85+ Liter Backpack
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.
6 Days
|
Skill Development
|
$3,795
|
$600
Deposit
|
Intermediate
The expedition seminar — successive camps on Rainier's largest glacier, run the way a Mt. McKinley expedition actually runs.
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.
An expedition-style ascent with successive camps that mirrors the structure of larger mountain objectives.
Climb the Emmons Glacier, Mount Rainier’s longest and largest route, from forested trail to summit crater.
The expedition style of the seminar provided hands-on experience that was invaluable for future development. Additionally, the multi day format in different locations on the mountain provided great experience for navigating in Alpine terrain.
Robb M.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons is a six-day mountaineering course that pairs focused skills instruction with a true expedition-style ascent of Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier. Designed for climbers preparing for larger, more remote objectives, the program emphasizes learning through movement, using the scale, duration, and complexity of the route to build durable technical foundations.
Following initial technical training and a Mountaineering Day School, the team transitions onto the Emmons route, establishing successive tented camps as the climb progresses. Instruction is integrated directly into the terrain, allowing climbers to practice and refine essential skills under increasing commitment. The seminar culminates with a summit attempt from high camp at Camp Schurman, reinforcing expedition pacing, decision-making, and systems-based climbing in a remote alpine environment.
Mount Rainier is where RMI built its reputation, and the Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons reflects decades of experience guiding and teaching on glaciated terrain. Since 1969, RMI has developed a disciplined, systems-based approach to instruction that emphasizes judgment, consistency, and decision-making in complex alpine environments. That experience directly shapes how this seminar is structured and led.
RMI guides are professional educators as well as climbers. Throughout the seminar, instruction focuses on clear communication, repetition, and applying skills in real terrain rather than isolated practice. Climbers are supported as they move from foundational techniques into more complex situations, reinforcing skills through use rather than abstraction.
“Perfectly balanced emphasis on safety, skills building, enjoyment, and reaching the summit. All 4 guides were skillful, knowledgeable, patient, and enjoyable to climb with. The guides worked well together as a team.” — Chuck N.
Risk management on the Emmons Seminar is grounded in experience and process. Guides draw on formal training in avalanche assessment, technical rescue, and remote medicine, combined with careful planning and continuous evaluation of conditions. This allows instruction to progress while maintaining appropriate margins as the climb becomes more committing.
From expedition-style camp management to applying skills on a large, remote route, the Emmons Seminar is designed to support meaningful progression. The goal is to prepare climbers for future objectives by building confidence, competence, and sound habits in an environment that reflects the realities of expedition mountaineering.
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.
Develop expedition-ready mountaineering skills while completing a full glacier ascent of Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier. This itinerary integrates technical instruction directly into an expedition-style climb, reinforcing systems through real camp moves, terrain, and decision-making.
Ashford, WA
6 Days
1
4
14,410' / 4,392 m
Tents
12+ Hours
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons is designed to build expedition-ready systems through repetition and progression on Mount Rainier’s largest glacier. Skills are introduced early, reinforced during successive camp moves, and applied under increasing scale and complexity as the team ascends the Emmons route.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
“This Emmons Seminar provided me with all the tools I need to feel comfortable climbing Denali. I feel so comfortable with rope travel and anchors because we were actually able to implement many of the tools we learned on days 1 and 2, while on the glacier.” — Kim C.
8:00 - 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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8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Rainier BaseCamp. Please arrive dressed for hiking, packed with your Mountaineering Day School gear. After a team meeting a shuttle takes our group to Paradise.
The Mountaineering Day School is spent training in the field on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier. Climbers are introduced to many skills, from the basic techniques of efficient mountain travel (rest-stepping and pressure breathing), to various safety practices including use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers, cramponing, roped travel, ice axe arrest practice, anchors and running belays, fixed line travel, and the basics of crevasse rescue.
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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Early morning start at Rainier BaseCamp. After a quick team meeting we load the shuttle and drive to the trailhead at the White River Campground (4,400').
We hike 5 miles, climbing 3,400', to our first camp on the Inter Glacier. We pass through beautiful mature forests to Glacier Basin, where the trail narrows to a climber's track, ascending to the base of the Inter Glacier. Here, we switch to climbing boots and crampons and climb the toe of the Interglacier, to our camp at about 7,800'. As we move towards camp, we work on the foundational skills that make us more efficient and capable climbers, including 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.
We ascend the Inter Glacier and climb over the flanks of Steamboat Prow onto the heavily crevassed Emmons Glacier as we move to our high camp, Camp Schurman, 9,440'. At Camp Schurman, we have a great arena to practice additional skills, such as proper placement of snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue simulations, and ice climbing. In the afternoon we prepare for the summit bid.
Today we put it all together and make our attempt on the summit. The Emmons-Winthrop Glacier route climbs the northern edge of the largest glacier in the lower 48 states, the Emmons Glacier. The spectacular 35-degree central ramp of the glacier offers a route by which we access the crevassed slopes of the upper mountain. We thread our way through these immense crevasses toward the summit of Mt. Rainier!
At 14,410 feet, 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 Schurman. 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!
On the final day of the program we descend to the trailhead 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.
This climb requires excellent physical conditioning and the ability to carry heavy loads in steep, glaciated terrain for multiple days.
No prior technical climbing experience is required, but climbers must be prepared for long days of learning in complex alpine environments.
The seminar culminates in a summit attempt above 14,000 feet, requiring the ability to perform for extended periods at high elevation.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons is open to climbers in excellent physical condition who are ready for a demanding, expedition-style mountaineering experience. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program, and instruction is built into the climb. However, the physical demands are significant and increase as the expedition progresses.
“I like that the guides on our seminar provided direction but did not hold people's hands. The course was set up in a way that prepared the group for more advanced objectives.” — William C.
Climbers should be prepared for steep hiking, glacier travel, and climbing while carrying heavy loads, including personal equipment, food, and a share of group gear. This seminar emphasizes endurance, resilience, and the ability to perform consistently over multiple days in alpine terrain. Arriving well trained directly affects your ability to learn, contribute to the team, and manage the demands of the expedition.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Strong uphill hiking endurance with a loaded pack
Comfort carrying 50 to 60 lb loads for sustained climbs
Ability to perform on long days, including a 12+ hour summit effort
Willingness to learn and apply technical mountaineering skills in real terrain
Physical and mental stamina for a multi-day expedition format
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
2 - 2 ½ Hours Round Trip
Gain = 1000' | Loss = 1000'
4 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs
DAY 3
4 - 5 hours
Gain = 3,400'
5 Miles
50 - 60 lbs
DAY 4
3 Hours
Gain = 1,640'
2 Miles
50 - 60 lbs
DAY 5
12 + Hours Round Trip
Gain = 5,000' | Loss = 5,000'
8 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs
DAY 6
3 Hours
Loss = 5,000'
7 Miles
50 - 60 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.
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
Rainier
Learn what it takes to climb Mount Rainier, from crampon skills to glacier travel. Explore route options, training tips, and expert advice.
Rainier
Learn what works from a climber who successfully trained for Mt. Rainier with practical tips and preparation advice. Read the full article.
Fitness & Training
Strengthen your mountaineering training with a community of like-minded climbers who motivate and share the journey. Join us and explore.
Rainier
Develop your aerobic base for endurance, strength, and performance in alpine environments with RMI’s expert guidance. Level up your training today.
Fitness & Training
Fueling Long-Duration Climbs with Enhanced Fat Metabolism
Fitness & Training
A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Own Progressive, Goal-Oriented Program
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 – Emmons requires a full expedition-style mountaineering equipment kit designed for extended travel on glaciers, sustained load carries, and variable alpine weather. Climbers will be moving through complex terrain over multiple days while carrying personal equipment, food, and a portion of group gear.
While experienced mountaineers may approach their kits slightly differently, the required equipment list for the Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons is built from decades of guiding and instructional experience on Mount Rainier. Each item reflects the demands of expedition-style climbing, technical skill development, weather exposure, and elevation. Not every piece of equipment may be used on a given climb, but all required items must be brought to the mountain for gear check. 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.
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.
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.
Boots are one of the most important pieces of mountaineering gear, and bringing the right pair is critical to your safety and success on Mt. Rainier. You will need one pair of boots for this climb, and the type of boot you wear will be dictated by freezing level. If the freezing level is below 10,000 feet, your guide will require the use of double boots. If the freezing level is above 10,000 feet, you may use either single or double boots. We consistently see freezing levels below 10,000 feet in April, May, June, and September, though periods of cold weather are not uncommon in July and August.
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.
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 lodging in Ashford.
Be in the best shape of your life!
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, group cooking gear, shovels, 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.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Please bring 10 gallon-size bags and 10 quart-size bags. These are used to protect various items from the rain as well as serve as personal trash bags.
Arrange transportation and lodging - see more on the Travel tab.
On the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons you will need five days of climbing food, including five mountain lunches, three dinners, and three 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 - Emmons. 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.
This FAQ covers common questions about the Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons, including logistics, physical demands, instructional focus, route characteristics, and how decisions are made on the mountain. If you’re evaluating this seminar as a training-focused alternative to a standard Rainier climb, these answers are intended to help you understand what the experience involves and how to prepare.
“Loved the experience from signing up to be notified of openings of trips, to the communication from the team as the trip got closer.” — David D.
The climber-to-guide ratio is 2:1 on the Emmons Glacier route. This ratio supports instruction, rope team management, and decision-making throughout the seminar.
Climbers entering the park in a personal vehicle should consult the National Park Service for current entrance fees and reservation requirements.
You should arrive in excellent physical condition and prepared for multiple days of sustained effort. The seminar involves steep hiking, glacier travel, and long days while carrying heavy loads, and fitness has a direct impact on learning, performance, and overall experience.
Pack weights are heavier than on standard Rainier climbs. Climbers should expect to carry 50 to 60 lb loads on approach and carry days, with lighter packs on summit day. Comfort carrying heavy loads uphill for extended periods is essential.
Guides monitor climbers throughout the seminar and may adjust pacing, provide coaching, or modify plans to maintain appropriate risk management for the team. The instructional format allows guides to address challenges as they arise, but climbers must be capable of sustaining the physical demands of the program.
The Emmons Glacier route is longer, more remote, and less traveled. It involves successive camps, extended glacier travel, and sustained endurance over multiple days, making it well suited for expedition-style learning rather than a single high-camp ascent.
Summit day is a long and demanding effort that begins from high camp at Camp Schurman. Climbers travel roped on glaciers, manage complex terrain, and move steadily for many hours as a team. Conditions and timing vary based on weather and route conditions.
Summit day typically begins very early in the morning to take advantage of firmer snow conditions and more stable weather.
The scale and continuity of the Emmons Glacier provide repeated opportunities to practice technical skills in context. Its terrain supports hands-on instruction in glacier travel, anchors, rescue systems, and camp management throughout the ascent.
Mount Rainier creates its own weather. Climbers should be prepared for a wide range of conditions, including wind, cold temperatures, precipitation, and rapid changes in visibility.
There are three main categories that generally prevent climbers from reaching the summit: weather, route conditions, and individual fitness.
Weather
Avalanche hazards, high winds, poor visibility, rain, and snow can singly or in conjunction with other elements impact our ability to safely climb. Your guides are charged with managing the risks encountered on the climb and maintaining a reasonable margin of safety.
If weather conditions reduce our margin of safety to an unacceptable level, we will no longer be able to climb. This may mean we turn around, or we may not even ascend above camp.
The Route
On Mt. Rainier, guides work on the route continually throughout the climbing season. Route work involves rerouting to avoid hazards, including overhead hazards such as icefall and rockfall and underfoot hazards such as crevasses and steep slopes.
As the route becomes more complex and steeper throughout the season, route work can include kicking steps, chopping, shoveling, and setting running belays. Some changes occur daily and may require quick adjustments by the guide team during a climb. Larger reroutes can take multiple days to establish and often involve coordination among guide services on the mountain.
A route that remains technically passable may still not offer an appropriate margin of safety for guided climbers. When this happens, guide services coordinate efforts to establish a safer route. While route work is underway, we will ascend with climbers as high as is safely possible on the existing route.
Fitness
Fitness is the factor climbers have the most control over and the one with the greatest impact on success, safety, and enjoyment. Mountaineering requires physical stamina and mental toughness, even for very fit individuals.
Rope teams move at a steady pace determined by the route’s length and complexity. We do not operate fast or slow rope teams. 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 a reasonable margin of safety for the entire group.
The guide team makes final decisions on the mountain. These decisions are made with climber safety as the top priority.
Guides are trained in remote medicine and rescue techniques and carry appropriate medical and communication equipment. In the event of illness or injury, guides manage the situation based on severity and conditions, which may include descent or evacuation if necessary.
An Expedition Skills Seminar is instructional by design. Rather than focusing solely on reaching the summit, time is intentionally built into the climb for learning and practicing skills in real terrain. Instruction is integrated throughout the ascent, allowing climbers to actively apply techniques such as glacier travel, rope team management, anchor building, crevasse rescue, belaying, fixed line travel, and expedition-style camp systems.
Yes. The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons is designed to prepare climbers for larger, more complex objectives. The expedition structure, load carries, technical instruction, and emphasis on endurance closely mirror the demands of major glaciated peaks and provide a strong foundation for future expeditions.
Both travel the Emmons Glacier, but they are built for different goals. The Five Day Emmons Climb is a summit-focused ascent. This six-day seminar treats the summit as one part of a broader curriculum — load carries, camp craft, glacier travel and expedition systems taught across successive camps. Choose the climb if the summit is the objective; choose the seminar if you want to run expeditions of your own afterwards.
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.
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.
Rainier
Learn what it takes to climb Mount Rainier, from crampon skills to glacier travel. Explore route options, training tips, and expert advice.
Rainier
Plan your food for Mount Rainier with this expert guide to calories, snacks, and hydration for summit success. Start planning your adventure.
Rainier
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
Rainier
Early, peak, or late season, learn what to expect when climbing Mount Rainier at different times of year and how to prepare for changing conditions.
Rainier
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Read reviews from climbers who have completed the Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons with RMI. These firsthand accounts highlight the instructional depth, expedition-style structure, and on-mountain experience of learning and applying mountaineering skills on Mount Rainier’s largest glacier.
July 22, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Besides the summit, the people and the knowledge I gained. Mountaineering skills can seem daunting to learn, but this curriculum introduces you to all the basics, which has made it easier for me to imagine climbing with my own groups in the future.
Kyle S
July 22, 2022
Besides the summit, the people and the knowledge I gained. Mountaineering skills can seem daunting to learn, but this curriculum introduces you to all the basics, which has made it easier for me to imagine climbing with my own groups in the future.
What did you enjoy most?
Besides the summit, the people and the knowledge I gained. Mountaineering skills can seem daunting to learn, but this curriculum introduces you to all the basics, which has made it easier for me to imagine climbing with my own groups in the future.
What needs improvement?
Nothing
July 15, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Good weather definitely helps, being a Washington native I know that’s fickle even this time of year but I’ll take it. The camaraderie of the guides made the trip you can tell they are passionate in what they do, and enjoy sharing that knowledge and experience with others.
Lindsey R
July 15, 2022
Good weather definitely helps, being a Washington native I know that’s fickle even this time of year but I’ll take it. The camaraderie of the guides made the trip you can tell they are passionate in what they do, and enjoy sharing that knowledge and experience with others.
Additional Comments
Mike has exceptional leadership and guidance. Throughout our seminar he facilitated a safe and fun learning environment. His stories an sense of humor made for a memorable experience on the mountain. Mike was the guide on the rope team I was on, he was always there with words of encouragement and friendly reminders on the nuisances of technique if I needed to work on something. Thank You.
Additional Comments
Communication as a whole was really good. Only recommendation would be a more comprehensive email a week out, introducing the team to the guides and maybe including a what to expect.
Additional Comments
Transportation was clean and comfortable. LNT principals were practiced during our trip. Itinerary was good, and pace of new information and skills taught had a nice cadence.
What did you enjoy most?
Good weather definitely helps, being a Washington native I know that’s fickle even this time of year but I’ll take it. The camaraderie of the guides made the trip you can tell they are passionate in what they do, and enjoy sharing that knowledge and experience with others.
What needs improvement?
We had a difficult individual in our group, that was apparent from the day we did the mountain school at Paradise that he was going to be difficult/ immature ( I might just be getting old ). I am not sure what the policies or procedures are for dismissing individuals, as I understand everyone has different competencies. This person however seemed indifferent, and perhaps providing additional leeway for dismissal might be good. I was extremely grateful that he was not on my rope team.
July 15, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Even though this was a seminar, it didn't seem like a seminar. It was more like a group of friends going on an expedition and sharing knowledge. This was a good thing as it allowed myself to feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Stephen L
July 15, 2022
Even though this was a seminar, it didn't seem like a seminar. It was more like a group of friends going on an expedition and sharing knowledge. This was a good thing as it allowed myself to feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Additional Comments
Mike did a great job at handling one participant that I thought was not able to "process the situation" sometimes.
What did you enjoy most?
Even though this was a seminar, it didn't seem like a seminar. It was more like a group of friends going on an expedition and sharing knowledge. This was a good thing as it allowed myself to feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
What needs improvement?
I did the food program and it would have been helpful to provide a food "plan" as well instead of just having a pile of food and say eat something when you take a break. For me the thought of not having enough food to finish the trip made me end up not eating enough food and having leftovers... ironic.
July 13, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Great programs. I learned more about my weaknesses. Will come back again!
Behrang A
July 13, 2022
Great programs. I learned more about my weaknesses. Will come back again!
What did you enjoy most?
New skills! Cool new guides: Bo and Charlie
What needs improvement?
A couple of things. at 13100 ft (the last point before turning around), I felt like for the break I and my pack needed to be anchored to a picket just for safety as it was hard for me to keep my balance. I know guides can easily walk in a terrain that steep and that firm but since I am not at that level, it was hard for me to keep my balance and for a second I thought I lost my backpack.
July 10, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I enjoyed learning more about mountaineering. I gained a lot of confidence and feel like I can tackle some trips without a guide now. I particularly enjoyed how each guide taught me something new and different. Our guides truly made the trip special and I feel incredibly fortunate to have them as a resource now. Each guide brought a unique perspective.
Stephanie C
July 10, 2022
I enjoyed learning more about mountaineering. I gained a lot of confidence and feel like I can tackle some trips without a guide now. I particularly enjoyed how each guide taught me something new and different. Our guides truly made the trip special and I feel incredibly fortunate to have them as a resource now. Each guide brought a unique perspective.
Additional Comments
Nikki was an incredible lead guide, and I learned so much from her. I really appreciated her patience and willingness to share information. I think what made the trip special was how well she worked with the other guides to make the best trip for everyone. We had to turn around before the summit due to weather, but she did a great job explaining why, even though it was a tough decision. She is a true inspiration!
Additional Comments
More correspondence before the trip would be nice.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed learning more about mountaineering. I gained a lot of confidence and feel like I can tackle some trips without a guide now. I particularly enjoyed how each guide taught me something new and different. Our guides truly made the trip special and I feel incredibly fortunate to have them as a resource now. Each guide brought a unique perspective.
July 9, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I most value the skills I leaned mountaineering, as this was my first introduction to this terrain.The group was great, and the guides exceeded my expectations. The most fun part was glissading, which was my first experience with this as well.
David D
July 9, 2022
I most value the skills I leaned mountaineering, as this was my first introduction to this terrain.The group was great, and the guides exceeded my expectations. The most fun part was glissading, which was my first experience with this as well.
Additional Comments
I can't say enough about Nikki as a guide for this seminar. Nikki was knowledgeable, well spoken, and provided firm leadership for this team. It was obvious that Nikki has the required skills, both technical and personal, to lead this and other groups on their mountaineering trips. I was also impressed about Nikki's background in avalanche forecasting, and this gave me extra confidence in her ability to lead this trip. In such a seminar/expedition such as this, I trusted Nikki's decisions 1000%.
Additional Comments
Loved the experience from signing up to be notified of openings of trips, to the communication from the team as the trip got closer.
Additional Comments
Everything was top notch. I was impressed that the van was hybrid.
What did you enjoy most?
I most value the skills I leaned mountaineering, as this was my first introduction to this terrain.The group was great, and the guides exceeded my expectations. The most fun part was glissading, which was my first experience with this as well.
What needs improvement?
One thing I think might be improved would have been a personal checkin on training progress during the time between signing up for the trip and the trip itself. It would be great to have a resource (email or phone) that would reach out to see how training is progressing at 6 months and 3 months out. This is mostly an issue for myself personally since I have never done a mountain climb, so I think my expectations of my fitness level didn't quite match the demands of the climb. There were A LOT of training resources available, and I did appreciate that, but it would have been helpful to have some prodding along the way.
June 25, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The ability of all the guides to make all the clients feel comfortable in sometimes stressful and exhausting situations. They also made everyone feel like long time friends, not strangers.
Andrew G
June 25, 2022
The ability of all the guides to make all the clients feel comfortable in sometimes stressful and exhausting situations. They also made everyone feel like long time friends, not strangers.
What did you enjoy most?
The ability of all the guides to make all the clients feel comfortable in sometimes stressful and exhausting situations. They also made everyone feel like long time friends, not strangers.
What needs improvement?
Nothing I can really think of, just keep up the great work.
June 3, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Enjoyed the mountaineering training the most. I think everyone at some point has signed up for professional training and been disappointed but in this case I was pleasantly surprised.
Travis M
June 3, 2022
Enjoyed the mountaineering training the most. I think everyone at some point has signed up for professional training and been disappointed but in this case I was pleasantly surprised.
What did you enjoy most?
Enjoyed the mountaineering training the most. I think everyone at some point has signed up for professional training and been disappointed but in this case I was pleasantly surprised.
What needs improvement?
Honestly I cannot think of anything. We did not summit but due to everything else being so good, I am not leaving disappointed.
August 12, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Being outside my comfort zone, learning about a new sport, working under the supervision of professionals, and successfully summiting.
Michael B
August 12, 2021
Being outside my comfort zone, learning about a new sport, working under the supervision of professionals, and successfully summiting.
What did you enjoy most?
Being outside my comfort zone, learning about a new sport, working under the supervision of professionals, and successfully summiting.
August 8, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The guides were fantastic. They have a hard job, but they do it well and with a smile the whole time.
Dan G
August 8, 2021
The guides were fantastic. They have a hard job, but they do it well and with a smile the whole time.
Additional Comments
Coming in late to the program the emails didn't feel particularly tailored to me. I think I missed a lot of information early on that would've been nice to receive as soon as I signed up. The packing list was hard to interpret. In some ways it seemed overly conservative which made it difficult to know which pieces of gear were actually important as opposed to just nice-to-have. Perhaps a nice touch would be a description of when you might want or not want a piece. This would also help in knowing which alternative to bring if you have several pieces of gear which might work.
Additional Comments
II thought it was unfortunate that despite us having a 6 day program there was no flexibility with respect to summit day timing. It would've been nice if we had the option to bump camp to Schurman a day early to give us a larger summit window.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were fantastic. They have a hard job, but they do it well and with a smile the whole time.
What needs improvement?
I thought the school sessions were a little too focused on material that wasn't particularly relevant to the hike and could easily have been learned from youtube. E.g. spending 2 hours on knots - If you already knew the knots this was review, and if you didn't then it's unlikely this information will be absorbed better than had it been assigned for prep work before the course. Moreover during the entire hike we never had to tie any knots, so it didn't end up being a real requirement anyway.
August 4, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I mainly enjoyed the people in the group. Everyone was really fun to hangout with and it felt like we had the perfect mixture of personalities. The guides were a lot of fun and spent time hanging out with us. I felt comfortable around the guides and wasn't afraid to ask questions which is why I always highly recommend RMI to friends who want to climb Rainer.
Derek H
August 4, 2021
I mainly enjoyed the people in the group. Everyone was really fun to hangout with and it felt like we had the perfect mixture of personalities. The guides were a lot of fun and spent time hanging out with us. I felt comfortable around the guides and wasn't afraid to ask questions which is why I always highly recommend RMI to friends who want to climb Rainer.
Additional Comments
It would be nice to have the trip list in PDF form like the one you guys provide in our welcome packets. Also, it would be nice to hear from the lead guide on what equipment we might not need for the trip. There were a couple things that I purchased that I did not need. Just an email from the lead guide like a month before the climb would have been awesome.
Additional Comments
It would be nice to somehow combine the mountaineering school and the first day on the inter glacier together. I think everyone was just anxious to get on the mountain since pretty much everyone had walked in crampons before. I have no complaints though. I enjoyed every aspect of the trip.
What did you enjoy most?
I mainly enjoyed the people in the group. Everyone was really fun to hangout with and it felt like we had the perfect mixture of personalities. The guides were a lot of fun and spent time hanging out with us. I felt comfortable around the guides and wasn't afraid to ask questions which is why I always highly recommend RMI to friends who want to climb Rainer.
What needs improvement?
I would recommend giving priority to reservations to the RMI bunkhouses to people that are climbing with RMI. Being closer to to where we meet up makes it less anxious for people. Having to commute up to an hour from a hotel cuts into valuable sleep someone may need for a safe climb up Rainer. As a group we thought it would be cool if you guys automatically made reservations for us then we could opt out if we wanted to. Another option would be to warn people to make reservations way in advance because the bunkhouses fill up pretty fast.
July 23, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
While summiting Rainier was truly amazing and something that I have wanted to do for awhile it was the people on the team that made this a trip of a lifetime. There is already talk about some of us getting together and doing another RMI trip together.
Sandi P
July 23, 2021
While summiting Rainier was truly amazing and something that I have wanted to do for awhile it was the people on the team that made this a trip of a lifetime. There is already talk about some of us getting together and doing another RMI trip together.
Additional Comments
I felt like I had all the information that I needed and when I called for help with places to stay when I was having trouble the office people were amazing. It might to nice to offer that information on your website so your office staff doesn't have to field those calls. After conversations with people on our team at least 5 of us called with the same problem.
Additional Comments
Perfect!
What did you enjoy most?
While summiting Rainier was truly amazing and something that I have wanted to do for awhile it was the people on the team that made this a trip of a lifetime. There is already talk about some of us getting together and doing another RMI trip together.
What needs improvement?
I honestly don't know. I really did find everything great. Maybe for me personally, a note taking guide or some way that I could take notes. I did try and take some on my phone. There was just so much wonderful information given to us that I know I have already forgotten a lot of it. Our guides did give us great suggestions of resources though which I have already looked into some of them.
July 22, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The trip was way better than expected! 4 days on the mountain was an insanely amazing experience. Thank you!
Charles C
July 22, 2021
The trip was way better than expected! 4 days on the mountain was an insanely amazing experience. Thank you!
Additional Comments
I called the office to ask some details about the climb, and the details provided were not accurate. I was surprised by this, since this trip runs every week or so. They should have known where our camping locations where going to be... :/
What did you enjoy most?
The trip was way better than expected! 4 days on the mountain was an insanely amazing experience. Thank you!
What needs improvement?
More clarity on the website on the trip details. In particular where we camp and if we are carrying group gear. It's possible I missed this, so if it's there, then it's my fault for failing to read it as clearly as I needed to!
July 22, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Of course the summit, but a close second would have to be the amount of information shared with us, regarding mountaineering, climbing, and hiking in general.
Ben B
July 22, 2021
Of course the summit, but a close second would have to be the amount of information shared with us, regarding mountaineering, climbing, and hiking in general.
Additional Comments
I can’t imagine a guide with more knowledge or professionalism than Dustin. Whether during our training or on our trip, he was always providing pointers to make what we were doing easier, or more efficient. I felt he had a perfect balance of being fun and light-hearted, yet he was always teaching and practicing mountain safety at the same time. If in the future I book another expedition with RMI, I would be thrilled if Dustin was my guide.
Additional Comments
I was so thankful the covid precautions were relaxed and our team was allowed to ride in RMI's van together to get to the trailhead! The itinerary for our trip was perfect, and it was awesome our guides gave us a last-minute trip to the grocery store for extra supplies before hitting the mountain.
What did you enjoy most?
Of course the summit, but a close second would have to be the amount of information shared with us, regarding mountaineering, climbing, and hiking in general.
July 17, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I have always had a positive experience when climbing with RMI and will most definitely climb with you again. On this trip, my most memorable moment (excluding the summit) was the crevasse ice climbing we did on the last day before leaving Camp Sherman. I have been wanting to get into ice climbing so that was a great first experience!
Ryan B
July 17, 2021
I have always had a positive experience when climbing with RMI and will most definitely climb with you again. On this trip, my most memorable moment (excluding the summit) was the crevasse ice climbing we did on the last day before leaving Camp Sherman. I have been wanting to get into ice climbing so that was a great first experience!
Additional Comments
I have climbed with Dustin before, and would love the chance to climb with him again. Dustin's confidence and attention to detail is reassuring. I could go on and on about how great he is, but in his words - management has already formed an opinion of him. You guys already know how much of an asset he is to the RMI family. Thanks for another great trip!
What did you enjoy most?
I have always had a positive experience when climbing with RMI and will most definitely climb with you again. On this trip, my most memorable moment (excluding the summit) was the crevasse ice climbing we did on the last day before leaving Camp Sherman. I have been wanting to get into ice climbing so that was a great first experience!
What needs improvement?
Digging deep here, but I completely spaced out booking a room before and after the climb. Maybe include some reminder emails, with a link to the bunkhouse website to encourage climbers to book a room early. Or include hotel accommodations as one of the tasks to complete when going through registration.
July 17, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Everything was great on this trip. Great guides, great expedition members, great weather, great views. I can see that the guides do what they do with passion. They went above and beyond in answering any questions we had, from questions about the day's itinerary, to facts about the emmons glacier. They were all very experienced and knowledgeable. Great trip, great memories. Thanks so much to Dustin, Luke, Axel, and David!
Tomoki I
July 17, 2021
Everything was great on this trip. Great guides, great expedition members, great weather, great views. I can see that the guides do what they do with passion. They went above and beyond in answering any questions we had, from questions about the day's itinerary, to facts about the emmons glacier. They were all very experienced and knowledgeable. Great trip, great memories. Thanks so much to Dustin, Luke, Axel, and David!
What did you enjoy most?
Everything was great on this trip. Great guides, great expedition members, great weather, great views. I can see that the guides do what they do with passion. They went above and beyond in answering any questions we had, from questions about the day's itinerary, to facts about the emmons glacier. They were all very experienced and knowledgeable. Great trip, great memories. Thanks so much to Dustin, Luke, Axel, and David!
July 2, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Loved being able to learn and get to know all of the guides. It was great to get back out on the mountain and explore the Emmons route.
David K
July 2, 2021
Loved being able to learn and get to know all of the guides. It was great to get back out on the mountain and explore the Emmons route.
Additional Comments
I would love to see an itinerary the allows to skip over 2 days in Ashford and opens opportunity to jump straight to the mountain with other experiences customers.
What did you enjoy most?
Loved being able to learn and get to know all of the guides. It was great to get back out on the mountain and explore the Emmons route.
June 23, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I most liked the skills that were presented (crevasse rescue, ropes, axe technique, etc.) and the locations of the activities. There was a lot packed into those days I think it was done perfectly.
James B
June 23, 2021
I most liked the skills that were presented (crevasse rescue, ropes, axe technique, etc.) and the locations of the activities. There was a lot packed into those days I think it was done perfectly.
Additional Comments
No issues here
Additional Comments
No real complaints here. With the itinerary i would love to see more flexibility for summit day to account for weather, but I can understand the limitations with that.
What did you enjoy most?
I most liked the skills that were presented (crevasse rescue, ropes, axe technique, etc.) and the locations of the activities. There was a lot packed into those days I think it was done perfectly.
What needs improvement?
I think you guys have it pretty much dialed in. This trip was exactly what I was hoping for.
June 21, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I really enjoyed learning new skills and the expedition format. Additionally, the beauty of the climb was fantastic - even with the bad weather for a couple of days!
William E
June 21, 2021
I really enjoyed learning new skills and the expedition format. Additionally, the beauty of the climb was fantastic - even with the bad weather for a couple of days!
What did you enjoy most?
I really enjoyed learning new skills and the expedition format. Additionally, the beauty of the climb was fantastic - even with the bad weather for a couple of days!
What needs improvement?
Nothing that I can think of
June 19, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
I enjoyed the instruction. I want to peruse more alpine climbing and learning various techniques was great.
Luke C
June 19, 2021
I enjoyed the instruction. I want to peruse more alpine climbing and learning various techniques was great.
Additional Comments
Equipment list was good but could be tweaked. For instance the 6/7 mm cords. As a climber I have many alongs and dynema that would have been easier to bring and real with. The only thing on the list I didn’t use was my bowl.
Additional Comments
The fixed line travel could be done on school day. Also the crevasse rescue. Demonstrated how to rescue with someone on the end falling in. I’m curious about if it’s the middle person.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the instruction. I want to peruse more alpine climbing and learning various techniques was great.
What needs improvement?
Was a good experience overall wouldnt change much
August 24, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The four amazing guides that we had during the trip. I'd follow them up any mountain anytime.
Joseph J
August 24, 2019
The four amazing guides that we had during the trip. I'd follow them up any mountain anytime.
Additional Comments
Everyone at RMI has been amazing from the time I registered for the trip to the time I left Ashford. You all exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be going on more trips with RMI in the future. My only suggestion for improvement would be the equipment list. While I understand that the purpose is to ensure that everyone has the equipment for a variety of circumstances and situations that may arise, it does feel a tad bloated and maybe dated on some items. I found the pack size recommendations to be a little much and I would also like to see more of a focus on modern, practical climbing equipment such as runners/friction devices for crevasse rescue. Preference on a hammer axe as opposed to an adze.
Additional Comments
The itinerary was amazing and I felt like I had a really Rich experience and learned a lot. Transportation was excellent and J.T.'s music was pretty good. RMI's concern for the environment is something I can't talk about enough. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for putting environmental stewardship and the forefront of your business and teaching good environmental practices as a critical mountaineering skill.
What did you enjoy most?
The four amazing guides that we had during the trip. I'd follow them up any mountain anytime.
What needs improvement?
I would be interested in some alternative climbs programs on Ranier. A four day Emmons climb would be interesting. Other more technical routes like the Finger or Liberty Ridge would be something I'd be highly interested in a year or two down the road.
August 21, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Confidence built up from past RMI trips that the guides would do their best to help us achieve our goals but keep us safe as well.
Joshua T
August 21, 2019
Confidence built up from past RMI trips that the guides would do their best to help us achieve our goals but keep us safe as well.
Additional Comments
Excellent as always plus having a few RMI trips already it was smooth sailing.
Additional Comments
It was great to have a bit more of a drive on this trip to be able to see the area surrounding Rainier. I liked having Leave No Trace as part of the orientation. Not sure if that is on all of the trips now, if not it should be! Can't wait to climb with RMI again!
What did you enjoy most?
Confidence built up from past RMI trips that the guides would do their best to help us achieve our goals but keep us safe as well.
What needs improvement?
Nothing at the moment that I can think of
August 11, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Perfectly balanced emphasis on safety, skills building, enjoyment, and reaching the summit. All 4 guides were skillful, knowledgeable, patient, and enjoyable to climb with. The guides worked well together as a team.
Chuck N
August 11, 2019
Perfectly balanced emphasis on safety, skills building, enjoyment, and reaching the summit. All 4 guides were skillful, knowledgeable, patient, and enjoyable to climb with. The guides worked well together as a team.
Additional Comments
Web-site was not at all clear about trip and emergency evacuation insurance. In fact, the web-site highly recommends that clients purchase insurance, although it is unnecessary for clients who live in Washington.
What did you enjoy most?
Perfectly balanced emphasis on safety, skills building, enjoyment, and reaching the summit. All 4 guides were skillful, knowledgeable, patient, and enjoyable to climb with. The guides worked well together as a team.
What needs improvement?
Because 3 out of 8 members of our client group were women, it would have been nice to have had at least one woman guide on our trip. Equipping the guides with more detailed knowledge about the geology, flora, and fauna along the way would be a nice bonus.
August 7, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The guides were fantastic, the structure of the trip was very good, and I really enjoyed the route/trail
Anna K
August 7, 2019
The guides were fantastic, the structure of the trip was very good, and I really enjoyed the route/trail
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were fantastic, the structure of the trip was very good, and I really enjoyed the route/trail
August 5, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Successfully summiting and the views along the way.
Gary L
August 5, 2019
Successfully summiting and the views along the way.
Additional Comments
Sometimes info was hard to find.
Additional Comments
Perfect time allocation. Didn't feel super rushed at any point.
What did you enjoy most?
Successfully summiting and the views along the way.
What needs improvement?
Plan trips to more locations in LA.
August 1, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The guides were fantastic. While we were not able to summit, I had a great trip and this is the most memorable climb I've ever done. Everything about working with RMI was easy, I had no issues whatsoever. The personnel, from the gear shop to the rental shop, guides, etc......everyone was friendly and clearly placed high priority on ensuring a great experience for all clients.
Brandon B
August 1, 2019
The guides were fantastic. While we were not able to summit, I had a great trip and this is the most memorable climb I've ever done. Everything about working with RMI was easy, I had no issues whatsoever. The personnel, from the gear shop to the rental shop, guides, etc......everyone was friendly and clearly placed high priority on ensuring a great experience for all clients.
Additional Comments
All people involved in the process were absolutely fantastic. RMI clearly places top priority on customer service. A couple very minor suggestions: The equipment list had a couple "outdated" items on it. One client on our team brought the recommended carabiner on the trip and the guides mentioned that the list should be updated as they wouldn't have recommended those (didn't seem like a personal preference-type comment). Also, with the close relationship to Whittaker - and I think the same sources for the "Guide Picks" - it would be helpful as a new climber of the "Guide Picks" on the RMI equipment list were the same as the "Guide Picks" on the Whittaker site.
Additional Comments
Itinerary was very clearly explained in the website/materials sent to us leading up to the climb. The guides did a fantastic job on orientation of reiterating what we would be doing on the trip. Transportation was great - van was clean, felt safe with JM driving. The guides clearly take LNT seriously as it was discussed at length during orientation and practiced on the climb as well by everyone.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were fantastic. While we were not able to summit, I had a great trip and this is the most memorable climb I've ever done. Everything about working with RMI was easy, I had no issues whatsoever. The personnel, from the gear shop to the rental shop, guides, etc......everyone was friendly and clearly placed high priority on ensuring a great experience for all clients.
August 1, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
Super friendly staff, everywhere. The skills learned during the trip were great, I hope I can use them before I lose them. Just being in the presence of rockstar guides and learning as much as possible is great.
James L
August 1, 2019
Super friendly staff, everywhere. The skills learned during the trip were great, I hope I can use them before I lose them. Just being in the presence of rockstar guides and learning as much as possible is great.
Additional Comments
Great seminar. Definitely recommend this for others. The office was amazingly helpful when I called several times in gear suggestions, meal ideas, and general planning/packaging. I can't wait for my next RMI outing.
Additional Comments
Thanks for the post-climb refreshments, nice touch!
What did you enjoy most?
Super friendly staff, everywhere. The skills learned during the trip were great, I hope I can use them before I lose them. Just being in the presence of rockstar guides and learning as much as possible is great.
What needs improvement?
Honestly, the bunkhouse could use some love. I love the grill, and the cafe, but the rooms were showing their age and didn't appear tremendously clean.
July 30, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
What I liked the most was the level of hands on experience and learning throughout the seminar. The goal was on imparting the necessarily skills to be safe and successful in the mountains. But at the same time recognizing it's a lot of material to cram in there so I liked that they guides had no problem reminding us of the different hitches and knots :)
Thomas L
July 30, 2019
What I liked the most was the level of hands on experience and learning throughout the seminar. The goal was on imparting the necessarily skills to be safe and successful in the mountains. But at the same time recognizing it's a lot of material to cram in there so I liked that they guides had no problem reminding us of the different hitches and knots :)
Additional Comments
office team was great. answered all my stupid questions leading up to trip. I liked the email drip was we got closer to the trip.
Additional Comments
The vans were new and hard to beat. Super spacious and comfortable. All the guides took the LNT mantra to a new level for me. It's great to see such a tremendous stewardship for the mountains we all love. Also liked the professionalism of the guides. similar jackets and hads definitely made the RMI teams standout above the guiding companies on the mountain.
What did you enjoy most?
What I liked the most was the level of hands on experience and learning throughout the seminar. The goal was on imparting the necessarily skills to be safe and successful in the mountains. But at the same time recognizing it's a lot of material to cram in there so I liked that they guides had no problem reminding us of the different hitches and knots :)
What needs improvement?
Nit picking here because things went so well. I would look at the website a little. The gear list rendered on the desktop versus mobile browser was different for our seminar. led to some confusion about required gear. Also lots of the guide picks for gear seemed to be dead links. Maybe true up the gear list for mobile/desktop and freshen up the guide picks so they current.
July 28, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
All of it. Really ended up having one of the greatest experiences of my life. I attribute that to the rmi people and experience.
Ryan T
July 28, 2019
All of it. Really ended up having one of the greatest experiences of my life. I attribute that to the rmi people and experience.
Additional Comments
Bryan did an amazing job as leader with the team and other guides. He also gained my trust immediately due to his confident calm direct dameanor. He always had safety as a first priority and did an excellent job letting anyone know when something was approached being unsafe. Bryan was also a great communicator. He did a great job teaching me things when I was having difficulty learning something. He could always explain it in a simple way I could understand and remember. He also did it in a way that did not make me feel bad for not understanding it originally.
Additional Comments
Office team was great. Very helpful and responsive. Email was a pain having to do a varification code every time I got a message. There were items I bought but didn't use.
What did you enjoy most?
All of it. Really ended up having one of the greatest experiences of my life. I attribute that to the rmi people and experience.
July 22, 2019
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons
The confidence of the guides and their professional and fun attitude. They made the trip a truly enjoyable one.
Andrew W
July 22, 2019
The confidence of the guides and their professional and fun attitude. They made the trip a truly enjoyable one.
Additional Comments
Bryan was an amazing lead guide for this trip. He is extremely professional and made sure that all of us were safe and responsible on the mountain. I would love to be able to climb with him again.
What did you enjoy most?
The confidence of the guides and their professional and fun attitude. They made the trip a truly enjoyable one.
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
Overall exceptional communication. Only thing I would mention is that some emails say to pick up rental gear the day before the trip, when in reality it is easy to pick up gear the first morning.