throughout the day, the guides provide a focused introduction to a variety of topics. These include a detailed equipment discussion and gear check; an introduction to safety practices such as use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers; route planning and preparation, instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations; and a discussion/demonstration of knots, anchors and the first steps toward understanding crevasse rescue. These skills prepare us for our adventure on Mt. Rainier and increase the likelihood of a safe, successful ascent of the mountain.
Please make your own arrangements for the day's meals and a place to stay in the Ashford area for this evening.
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Meet in Ashford at 8:15 a.m. After the team meeting we load the shuttle and drive to Paradise.
The hike from Paradise (5,400') to Camp Muir (10,080') is nearly 4.5 miles, and takes most of the day. As we ascend we work on the foundational skills that make us more efficient and capable climbers. These include pressure breathing and using the rest step, dressing appropriately for the weather and workload, kicking steps and climbing in balance on snow, and efficient pacing that allows us to climb comfortably.
By late afternoon we reach the small mountain hut at Camp Muir that serves as our base for the week. It rests at the edge of several of Mt. Rainier's glaciers. Views of the Cowlitz, Ingraham, Nisqually and Paradise glaciers are inspiring, and the setting is unmatched as an instructional arena. During the evenings we can forget about the wind, wet and cold, and enjoy the basic comforts of the hut.
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We learn and practice various mountaineering skills throughout the week. 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 and fixed rope travel. Evening discussions include such topics as mountain weather, medicine for mountaineering, altitude wellness, equipment and any requested topics that spark your interest. Some of our itinerary is determined by such factors as the weather and route conditions, but much of it is chosen in consideration of climbers' interests. We intentionally keep the itinerary flexible and guarantee you that there is far more to teach than there is time to teach it!
On summit day we don ropes, crampons, helmets, and grab our ice axes. The route begins with a rising traverse across the Cowlitz Glacier and ascends the pumiced switchbacks of Cathedral Gap. From here, we gain the Ingraham Glacier and ascend either the Ingraham Glacier or Disappointment Cleaver routes; the actual route choice is determined by many factors and is left to the professional discretion of your guides. The steeper section of the Ingraham Headwall or Disappointment Cleaver is the physical crux of the route. After reaching the upper mountain, we ascend the higher slopes of Mt. Rainier, navigating the crevassed glaciers to reach the summit.
At 14,410', Mt. Rainier is the highest point in Washington. The summit is spectacular with panoramic views from the Pacific to the eastern side of the Cascades when the weather is clear. A large crater dominates the summit, with steam rising out of the cavernous summit vents and the bare ground near the summit is often warm to the touch.
After reaching the summit, we descend back to Camp Muir. The descent typically requires half the amount of time of the ascent but requires significant effort as we retrace our route down the mountain. The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of the year, the route conditions, the weather, and temperature among others. It is a long and challenging, but rewarding day!
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On the final day of the program we have the option for additional training before we pack our gear and begin our descent to Paradise and return to Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. After all the gear is unpacked, we gather as a team to celebrate our adventure.
The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of year, the route conditions, the weather during our climb, the temperature, etc. Those variables often affect our arrival time to Ashford, which might vary dramatically from climb to climb. For this reason we do not recommend scheduling an airline flight before midnight on the last day of your program.
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You should arrive in excellent physical condition and ready for sustained days on snow and glaciers while carrying a pack. Fitness directly affects how much you are able to learn, how well you perform, and how enjoyable the seminar will be.
There are no prior technical climbing prerequisites for the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir. This seminar is designed for climbers who want structured instruction and hands-on experience in a true alpine environment.
This program operates from Camp Muir at 10,080 feet and includes a summit attempt on Mt. Rainier. You should be prepared to perform physically and mentally at altitude for multiple consecutive days.
Mountaineering requires a high level of physical stamina and mental resilience. Even for very fit individuals, long days on snow, glacier travel, and sustained effort at altitude are demanding. Arriving well prepared allows you to focus on learning and applying new skills rather than simply managing fatigue.
“I enjoyed pushing myself and getting out of my comfort zone. I also greatly enjoy the camaraderie and the excellent company of the guides and team.” — Arturo R.
For the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir, climbers should be prepared for steep hiking, climbing, and glacier travel with a 35–45 lb pack, a long summit day of 8 to 12 hours, and repeated practice of mountaineering techniques that require core strength, balance, and mobility.
Your level of fitness is the most important factor you control. Plan to arrive in excellent condition and ready for a physically demanding instructional experien
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Regular hiking or uphill travel with a loaded pack
Experience with long days of sustained aerobic effort
Comfort moving on snow and uneven terrain
Consistent training that mimics uphill movement and endurance
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
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 2
4 - 6 Hours
Gain = 4,600'
4.5 Miles
35 - 45 lbs
DAY 3
Training around Camp Muir
DAY 4
Training around Camp Muir
DAY 5 — Ascent: Muir to Summit, and return to Muir
8 - 12 Hours
Gain = 4,400' | Loss = 4,400'
8 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs
DAY 6
3 + Hours
Loss = 4,600'
4.5 Miles
35 - 45 lbs
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.
A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Own Progressive, Goal-Oriented Program
Fitness & Training
Learn what works from a climber who successfully trained for Mt. Rainier with practical tips and preparation advice. Read the full article.
Fitness & Training
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
Rainier
Strengthen your mountaineering training with a community of like-minded climbers who motivate and share the journey. Join us and explore.
Rainier
Fueling Long-Duration Climbs with Enhanced Fat Metabolism
Fitness & Training
Develop your aerobic base for endurance, strength, and performance in alpine environments with RMI’s expert guidance. Level up your training today.
Fitness & Training
Acclimatization is the process by which your body adjusts to lower oxygen levels at altitude. How well this happens has a direct impact on how you feel, how you perform, and how much margin you have as the climb progresses.
Program length and structure matter. Longer expeditions are designed with ascent profiles that allow your body more time to adapt. Shorter programs often move through altitude faster than the body can fully adjust. In these cases, climbers typically experience mild but normal symptoms associated with early acclimatization rather than full adaptation. This is expected and accounted for in program design.
Physical conditioning plays a major role. Well-conditioned climbers generally have more energy available to support the acclimatization process over consecutive days. Fitness does not prevent altitude exposure, but it improves resilience, recovery, and the ability to function well while your body is adapting.
How you take care of yourself matters just as much as the itinerary. Arriving healthy and rested, staying well hydrated, eating consistently, and managing heat loss all support acclimatization and performance. These factors become increasingly important as altitude, duration, and cumulative fatigue increase.
RMI programs are structured to balance objective goals with appropriate acclimatization strategies for the terrain and timeframe involved. Individual responses to altitude vary, but strong preparation and good self-care remain the most reliable ways to support a positive experience at elevation.
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 – Muir requires a complete mountaineering equipment kit suitable for extended time on snow, glaciers, and in alpine terrain. This gear list reflects the realities of living and training at Camp Muir and operating daily on Mt. Rainier’s upper mountain.
While experienced mountaineers may have personal preferences or variations in their systems, this list represents what RMI has refined over decades of guiding and instruction on Mt. Rainier. Some items may not be used every day, but all required equipment must be brought to the mountain to ensure proper preparation for changing conditions. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
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 technical climbing pack large enough to carry personal gear, layers, food, water, and a share of group equipment including tent portions. You will not need a separate summit pack. For ski programs, a pack with ski-carrying capability is recommended.
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.
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.
Helpful in keeping blowing dust out of the eyes at night. If you wear prescription glasses, make sure they can fit over.
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.
Lightweight approach shoes or trail runners for hiking on rugged terrain and use as camp shoes. Particularly useful after snowmelt on lower-elevation approaches.
A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.
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.
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.
This will be your personal trash bag.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Disposable or reusable ear plugs for sleeping in shared tent or hut accommodations.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
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.
Purchase travel insurance.
Arrange transportation and lodging - see more on the Travel tab.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the best shape of your life!
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: shelter, climbing ropes, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a cell phone for emergency contact.
On the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir you will need five days of climbing food, including five mountain lunches, four dinners, and four breakfasts while on the mountain.
Don't want to plan out your food for your RMI climb? Whittaker Mountaineering has optimized Meal Packages that include everything you need for your Rainier summit attempt.
Nutrition while training and nutrition while climbing are two very different things. You may follow a pretty specific nutrition regimen while you are training to aid your desired outcomes, but once it comes to the climb, calories are what count the most. While climbing, you are trying to maximize energy and performance over a short period of time.
Our food priorities when climbing are:
Caloric requirements will vary widely from climber to climber based on physical size and metabolism. It is important for you to know what your body requires. One of the normal, albeit disconcerting, adjustments to altitude is a slight loss of appetite. Bring food you enjoy. If you don't love a food at home, you certainly won't like it on the mountain!
At camp, hot and cold water will be provided for your meals, drinks, and refilling water bottles. When planning your menu, don't bring any items that require extensive preparation, cooking, or simmering. We are able to provide you with boiling water but do not have the ability to actually cook food items.
Things to keep in mind as you plan your meals:
Consider repacking items into smaller Ziploc bags to minimize the space in your pack. Your food will get crammed into your backpack, jostled around, exposed to extreme temperatures, and even sat on (by you, of course!). What holds up better in these conditions, two slices of bread or a bagel? When packing, it is essential to consider the waste you will produce on the climb; after all, you have to carry it off the mountain. We've already mentioned repacking items to minimize space. Repacking items can also eliminate waste!
Mountain lunches, aka snacks, are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb. We typically take rest breaks every hour or so to adjust our clothing layers, eat, and hydrate. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water at each break. In terms of quantity, aim to bring 1 lb. of climbing food per day. We suggest using snack or sandwich size Ziploc bags to portion out snack food.
The importance of having foods that you genuinely enjoy 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. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Feel fancy! Charcuterie (cured meat, cheese, and crackers) makes a great mountain lunch!
Single-serving instant oatmeal, Cream-of-Wheat, or granola make a good main course fare. A variety of granola bars, pastries, fruit, and a hot drink mix of coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider are suggested. Plan on eating a breakfast that tastes good, and you find filling. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Think outside the box. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (on bagels) or ramen make great breakfast options!
This meal will give your body the initial fuel it needs during your summit attempt. Spend time considering your options so that you go to bed nourished and ready for the climb ahead of you. Freeze-dried entrees are very convenient mountain dinners. Pay attention to the caloric quantity – it varies from meal to meal. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Have a tasting party of freeze-dried entrees to test them out before your climb.
Staying hydrated on the climb is crucial. You will have access to ample cold water while at camp for drinking and replenishing water bottles. When you are climbing, you will want to ration how much water you drink at each rest break to ensure you have water throughout the entirety of your climb. You can expect breaks to occur approximately every hour or so of climbing.
Just as with food, it is important to have a variety of things to drink that excite your taste buds. You may love water, but it may not sound good at 10,000'! Drink mixes such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Liquid IV, Nuun, etc., are great for flavor. Hot beverage options are also an important component to consider while at camp. Instant coffee, tea, cocoa, and cider are great ways to warm up in the evening before bed, when you wake up for your alpine start on summit day, and to recharge once back at camp.
PRO TIP: Skip the water bladder and practice rationing your water while training.
This is an example of what someone may eat for each meal on the Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir. Use this to guide and inspire your own meal planning.
Altitude often changes appetite. Bring food you know you can eat when tired, cold, or not very hungry. Variety helps, but simplicity wins. If you are unsure about food choices or quantities, this is an excellent topic to review during your gear check.
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.
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide comprehensive travel support. We have been working with Erin for many years. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe and is extremely knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or send email to [email protected].
Rainier BaseCamp is located in Ashford, WA, and is the home of RMI Expeditions, Whittaker Mountaineering, Whittaker's Bunkhouse, and BaseCamp Bar and Grill. Ashford is located 75 miles from the Sea-Tac Airport.
Note: Every air traveler 18 years of age and older needs a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Most climbers traveling to Ashford will want to rent a car from the airport. This is the most convenient and reliable way to get here.
Ride Share: If you are interested in sharing a ride, please go to your RMI Account, then to "Discussion Board" and "Ride Share" to post your information.
All our Mt. Rainier programs begin at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. All Mt. Rainier climbs, seminars, and schools include transportation and park entry for our climbers from Rainier BaseCamp to Paradise or to the White River Entrance.
You may also go to VisitRainier.com to search for accommodations in the Ashford Area.
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
Harbor Travel Insurance covers the following critical benefits:
Harbor 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.
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.
For updated Mt. Rainier weather forecasts, click here. Please click on the links below to see the Mt. Rainier webcams:
Our guides put considerable effort into ensuring your safety 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.
Mt Rainier became the nation's fifth National Park in 1899, some twenty-nine years after it was first climbed. Mt. Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres and is 97% wilderness and 3% National Historic Landmark District. At 14,410', Mt. Rainier is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. It is an active volcano; its most recent confirmed eruptive activity was in the 1890s.
Guided mountaineering activity has taken place since the late 1800s, and The Mountain is still considered a prime training ground for climbing in Alaska, South America, and the Himalayas. With more than 20 active glaciers encompassing some 36 square miles of ice, Rainier boasts the largest ice cover of any peak in the lower 48 United States. Its weather can be deceptively gentle or as fierce as encountered on any high mountain anywhere in the world. There is a wealth of information on the Mt. Rainier National Park website. We encourage you to enhance your enjoyment of the climb with some fun facts about the Park and the history of climbing there.
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 of $600 per person is required to secure your reservation.
Balance Payments: The remaining balance is due 120 days before your program's start date.
*Note: A 3% surcharge applies to 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 $600 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.
We highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. Please see our Travel Tab for details.
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 effort. Each participant shares responsibility for the safety and success of the group. Therefore, we ask that each participant:
RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from the program or to send them to a lower altitude if the guide staff determines, at their discretion, that the participant is not adequately prepared or capable of participating safely. This decision may be based on physical, technical, or psychological factors, or any other reason that might affect the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. If removed, the participant will not receive refunds or credits and will be responsible for all additional costs associated with early departure, including evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, and meals.
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.
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’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 – Muir blends technical instruction with real mountain experience on Mt. Rainier’s upper slopes. These frequently asked questions are designed to clarify how the seminar is structured, what daily life and training look like at Camp Muir, and how guides make decisions as conditions evolve. If you are considering this program as a skills-building experience or as preparation for future objectives, the answers below provide helpful context on what to expect.
“The Muir Seminar through RMI was truly an amazing adventure. From the detailed website, to the communication throughout the entire process, and leading up the actual Muir Seminar, I was thoroughly impressed with the RMI operation.” — Nick S.
The climber-to-guide ratio for the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir is 2:1. This low ratio supports hands-on instruction, close supervision during training blocks, and effective rope team management throughout the seminar.
You should arrive in excellent physical condition and prepared for multiple long days at altitude. While pack weights are lighter than expedition-style routes like the Emmons, the seminar involves sustained uphill travel, glacier movement, and long training days at 10,000 feet. Fitness directly impacts learning, performance, and overall experience.
Pack weights are moderate compared to other seminars. Climbers typically carry 35 to 45 lb loads when hiking to and from Camp Muir, with lighter packs used during glacier training and summit day. Being comfortable moving uphill with a pack for extended periods is essential.
Guides monitor climbers continuously. If someone is struggling, guides may adjust pacing, provide coaching, or modify daily objectives to maintain appropriate risk management for the team. The seminar format allows flexibility, but climbers must be capable of meeting the baseline physical demands.
An Expedition Skills Seminar is instructional by design. Time is intentionally built into each day for learning and practicing mountaineering skills rather than focusing solely on reaching the summit. Instruction is integrated throughout the program, allowing climbers to apply techniques repeatedly in real terrain.
Instruction is woven into the entire program. Training sessions occur both during designated skill blocks and while moving on snow and glaciers. The Camp Muir base allows for longer daily training windows than standard climbs.
Climbers practice glacier travel, rope team management, snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue systems, belaying, fixed line travel, and movement on steeper snow and ice. Skills are reinforced daily through repetition and application in changing conditions.
Summit day begins from Camp Muir and involves roped glacier travel, sustained uphill climbing, and long hours of movement as a team. Conditions and timing vary, but the day requires endurance, focus, and efficient rope team travel.
Summit day typically begins very early in the morning to take advantage of firmer snow conditions and more stable weather.
Mount Rainier creates its own weather. Climbers should be prepared for wind, cold temperatures, precipitation, and rapid changes in visibility, even during the height of summer.
Three main factors generally prevent climbers from reaching the summit: weather, route conditions, and individual fitness.
Weather
Avalanche hazard, wind, precipitation, and poor visibility can impact the ability to climb while maintaining an appropriate margin of safety. If conditions deteriorate, guides may turn the team around or adjust objectives.
The Route
Guides continuously assess and manage route conditions. This may involve rerouting around crevasses, managing steeper snow, or adjusting plans as conditions change. While there is often a way to the top, it may not always be appropriate for guided climbers.
Fitness
Fitness is the factor climbers have the most control over. Rope teams move at a steady pace based on route length and complexity. Improving fitness is the most effective way to increase your chances of a successful summit attempt.
Guides continuously assess weather, route conditions, and team performance. Decisions are based on maintaining appropriate risk management for the entire group.
The guide team makes all final decisions on the mountain, with team security and long-term success as the priority.
Guides are trained in remote medicine and rescue techniques and carry medical and communication equipment. Responses vary based on severity and conditions and may include descent or evacuation if necessary.
Yes. The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir provides a strong technical foundation and real glacier experience that supports progression to more complex routes and international expeditions.
After completing the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir, many climbers move on to more technical Rainier routes, expedition-style programs, or international objectives where advanced glacier and rope team skills are required.
We run four Expedition Skills Seminars on Mount Rainier, and they are built for different climbers. Paradise is the foundational course — start here if you are new to glaciated mountaineering, with no prior technical experience required. Camp Muir is the immersion course, with four nights at 10,080 feet in the hut RMI has to itself, living at altitude rather than commuting to it. Emmons is the expedition course — the big remote glacier, successive camps, and the closest thing on Rainier to how a Mt. McKinley expedition actually runs. Kautz is the technical course, on steep snow and ice through the Kautz Ice Chute, for climbers ready for the next skill tier. If you are unsure which fits, call us — we would rather place you correctly than sell you the wrong week.
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.
Mount Rainier’s diverse routes vary significantly in technical difficulty, exposure, and popularity. Choosing the right route depends on experience level, climbing goals, and seasonal conditions.
Rainier
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
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Get expert gear advice for climbing Mount Rainier—from layers to crampons to stoves. Learn what to bring, how to test it, and what to rent.
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Get to know the key safety concerns of Mt. Rainier climbs and how to prepare for them effectively. Learn more today.
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Plan your food for Mount Rainier with this expert guide to calories, snacks, and hydration for summit success. Start planning your adventure.
Rainier
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Climber reviews of the Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir reflect its reputation as one of the most effective ways to build real, working mountaineering skills on Mt. Rainier. Participants consistently highlight the extended time at Camp Muir, the depth of instruction, and the opportunity to practice skills repeatedly in true alpine terrain. For many climbers, this seminar stands out as a formative experience that builds confidence, competence, and readiness for bigger objectives ahead.
May 20, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Even though we were unable to reach the summit, I knew the guides did their best to get us there and teach us as much as they could along the way. Their regard for our safety was also an important mountaineering lesson. I learned that it's not always about bagging the peaks but more importantly the experience of the journey along the way. Thank you so much for an incredible week!
Kevin K
May 20, 2026
Even though we were unable to reach the summit, I knew the guides did their best to get us there and teach us as much as they could along the way. Their regard for our safety was also an important mountaineering lesson. I learned that it's not always about bagging the peaks but more importantly the experience of the journey along the way. Thank you so much for an incredible week!
Additional Comments
Everything was pretty top knotch. I felt I was prepared as I could be for the seminar with all the information RMI had provided.
What did you enjoy most?
Tuff question! With all the other amazing things about the trip, in hindsight I'd say it was the opportunity to learn under a legend like Dave Hahn.
What needs improvement?
Maybe offer more of a selection of food at Basecamp. Lol
May 10, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The ability to spend multiple days training before submitting, along with Sam and Mike’s goal of making training challenging but fun. There are many ways to train on specific items, but they ensured the training was conducting in a manner that was rememberable and enjoyable.
Ray R
May 10, 2026
The ability to spend multiple days training before submitting, along with Sam and Mike’s goal of making training challenging but fun. There are many ways to train on specific items, but they ensured the training was conducting in a manner that was rememberable and enjoyable.
Additional Comments
Sam was an incredible lead guide who was always helpful, happy to share knowledge, and mentored the younger guides. I will reprioritize future climbing goals, so I can align climbs with trips he will lead.
What did you enjoy most?
The ability to spend multiple days training before submitting, along with Sam and Mike’s goal of making training challenging but fun. There are many ways to train on specific items, but they ensured the training was conducting in a manner that was rememberable and enjoyable.
May 18, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The professional guide team was one of the best I have had, and as a plus, its scientific knowledge about the environment was more than helpful. It was first class.
Gerson D
May 18, 2025
The professional guide team was one of the best I have had, and as a plus, its scientific knowledge about the environment was more than helpful. It was first class.
What did you enjoy most?
The professional guide team was one of the best I have had, and as a plus, its scientific knowledge about the environment was more than helpful. It was first class.
What needs improvement?
The hut. It is imperative to upgrade it. Five were in the group, and I cannot imagine a situation with 18 sleeping there. The restroom is an invitation to infection. Very, very discomfort, so primitive and dirty. I prefer to be in a tent. I have climbed some European mountains and stayed in Swiss and Italian huts. There is no comparison. We are Americans, and Mt Ranier is America. We must have a better place. That is why I gave 8 for RMI; it will be my observation when someone asks my opinion.
May 17, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Overall experience and commitment from the guides. RMI clearly has a high standard in selecting and training their guides, and that made the trip far more enjoyable, memorable, and rewarding. Grateful that our guides were committed to safety while ensuring we maximized our opportunities on the mountain.
Ryan K
May 17, 2025
Overall experience and commitment from the guides. RMI clearly has a high standard in selecting and training their guides, and that made the trip far more enjoyable, memorable, and rewarding. Grateful that our guides were committed to safety while ensuring we maximized our opportunities on the mountain.
Additional Comments
Seth is the utmost professional guide. His attention to detail, customer service oriented disposition while remaining keenly focused on the alpine mountaineering aspect of the seminar was essential the positive experience I enjoyed. I hope I get to climb with Seth in the future.
Additional Comments
Small bug in the links between gear requirements and what is listed in the seminar from the Whitaker rental site. Easy workarounds, but not a 1-for-1 list.
What did you enjoy most?
Overall experience and commitment from the guides. RMI clearly has a high standard in selecting and training their guides, and that made the trip far more enjoyable, memorable, and rewarding. Grateful that our guides were committed to safety while ensuring we maximized our opportunities on the mountain.
May 10, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Just being on the mountain. Also the knowledgeable and personable guides and fellow clients.
Ryan H
May 10, 2025
Just being on the mountain. Also the knowledgeable and personable guides and fellow clients.
Additional Comments
Seth was great. He was a great leader and very knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with him leading the trip and he took good care of our needs.
What did you enjoy most?
Just being on the mountain. Also the knowledgeable and personable guides and fellow clients.
What needs improvement?
I suppose you could make sections of Ranier less steep, but that’s not exactly environmentally friendly. Lol
September 22, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The guides were amazing, especially out lead guide Mike. They did an excellent job teaching us all kinds of cool and useful skills during the week. They also planned a great summit for us where we were able to leave during the day due to cooler temperatures which enabled us all to soak in the beautiful views. The RMI team had such a good energy and was really fun to be around
Maggie P
September 22, 2024
The guides were amazing, especially out lead guide Mike. They did an excellent job teaching us all kinds of cool and useful skills during the week. They also planned a great summit for us where we were able to leave during the day due to cooler temperatures which enabled us all to soak in the beautiful views. The RMI team had such a good energy and was really fun to be around
Additional Comments
Mike was an excellent guide! He was super friendly and fun to be around but also knew how to manage the group. You could tell Mike was an expert in his field and whenever he spoke everyone listened. He is one of those people that is instantly likable! He did an awesome job getting us to the summit.
Additional Comments
Could have maybe had one or two more activities to fill the time more fully. I really enjoyed the trip but felt like it was maybe more of a 5 day program instead of 6
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were amazing, especially out lead guide Mike. They did an excellent job teaching us all kinds of cool and useful skills during the week. They also planned a great summit for us where we were able to leave during the day due to cooler temperatures which enabled us all to soak in the beautiful views. The RMI team had such a good energy and was really fun to be around
September 21, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
I MOST enjoyed experiencing the course with my son Ben. I convinced him to come and climb Kilimanjaro with me and HE convinced me to do the Rainier Muir course! So very glad to have come and very impressed with the communication, commitment to safety and education I received. We had a great group and great guides. The rental service went so smoothly that it could not be improved!
Chauncey T
September 21, 2024
I MOST enjoyed experiencing the course with my son Ben. I convinced him to come and climb Kilimanjaro with me and HE convinced me to do the Rainier Muir course! So very glad to have come and very impressed with the communication, commitment to safety and education I received. We had a great group and great guides. The rental service went so smoothly that it could not be improved!
Additional Comments
Dustin was a great guide and he treated everyone with respect and was very patient with everyone. Dustin definitely knows his “stuff”!!
Additional Comments
Such a well run organization! Highly recommend RMI to anyone interested in developing team spirit and mountaineering! I had never thought I would want to climb ice and yet I absolutely LOVED going into the glacier crevasse and climbing back out! The guides were terrific and excellent teachers. This was an course that everyone who loves the outdoors and the mountains should experience!
Additional Comments
Well planned and coordinated.
What did you enjoy most?
I MOST enjoyed experiencing the course with my son Ben. I convinced him to come and climb Kilimanjaro with me and HE convinced me to do the Rainier Muir course! So very glad to have come and very impressed with the communication, commitment to safety and education I received. We had a great group and great guides. The rental service went so smoothly that it could not be improved!
What needs improvement?
I cannot think of anything that would improve this course or my experience with RMI! 5 out of 5 stars!
May 20, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Great experience with excellent guides that made the best of poor weather conditions.
Tim Z
May 20, 2024
Great experience with excellent guides that made the best of poor weather conditions.
Additional Comments
Was great hearing his stories and seeing his power point. Great person to learn from.
What did you enjoy most?
Great experience with excellent guides that made the best of poor weather conditions.
What needs improvement?
Only thing I wish that could be improved was the weather which is out of anyones control.
May 12, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Being out in the elements; hearing tips and stories from the guides; tech training (anchors, rescues, rope skills).
Paul C
May 12, 2024
Being out in the elements; hearing tips and stories from the guides; tech training (anchors, rescues, rope skills).
Additional Comments
Website: slow to load at times; navigation to gear lists and food lists was frustrating (I never could find my way to the prices for ordering trip food from MRI); gear list did not include cordolette as required, but had a pair of hollowblocks as substitutes which was not the case.
Additional Comments
Given the seminar/teaching emphasis, I expected an opportunity to set up a rope team at least in a practice session: knots, rope lengths, rope management. Some discussion on how much safety gear, and how to distribute amongst, say, a four member team, wouldve been useful.
What did you enjoy most?
Being out in the elements; hearing tips and stories from the guides; tech training (anchors, rescues, rope skills).
What needs improvement?
Provide more clarity on summit probabilities. It seems the team knew that our trip was not likely to summit well before our arrival, and that May is generally low probability for summiting. At least that was my sense from discussions we heard from the team. Of that’s accurate RMI should build that into the trip descriptions. I’d have chosen a later trip.
September 13, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Seeing the guides sort through real problems live in front of the group demonstrated the skills necessary to take on similiar challenges by ourselves or outside of a guided experience.
Matthew S
September 13, 2023
Seeing the guides sort through real problems live in front of the group demonstrated the skills necessary to take on similiar challenges by ourselves or outside of a guided experience.
Additional Comments
Seth was a solid leader, included his team early and often, and created an environment of trust and safety that optimized our experience for learning.
Additional Comments
Belay device missing from gear list, gear list stated that trash bags could be replaced by pack covers (bad idea), guide picks were often dead links or entirely out of stock
What did you enjoy most?
Seeing the guides sort through real problems live in front of the group demonstrated the skills necessary to take on similiar challenges by ourselves or outside of a guided experience.
What needs improvement?
Not a lot, but given climate change you probably want to begin to reset expectations on late Rainier climbs & seminars - they're not likely to reach the summit.
May 22, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
All of it; spending the week at Camp Muir, a successful summit, more jokes & laughter than I've had in some time. This week was a great experience and an excellent foundation for future mountaineering endeavors.
Nicholas H
May 22, 2023
All of it; spending the week at Camp Muir, a successful summit, more jokes & laughter than I've had in some time. This week was a great experience and an excellent foundation for future mountaineering endeavors.
Additional Comments
Dustin was excellent and super knowledgeable. It was awesome to be on his rope team for most of the week! I learned a ton and always felt well-prepared for whatever was coming next! Truly, you're a great guide & teacher, Dustin! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything on Rainier and I hope to work with you again on another expedition in the next few years! Outside of expeditions, if you're ever in the Midwest and looking for a climbing partner, hit me up because I'd love to get after some rock and ice with you! Thank you for providing such a solid foundation for mountaineering! I'll be making a summit bid for Mount Hector in the Canadian Rockies later this year and I feel prepared for it thanks to this seminar!
What did you enjoy most?
All of it; spending the week at Camp Muir, a successful summit, more jokes & laughter than I've had in some time. This week was a great experience and an excellent foundation for future mountaineering endeavors.
What needs improvement?
I can't think of a single thing.
September 26, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
There were so many good memories and training on this trip despite not making it to the summit. We learned so much and took advantage of the time we had. I felt like I walked away knowing how to identify risks in alpine environments and how to manage some of those risks. The guides and the group that we were in made it better than I could have imagined. We had so much fun during the skills portion, but also when relaxing in the bunk house. I felt that the guides went above and beyond on my birthday (something I didn't really expect to celebrate much at all). They made a tiny cake out of an Almond Joy and a couple candles and came in singing happy birthday to surprise me. Embarrassing as it was, it'll be one I wont forget.
Chelsey H
September 26, 2022
There were so many good memories and training on this trip despite not making it to the summit. We learned so much and took advantage of the time we had. I felt like I walked away knowing how to identify risks in alpine environments and how to manage some of those risks. The guides and the group that we were in made it better than I could have imagined. We had so much fun during the skills portion, but also when relaxing in the bunk house. I felt that the guides went above and beyond on my birthday (something I didn't really expect to celebrate much at all). They made a tiny cake out of an Almond Joy and a couple candles and came in singing happy birthday to surprise me. Embarrassing as it was, it'll be one I wont forget.
Additional Comments
Equipment list should include more locking carabiners and an ATC. Also, some may find it more comfortable to bring their own sleeping pad. Also, it took my 3 attempts to actually submit this survey. It kept kicking me out of my account and then erased my entries. I'm only making sure that the survey gets in out of respect for the five amazing guides that we had at this point.
Additional Comments
I felt that the guides truly took care of the mountain as best as they could. They removed a ladder that was in an interesting place and destined to be lost to a crevasse. I regularly saw Matias picking up flags and putting them into the snow where they belonged. They were particular about where we rested our gear in the best ways. Super happy with their consideration for the National Park.
What did you enjoy most?
There were so many good memories and training on this trip despite not making it to the summit. We learned so much and took advantage of the time we had. I felt like I walked away knowing how to identify risks in alpine environments and how to manage some of those risks. The guides and the group that we were in made it better than I could have imagined. We had so much fun during the skills portion, but also when relaxing in the bunk house. I felt that the guides went above and beyond on my birthday (something I didn't really expect to celebrate much at all). They made a tiny cake out of an Almond Joy and a couple candles and came in singing happy birthday to surprise me. Embarrassing as it was, it'll be one I wont forget.
What needs improvement?
I felt that the gear list was a little off in some aspects. We could have brought some things (ATC, sleeping pad, more lockers) that were not on the list but would have made things more comfortable and easy to manage in a training setting. Also, I wish there were times available for this seminar when it was more likely that we would be able to summit.
September 25, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The level of knowledge passed form the guides to us. I learned so much and the guides also kept things fun during the entire time.
Jenny T
September 25, 2022
The level of knowledge passed form the guides to us. I learned so much and the guides also kept things fun during the entire time.
Additional Comments
RMI is a well oiled machine.
Additional Comments
no additional comments for this sections. 10/10 for all. Lola (our driver) was a wonderful individual and I could tell the guides greatly respect her!
What did you enjoy most?
The level of knowledge passed form the guides to us. I learned so much and the guides also kept things fun during the entire time.
What needs improvement?
n/a
September 23, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
I enjoyed pushing myself and getting out of my comfort zone. I also greatly enjoy the camaraderie and the excellent company of the guides and team.
Arturo R
September 23, 2022
I enjoyed pushing myself and getting out of my comfort zone. I also greatly enjoy the camaraderie and the excellent company of the guides and team.
Additional Comments
The equipment list was good. I didn't get to use the goggles (maybe because we didn't make a summit attempt) but we used all the rest of the gear.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed pushing myself and getting out of my comfort zone. I also greatly enjoy the camaraderie and the excellent company of the guides and team.
What needs improvement?
Honestly I can't think of anything, everything was spot on!
September 22, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Crevasse rescue
Anne F
September 22, 2022
Crevasse rescue
Additional Comments
I would add sleeping pad to the equipment list for the seminar.
Additional Comments
I think there should have been more established back up plans in the case of route conditions being poor. Our guides created a decent "rain day" though.
What did you enjoy most?
Crevasse rescue
What needs improvement?
Ongoing issue is that these climbs have a lot of male clients that are rather oblivious to the fact they make it uncomfortable for the women in the group to go pee. It's incredibly hard to get everyone to look away all at one time.
September 20, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
I learned so much which is why I signed up for this seminar. The comradery with the other climbers and the guides was a definite cherry on top!
Tim v
September 20, 2022
I learned so much which is why I signed up for this seminar. The comradery with the other climbers and the guides was a definite cherry on top!
Additional Comments
Some of the equipment lost items (such as the boots) are fairly outdated. Other than that it was a comprehensive list that covered all eventualities.
What did you enjoy most?
I learned so much which is why I signed up for this seminar. The comradery with the other climbers and the guides was a definite cherry on top!
September 20, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Even though we didn't summit the mountain, I was really just there to learn and prepare for a Denali climb and I feel that I got everything I needed and then some. The guides made every effort to accommodate everything the guests were there to do, from scouting a potential summit route in less that ideal conditions to practicing more in depth traversal techniques. I had never been with RMI before and now I will surely recommend RMI and use you again.
Jason N
September 20, 2022
Even though we didn't summit the mountain, I was really just there to learn and prepare for a Denali climb and I feel that I got everything I needed and then some. The guides made every effort to accommodate everything the guests were there to do, from scouting a potential summit route in less that ideal conditions to practicing more in depth traversal techniques. I had never been with RMI before and now I will surely recommend RMI and use you again.
Additional Comments
The contents of the website were extremely helpful, but I had constant problems getting my login to work correctly. The office team was always a pleasure and went above and beyond to help me when I needed it, and the equipment rental and bunkhouse staff were also very pleasant.
What did you enjoy most?
The unique personality of the guides, and the obvious extreme technical ability and experience of everyone I dealt with at RMI. Very pleasantly surprised how everyone conducted themselves even in the face of potential problems.
What needs improvement?
A less obtuse (for me) log-in for the website?
September 19, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Learning more about technical aspects in mountaineering; meeting the team and the staff (guides)
Sebastian O
September 19, 2022
Learning more about technical aspects in mountaineering; meeting the team and the staff (guides)
Additional Comments
Besides having access to the website and email correspondence I also spoke a few times over the phone with different staff members and always found their help valuable.
Additional Comments
While the itinerary was implemented as planned, I believe there are some efficiencies that can be implemented, such as: starting the program in the afternoon so that we can fly in during the morning and avoid an extra day of hotel, try to finish the program earlier on the last day so that we can fly out easier that same day and avoid another hotel night.
What did you enjoy most?
Learning more about technical aspects in mountaineering; meeting the team and the staff (guides)
What needs improvement?
Have some technical literature available (even before hand), you can distribute materials, websites, videos that depict the activities we will be doing so that we are better prepared when we are actually there. Another important aspect is making sure that we can all get a chance to do the activities (for example on the first day I did not get a chance to do a one on one practice with one of the guides, in my case I had trouble even with learning the names of the knots and materials, etc probably due to my English, but being able to practice more while on classroom is easier than in the mountain, I know in my case this would have helped a lot). It could be that I am a slow learner and learn better from repetition...
September 19, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Ice climbing and crevasse rescue training. Being able to climb and hike.
James L
September 19, 2022
Ice climbing and crevasse rescue training. Being able to climb and hike.
What did you enjoy most?
Ice climbing and crevasse rescue training. Being able to climb and hike.
May 24, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Experience of the guides and skills training / practice.
Mark S
May 24, 2022
Experience of the guides and skills training / practice.
Additional Comments
No words can express the greatness of being led by Dave with all of his experience.
Additional Comments
Awesome trip
What did you enjoy most?
Experience of the guides and skills training / practice.
What needs improvement?
Further coordination with gear for each trip before we arrive.
May 15, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, and the little extra side-adventures like ice-climbing
Joey M
May 15, 2022
The enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, and the little extra side-adventures like ice-climbing
What did you enjoy most?
The enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, and the little extra side-adventures like ice-climbing
April 25, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The interactions with the guides was awesome and I enjoyed it the most. Enjoyed may not be the proper term but while we were at one point in whiteout conditions being blown sideways on an exposed ridge and I was concerned having never been in that situation previously I never once felt that the situation was out of control and had full confidence in the guides ability to take the safest course of action.
Jeffrey E
April 25, 2022
The interactions with the guides was awesome and I enjoyed it the most. Enjoyed may not be the proper term but while we were at one point in whiteout conditions being blown sideways on an exposed ridge and I was concerned having never been in that situation previously I never once felt that the situation was out of control and had full confidence in the guides ability to take the safest course of action.
Additional Comments
A extremely competent leader obviously regarding client safety above all other aspects of the expedition. His ability to gather his team and calmly make the decision to descend from the climb to Camp Muir, explain to his clients the reasons the decision was based on and execute the descent in what were to say the least very difficult conditions was an exemplary display of leadership. Throughout the week he was constantly interacting with all of the individuals in the group one on one to ensure they were ok and addressing any concerns they had. It was a pleasure to meet and learn from Erik and I appreciate his sharing of his knowledge and insights regarding all aspects of an expedition.
Additional Comments
Signing on to the website but it kept sending verification emails that went to my spam folder. Not sure why all the other emails were fine except the verification ones. Glitch? Supply chain issues made finding some of the items on the equipment list in the correct size a little difficult.
Additional Comments
You have the most over qualified bus driver I’ve ever met!
What did you enjoy most?
The interactions with the guides was awesome and I enjoyed it the most. Enjoyed may not be the proper term but while we were at one point in whiteout conditions being blown sideways on an exposed ridge and I was concerned having never been in that situation previously I never once felt that the situation was out of control and had full confidence in the guides ability to take the safest course of action.
What needs improvement?
I do feel that the website should more strongly reflect that early spring expedition training expeditions may not include a summit attempt and in fact will be conducted at an other suitable location if Camp Muir is unavailable due to National Park closures due to weather. I realize better than most having turned around on an unguided Emmons Glacier attempt and being forced to retreat due to weather on other mountains that this happens but other clients were clearly disappointed and commenting they would not have signed up for the program if they knew it could end that way.
April 18, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
I was extremely pleased with all the guides. Every one of them was friendly, knowledgeable, and able to effectively communicate and teach. Additionally, when the weather didn't cooperate, the guides adapted to make sure we were still exposed to the full curriculum. I actually think I got more quality learning time when we were stuck in Ashford for an extra day due to the park being closed. RMI was also very generous in putting us up for the night and renting us snowshoes at no cost.
Hyde C
April 18, 2022
I was extremely pleased with all the guides. Every one of them was friendly, knowledgeable, and able to effectively communicate and teach. Additionally, when the weather didn't cooperate, the guides adapted to make sure we were still exposed to the full curriculum. I actually think I got more quality learning time when we were stuck in Ashford for an extra day due to the park being closed. RMI was also very generous in putting us up for the night and renting us snowshoes at no cost.
What did you enjoy most?
I was extremely pleased with all the guides. Every one of them was friendly, knowledgeable, and able to effectively communicate and teach. Additionally, when the weather didn't cooperate, the guides adapted to make sure we were still exposed to the full curriculum. I actually think I got more quality learning time when we were stuck in Ashford for an extra day due to the park being closed. RMI was also very generous in putting us up for the night and renting us snowshoes at no cost.
What needs improvement?
make a weather machine
April 16, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The ability of the guide team to keep things positive.
Phil D
April 16, 2022
The ability of the guide team to keep things positive.
Additional Comments
I believe that Eriic did a fabulous job at our seminar. He and the team of guides were faced with many challengesm due to the weather circumstances. They managed to stay so upbeat and positive, While things could have soured quickly, the team of guides rallied everyone into a very educational and valuable experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Eric and Rmi to anyone i interested in an adventure. Hats off to Eric, the team of guides, and RMI for professionalism at its best. Thank you
Additional Comments
Every time I called the office with a question, the staff was energetic and knowledgeable.
Additional Comments
I can't imagine a harder set of circumstances for RMI and the team of guides to deal with. Park road closures, feet of snow, and major avalanche conditions. Thank you to the team at RMI, into pivoting on the fly, into a winter skills seminar. I cannot believe how many things we were exposed to and learned. I will recommend RMI and each of these guides to eaxh and everyone who would ask me. It was an amazing thing to see as disappointment and concern among us, turned to smiles and enjoyment. I truly believe that most can summit, but we ended up with a trip much more memorable and much more educational. Thank you Eric, Mike, Abby, James, Jack and RMI. Time for me to start saving for Denali
What did you enjoy most?
The ability of the guide team to keep things positive.
What needs improvement?
Learn to control the weather... no seriously.. you guys did great.
September 27, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Alex, Dustin and Kiira were a 12 out of 10. Their knowledge, professionalism, focus on safety, leadership, patience were at an incredibly high level. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. I cannot state enough positives about these three guides. Top notch- outstanding. Thank you Alex, Dustin and Kiira. Mt. Rainier is such a beautiful and demanding mountain- this was an awesome trip, even without the summit attempt. Ice climbing in the crevasse was the highlight for me and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
James B
September 27, 2021
Alex, Dustin and Kiira were a 12 out of 10. Their knowledge, professionalism, focus on safety, leadership, patience were at an incredibly high level. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. I cannot state enough positives about these three guides. Top notch- outstanding. Thank you Alex, Dustin and Kiira. Mt. Rainier is such a beautiful and demanding mountain- this was an awesome trip, even without the summit attempt. Ice climbing in the crevasse was the highlight for me and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Additional Comments
I very much appreciated your regard for the environment.
What did you enjoy most?
Alex, Dustin and Kiira were a 12 out of 10. Their knowledge, professionalism, focus on safety, leadership, patience were at an incredibly high level. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. I cannot state enough positives about these three guides. Top notch- outstanding. Thank you Alex, Dustin and Kiira. Mt. Rainier is such a beautiful and demanding mountain- this was an awesome trip, even without the summit attempt. Ice climbing in the crevasse was the highlight for me and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
September 26, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Was recommended RMI by a buddy that has summited Rainier 3xs with RMI. Would recommend to anyone. Its a great feeling to see a diverse, younger guide service as a 27 year old that is extremely knowledgeable and serious about the safety of everyone participating. It was definitely worth showing up for the skills seminar without reaching the summit.
Dominic D
September 26, 2021
Was recommended RMI by a buddy that has summited Rainier 3xs with RMI. Would recommend to anyone. Its a great feeling to see a diverse, younger guide service as a 27 year old that is extremely knowledgeable and serious about the safety of everyone participating. It was definitely worth showing up for the skills seminar without reaching the summit.
Additional Comments
Joe's f-ing awesome.
What did you enjoy most?
Was recommended RMI by a buddy that has summited Rainier 3xs with RMI. Would recommend to anyone. Its a great feeling to see a diverse, younger guide service as a 27 year old that is extremely knowledgeable and serious about the safety of everyone participating. It was definitely worth showing up for the skills seminar without reaching the summit.
September 19, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The scenery was just incredible and I loved that we had ample time to enjoy it under many different weather circumstances. The hut experience was great, especially with only 8 of us. I don't know how you would fit 18 in there, haha, but anyway it was nice to have the hut for hanging out and for doing "class" while it was stormy outside.
Chad C
September 19, 2021
The scenery was just incredible and I loved that we had ample time to enjoy it under many different weather circumstances. The hut experience was great, especially with only 8 of us. I don't know how you would fit 18 in there, haha, but anyway it was nice to have the hut for hanging out and for doing "class" while it was stormy outside.
Additional Comments
Trip email - we just had some confusion about the summiting thing. Would have been nice to get some more details about why we weren't summiting before we got there. But would not have impacted whether I came or not.
Additional Comments
Loved everything.
What did you enjoy most?
The scenery was just incredible and I loved that we had ample time to enjoy it under many different weather circumstances. The hut experience was great, especially with only 8 of us. I don't know how you would fit 18 in there, haha, but anyway it was nice to have the hut for hanging out and for doing "class" while it was stormy outside.
What needs improvement?
Nothing! Want to do more expeditions sometime!
September 19, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
Being on the mountain the whole week was definitely essential--Camp Muir was the perfect learning environment because we were on the mountain but in a comfortable shelter, except for a moth that bugged me each night until we murdered it, but that's another story. Equally as essential were (a) the guides, who were great as noted above, and (b) the group, which got along great as well. Getting to know the guides and climbing colleagues turned out to be as important and enjoyable to me as the skills I learned. I hope and expect I'll climb again with several of them.
Christian C
September 19, 2021
Being on the mountain the whole week was definitely essential--Camp Muir was the perfect learning environment because we were on the mountain but in a comfortable shelter, except for a moth that bugged me each night until we murdered it, but that's another story. Equally as essential were (a) the guides, who were great as noted above, and (b) the group, which got along great as well. Getting to know the guides and climbing colleagues turned out to be as important and enjoyable to me as the skills I learned. I hope and expect I'll climb again with several of them.
Additional Comments
The only "negative" turned out to be a positive. The negative was that I did not get the message that we weren't going to do a summit attempt until the day I arrived. (I believe I missed an email, as everyone else did get the message.) However, it would not have changed my decision to attend and, because our group was so small, it turned into a positive. More room in the bunk, and easier to get to know people well.
Additional Comments
I thought the days were perfectly organized, filled to the brim with action and learning yet with enough downtime to not feel overwhelmed.
What did you enjoy most?
Being on the mountain the whole week was definitely essential--Camp Muir was the perfect learning environment because we were on the mountain but in a comfortable shelter, except for a moth that bugged me each night until we murdered it, but that's another story. Equally as essential were (a) the guides, who were great as noted above, and (b) the group, which got along great as well. Getting to know the guides and climbing colleagues turned out to be as important and enjoyable to me as the skills I learned. I hope and expect I'll climb again with several of them.
What needs improvement?
I brought high expectations, and RMI exceeded them. I wouldn't change a thing. (I was disappointed at the decision not to do a summit attempt, but even that was a good thing as it underlined the commitment to safety.)
September 11, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
The guides made the best out of a bad situation. They helped me when I needed it and reprimanded me when I also needed it. No learning comes without some conflict:) great trip
Mitchel D
September 11, 2021
The guides made the best out of a bad situation. They helped me when I needed it and reprimanded me when I also needed it. No learning comes without some conflict:) great trip
Additional Comments
I couldn’t have completed this trip without Mike’s steady uncompromising caring leadership. Great job! RMI is my go to solution because they employ guides with the leadership, mountaineering skills, and decision making ability to bring teams together, train them and accomplish our goals safely.
Additional Comments
Be more proactive on equipment and food lists.
Additional Comments
Joe the older guide who drove the van. He should have his own show. His knowledge of the area and guiding should be captured somewhere before it is gone.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides made the best out of a bad situation. They helped me when I needed it and reprimanded me when I also needed it. No learning comes without some conflict:) great trip
What needs improvement?
Figure out food. Too much freeze dried crap wears on you. At least two dinners or breakfasts should try to be communal and hot.
May 23, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir
I enjoyed the stories by Dave Hahn as well as the overall knowledge by all the guides in the group. All the guides were incredibly supportive and encouraging.
Kurt W
May 23, 2021
I enjoyed the stories by Dave Hahn as well as the overall knowledge by all the guides in the group. All the guides were incredibly supportive and encouraging.
Additional Comments
I was extremely pleased to know Dave Hahn was one of the guides in in this expedition. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of climbing and has so many fascinating stories of his previous climbs.
Additional Comments
Trip equipment list was perfect. I was fully prepared with everything I needed for this climb. Website is very helpful and user friendly. Office team is very organized and professional.
Additional Comments
Itinerary was incredible as everyday we spent on the mountain prepared us further for summit day.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the stories by Dave Hahn as well as the overall knowledge by all the guides in the group. All the guides were incredibly supportive and encouraging.
What needs improvement?
N/A
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
You might consdier one of these trips instead:
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Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
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Additional Comments
It was an honor to be lead by Dave Hahn. His mountain knowledge seemed infinite and his ability to convey that knowledge to relative beginners was impeccable. He also did a great job at filling in the gaps during our seminar, with stories, q & a, and just time spent getting to know one another. I will definitely be back and hopefully he is still there when I return!