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
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$3,795
|
$600
Deposit
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Intermediate
The foundational Expedition Skills Seminar — six days learning glaciated mountaineering from the ground up on Mount Rainier, with no prior technical mountaineering experience required.
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.
A natural step for climbers ready to build confidence and competence on more technical alpine terrain.
An ideal first expedition seminar for climbers ready to move beyond introductory climbs and into technical skill development.
The experience was the perfect mix of learning, challenge, and idle time. I came into the trip with the main goal of learning some skills that I'd either read about but not been shown or been shown but not had time to practice. This experience was more than sufficient at checking all of those boxes. In addition, we successfully summited, which was really just the icing on the cake for the experience. I can't recommend this seminar enough for those who have larger dreams of mountaineering.
Nathan T.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise is an instructional mountaineering program built around a full expedition structure on Mount Rainier’s south side. Climbers ascend the Paradise Glacier while establishing a glacier base camp for three nights before moving up to Camp Muir, creating time and space to practice core mountaineering skills in varied, approachable terrain before transitioning to a summit attempt on the Ingraham Direct or Disappointment Cleaver, depending on conditions.
The program is intentionally paced to prioritize learning through repetition and application. The Paradise Glacier offers diverse snow, ice, and glacier features that allow climbers to practice rope travel, anchor building, crevasse rescue, belaying, and fixed line techniques in a progressive and supportive environment. Instruction is woven directly into daily movement rather than isolated from it.
By the time climbers reach Camp Muir, they are prepared to apply these skills on a major glaciated objective. The Paradise Seminar is well suited for climbers seeking structured instruction and expedition-style experience without the added technical complexity of Rainier’s steeper routes, providing a clear step toward more demanding alpine objectives.
Mount Rainier is where RMI was built, and programs like the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise reflect decades of refining how instruction and real mountain experience come together. This seminar pairs RMI’s long history on Rainier with an expedition-style progression that allows climbers to learn deliberately, apply skills immediately, and build confidence in complex terrain. The Paradise Glacier provides varied, lower-traffic terrain that is ideal for teaching foundational systems while still culminating in a summit attempt on the Disappointment Cleaver, giving climbers exposure to both instructional and classic guided climbing environments.
RMI guides are educators first. On this program, that shows up in how instruction is layered into each day, how terrain is selected to reinforce learning objectives, and how guides manage risk and decision-making so climbers can focus on developing sound judgment and strong fundamentals. Every element of the itinerary, from camp placement to route selection, is designed to support learning while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and expedition discipline.
“Learning new skills. The team was excellent at teaching. I recently came off a 12 day course with a competitor of yours, and nothing against my other guides, but I learned more from your team in 1/2 the time.” — Dave B.
To learn more about RMI’s history on Mount Rainier and why our programs are built the way they are, visit our About page.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is authorized to provide guided mountaineering services, mountaineering day school, alpine training, and guided winter activities within Mount Rainier National Park.
Address comments to:
Superintendent | Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
All our climbs in Mt. Rainier & Denali National Parks are 100% carbon neutral. We have acquired offsets for greenhouse gas emissions through our partnership with Ostrom Climate, Canada's top carbon management solutions provider. Their carbon offset projects undergo rigorous verification by third parties to validate that emission reductions are genuine and permanent, ensuring that our contribution is making a tangible impact.
Develop foundational mountaineering skills on Mount Rainier’s south side, using the Paradise Glacier as a flexible and accessible alpine classroom. This itinerary emphasizes hands-on instruction, repetition, and skill progression in varied terrain, building confidence and culminating with a full summit climb from Camp Muir.
Ashford, WA
14,410' / 4,392 m
6 Days
3
3
10 - 14+ Hours
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise emphasizes structured skill development within a full expedition framework, using the Paradise Glacier as a forgiving but highly effective learning environment. Skills are introduced deliberately, practiced repeatedly from a single glacier base, and then applied on a complete ascent of Mount Rainier.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
“I learned much more than expected on this trip. The hands on instruction was very helpful and follow up feedback from the guides in practice reinforced the teachings.” — Scott R.
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford, WA. Please dress casually and bring your climbing equipment and clothing.
We begin our Technical Training Day with a welcome and introduction of team members and guides. Throughout the day, the guides provide a focused introduction to a variety of topics. These include a detailed equipment discussion and gear check; an introduction to safety practices such as use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers; route planning and preparation, instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations; and a discussion/demonstration of knots, anchors and the first steps toward understanding crevasse rescue. These skills prepare us for our adventure on Mt. Rainier and increase the likelihood of a safe, successful ascent of the mountain.
Please make your own arrangements for the day’s meals and a place to stay in the Ashford area for this evening.
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Meet in Ashford at 8:15 a.m. After the team meeting we load the shuttle and drive to Paradise.
We hike from Paradise (5,400') to the base of the Paradise Glacier where we establish our first camp at approximately 7,500'. As we move up towards camp we work on the foundational skills that make us more efficient and capable climbers. These include pressure breathing and using the rest step, dressing appropriately for the weather and workload, kicking steps and climbing in balance when on snow, and efficient pacing that allows us to climb comfortably.
Based out of our camp at 7,500', the Paradise Glacier is our classroom for the next two days. We learn and practice various mountaineering skills, beginning with ice axe use and cramponing techniques, and moving on to more advanced skills such as anchor placements, various self and team crevasse rescue techniques, steep technical ice climbing, belays, rappelling, knots, route finding and fixed rope travel. Evening lectures in camp include group discussions on mountain weather, medicine for mountaineering, altitude wellness, equipment and any requested topics that spark your interest.
Today we ascend the Paradise Glacier to Camp Muir (10,080') in preparation for our summit bid. We arrive early in the afternoon and after establishing camp, pack and prepare for the big day ahead.
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On summit day we don ropes, crampons, helmets, and grab our ice axes. The route begins with a rising traverse across the Cowlitz Glacier and ascends the pumiced switchbacks of Cathedral Gap. From here, we gain the Ingraham Glacier and ascend either the Ingraham Glacier or Disappointment Cleaver routes; the actual route choice is determined by many factors and is left to the professional discretion of your guides. The steeper section of the Ingraham Headwall or Disappointment Cleaver is the physical crux of the route. After reaching the upper mountain, we ascend the higher slopes of Mt. Rainier, navigating the crevassed glaciers to reach the summit.
At 14,410', Mt. Rainier is the highest point in Washington. The summit is spectacular with panoramic views from the Pacific to the eastern side of the Cascades when the weather is clear. A large crater dominates the summit, with steam rising out of the cavernous summit vents and the bare ground near the summit is often warm to the touch.
After reaching the summit, we descend back to Camp Muir. The descent typically requires half the amount of time of the ascent but requires significant effort as we retrace our route down the mountain. Once back at Camp Muir, we break camp, descend to Paradise, and return to Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. After all the gear is unpacked, we gather as a team to celebrate our adventure.
The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of year, the route conditions, the weather during our climb, the temperature, etc. Those variables often affect our arrival time to Ashford, which might vary dramatically from climb to climb. For this reason we do not recommend scheduling an airline flight before midnight on the last day of your program.
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Strong fitness is required for multiple days of sustained effort while carrying heavy expedition loads on snow and glaciers.
No prior technical mountaineering experience is required, making this a solid entry point into expedition-style climbing.
The climb reaches 14,410 feet and includes a long summit day that demands endurance and steady pacing.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise is open to climbers in excellent physical condition who are ready for a demanding, instructional expedition on Mount Rainier. While no prior technical climbing background is required, participants must arrive prepared for sustained uphill travel, repeated days on snow and glacier terrain, and the physical demands of an expedition-style itinerary.
This seminar involves establishing tented camps, carrying heavier loads than standard Rainier climbs, and spending multiple days practicing mountaineering skills in real terrain. Fitness plays a direct role in how much you are able to learn and how effectively you can apply instruction throughout the program. Climbers should be comfortable moving steadily for long hours and managing fatigue over consecutive days in an alpine environment.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Strong uphill hiking fitness
Comfort carrying heavy packs for extended periods
Experience with long endurance days in mountain terrain
Previous backpacking, snow travel, or alpine hiking experience
Items marked with an Asterix (*) are considered mandatory prerequisites for this program.
Mountaineering places sustained demands on your body and your ability to stay composed under effort. Even very fit people find that moving uphill with weight, for long hours, in variable weather is a different kind of challenge than most everyday training.
Preparation matters. Fitness directly affects how well you move, how much you learn, how the team functions, and how enjoyable the experience is overall.
Start early. Begin training well in advance of your program with the goal of arriving rested, resilient, and confident in your capacity for sustained effort.
Train intentionally. Emphasize aerobic endurance, uphill movement, and strength that supports long days on your feet. Core stability, balance, and mobility all play an important role in efficiency and injury prevention.
Train specifically. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the demands of mountaineering: hiking uphill with weight, moving steadily for hours, and recovering well enough to do it again the next day.
Across RMI programs, strong preparation typically means being comfortable with long days of continuous movement, carrying a pack appropriate to the objective, and maintaining focus and decision-making when tired. Technical skills are taught or reviewed as appropriate to each program, but fitness is something you bring with you.
Nothing contributes more to a successful and rewarding experience than arriving well prepared. Plan to be in excellent physical condition and ready for a demanding day in the mountains.
Total Hiking Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 1
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 2
4 Hours
Gain = 2,100'
4 Miles
50 - 60 lb
DAY 3
Training on Paradise Glacier
DAY 4
Training on Paradise Glacier
DAY 5
4 Hours
Gain = 2,580'
2 Miles
50 - 60 lbs
DAY 6 — Ascent: Muir to Summit, return to Muir, descend to Ashford
10 - 14+ hours (summit attempt) + 2 1/2 hours (Muir to Paradise)
Gain = 4,400' | Loss = 9,000'
12.5 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs (Summit Climb) 50 - 60 lbs (descending to Paradise)
Our guides have decades of experience training for alpine objectives, and we've done our best to put together relevant resources to help you with your expedition preparation.
Develop your aerobic base for endurance, strength, and performance in alpine environments with RMI’s expert guidance. Level up your training today.
Fitness & Training
Fueling Long-Duration Climbs with Enhanced Fat Metabolism
Fitness & Training
Strengthen your mountaineering training with a community of like-minded climbers who motivate and share the journey. Join us and explore.
Rainier
A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Own Progressive, Goal-Oriented Program
Fitness & Training
Learn what works from a climber who successfully trained for Mt. Rainier with practical tips and preparation advice. Read the full article.
Fitness & Training
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
Rainier
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 – Paradise involves multiple days of travel on snow and glaciers, establishing a camp on the Paradise Glacier before moving up to Camp Muir, and carrying heavier loads than standard Rainier climbs. The required equipment list reflects the demands of an expedition-style ascent of Mount Rainier, including variable weather, extended time on the mountain, and technical terrain.
While experienced mountaineers may approach gear selection differently, this equipment list represents what RMI has refined over decades of guiding and instruction on Mount Rainier. Every item serves a purpose within the broader context of risk management, comfort, and performance in an alpine environment. Although not every piece of gear may ultimately be needed on your specific climb, all required items must be brought to the mountain for gear check.
Fine-tuning happens once you meet your guide team and conditions are assessed, but preparation starts here. Arriving with the complete, required kit ensures you are ready for the full scope of the seminar and allows your guides to focus on instruction rather than logistics.
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.
Helpful in keeping blowing dust out of the eyes at night. If you wear prescription glasses, make sure they can fit over.
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light, and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, softshell, down, and synthetic options.
A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt in synthetic or merino wool for sun protection and moisture management during active climbing.
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.
An insulated jacket or softshell for warmth during low-output activity and extended rest breaks. Should fit over baselayers and midlayers, and under a shell.
An expedition-style down parka that extends below the waist with an insulated hood, designed to fit over all other layers. Worn primarily in camp, during rest breaks, and on summit day. Down fill recommended over synthetic.
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Lightweight synthetic or merino wool baselayer bottoms for moisture management and temperature regulation during active climbing.
Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.
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.
This will be your personal trash bag.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
A small container of moisturizer to prevent skin dryness at altitude and in cold, low-humidity environments. Bring a travel-size bottle that fits easily in your pack.
Disposable or reusable ear plugs for sleeping in shared tent or hut accommodations.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.
Purchase travel insurance.
Arrange transportation and lodging - see more on the Travel tab.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the best shape of your life!
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: shelter, climbing ropes, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a cell phone for emergency contact.
On the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise you will need five days of climbing food, including five mountain lunches, four dinners, and four breakfasts while on the mountain.
Don't want to plan out your food for your RMI climb? Whittaker Mountaineering has optimized Meal Packages that include everything you need for your Rainier summit attempt.
Nutrition while training and nutrition while climbing are two very different things. You may follow a pretty specific nutrition regimen while you are training to aid your desired outcomes, but once it comes to the climb, calories are what count the most. While climbing, you are trying to maximize energy and performance over a short period of time.
Our food priorities when climbing are:
Caloric requirements will vary widely from climber to climber based on physical size and metabolism. It is important for you to know what your body requires. One of the normal, albeit disconcerting, adjustments to altitude is a slight loss of appetite. Bring food you enjoy. If you don't love a food at home, you certainly won't like it on the mountain!
At camp, hot and cold water will be provided for your meals, drinks, and refilling water bottles. When planning your menu, don't bring any items that require extensive preparation, cooking, or simmering. We are able to provide you with boiling water but do not have the ability to actually cook food items.
Things to keep in mind as you plan your meals:
Consider repacking items into smaller Ziploc bags to minimize the space in your pack. Your food will get crammed into your backpack, jostled around, exposed to extreme temperatures, and even sat on (by you, of course!). What holds up better in these conditions, two slices of bread or a bagel? When packing, it is essential to consider the waste you will produce on the climb; after all, you have to carry it off the mountain. We've already mentioned repacking items to minimize space. Repacking items can also eliminate waste!
Mountain lunches, aka snacks, are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb. We typically take rest breaks every hour or so to adjust our clothing layers, eat, and hydrate. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water at each break. In terms of quantity, aim to bring 1 lb. of climbing food per day. We suggest using snack or sandwich size Ziploc bags to portion out snack food.
The importance of having foods that you genuinely enjoy cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. To combat the loss of appetite at altitude, we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Feel fancy! Charcuterie (cured meat, cheese, and crackers) makes a great mountain lunch!
Single-serving instant oatmeal, Cream-of-Wheat, or granola make a good main course fare. A variety of granola bars, pastries, fruit, and a hot drink mix of coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider are suggested. Plan on eating a breakfast that tastes good, and you find filling. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Think outside the box. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (on bagels) or ramen make great breakfast options!
This meal will give your body the initial fuel it needs during your summit attempt. Spend time considering your options so that you go to bed nourished and ready for the climb ahead of you. Freeze-dried entrees are very convenient mountain dinners. Pay attention to the caloric quantity – it varies from meal to meal. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Have a tasting party of freeze-dried entrees to test them out before your climb.
Staying hydrated on the climb is crucial. You will have access to ample cold water while at camp for drinking and replenishing water bottles. When you are climbing, you will want to ration how much water you drink at each rest break to ensure you have water throughout the entirety of your climb. You can expect breaks to occur approximately every hour or so of climbing.
Just as with food, it is important to have a variety of things to drink that excite your taste buds. You may love water, but it may not sound good at 10,000'! Drink mixes such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Liquid IV, Nuun, etc., are great for flavor. Hot beverage options are also an important component to consider while at camp. Instant coffee, tea, cocoa, and cider are great ways to warm up in the evening before bed, when you wake up for your alpine start on summit day, and to recharge once back at camp.
PRO TIP: Skip the water bladder and practice rationing your water while training.
This is an example of what someone may eat for each meal on the Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise. 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 the questions we hear most often about the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise, from how the instructional format works to what it’s like living and training on the Paradise Glacier before a summit attempt on Mount Rainier. It’s designed to help you understand how this seminar differs from a standard climb and what kind of experience and progression you can expect on the mountain.
“Thanks for providing this opportunity! I feel like the skills I learned in this program have opened up a number of possibilities for myself going forward! I look forward to going with you guys to Denali next year!” — Kirk S.
The climber-to-guide ratio is 2:1 on the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise. This ratio supports hands-on instruction, close supervision, and effective rope team management throughout the seminar.
All Mount Rainier programs begin at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. Transportation from Rainier BaseCamp to the trailhead is included. 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 extended training 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 during approach and carry days, with lighter packs on summit day.
Guides monitor climbers throughout the program and may adjust pacing, provide coaching, or modify daily objectives 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 seminar.
An Expedition Skills Seminar is instructional by design. Rather than focusing solely on reaching the summit, time is intentionally built into each day for learning and practicing mountaineering skills in real terrain. Instruction is integrated throughout the ascent rather than isolated to a single training day.
Instruction is woven throughout the program. Skills are taught during dedicated training blocks and reinforced while moving on snow and glaciers. Establishing tented camps on the Paradise Glacier creates repeated opportunities to practice techniques in context.
Climbers practice glacier travel, rope team management, snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue systems, belaying, fixed line travel, expedition-style camp systems, and movement on varied glacier terrain. Skills are reinforced daily through repetition and application.
Summit day begins from Camp Muir and follows either the Ingraham Direct or the Disappointment Cleaver, depending on conditions. The day involves roped glacier travel, sustained uphill climbing, and long hours of steady movement as a team. Conditions and timing vary, but endurance and focus are required.
Summit day typically begins very early in the morning to take advantage of firmer snow conditions and more stable weather.
Mount Rainier creates its own weather. Climbers should be prepared for wind, cold temperatures, precipitation, and rapid changes in visibility, even during the height of summer.
Three main factors generally affect summit success: weather, route conditions, and individual fitness.
Weather
Avalanche hazard, wind, precipitation, and poor visibility can impact the ability to climb while maintaining an appropriate margin of risk management. If conditions deteriorate, guides may adjust objectives or turn the team around.
The Route
Guides continuously assess route conditions and hazards. This may involve rerouting around crevasses, managing steeper snow, or modifying plans as conditions change. While there is often a way to the top, it may not always be appropriate for guided climbers.
Fitness
Fitness is the factor climbers have the most control over. Rope teams move at a steady pace based on route length and complexity. Improving fitness is the most effective way to increase your chances of a successful summit attempt.
Guides continuously assess weather, route conditions, and team performance. Decisions are made to maintain appropriate risk management for the entire group.
The guide team makes all final decisions on the mountain, with team security and long-term success as the priority.
Guides are trained in remote medicine and rescue techniques and carry medical and communication equipment. Responses vary based on severity and conditions and may include descent or evacuation if necessary.
Yes. The Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise provides a strong foundation in expedition-style travel, glacier systems, and technical skills that support progression to more complex routes and international expeditions.
After completing the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise, many climbers progress to more technical Rainier routes, longer expedition-style programs, or international objectives where advanced glacier and rope team skills are required.
We run four Expedition Skills Seminars on Mount Rainier, and they are built for different climbers. Paradise is the foundational course — start here if you are new to glaciated mountaineering, with no prior technical experience required. Camp Muir is the immersion course, with four nights at 10,080 feet in the hut RMI has to itself, living at altitude rather than commuting to it. Emmons is the expedition course — the big remote glacier, successive camps, and the closest thing on Rainier to how a Mt. McKinley expedition actually runs. Kautz is the technical course, on steep snow and ice through the Kautz Ice Chute, for climbers ready for the next skill tier. If you are unsure which fits, call us — we would rather place you correctly than sell you the wrong week.
When you've been in business since 1969, you pick up a thing or two about mountains you guide. Below are the resources relevant to this program, but you can check out our full Resources section for all of our hard earned knowledge.
Mount Rainier’s diverse routes vary significantly in technical difficulty, exposure, and popularity. Choosing the right route depends on experience level, climbing goals, and seasonal conditions.
Rainier
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
Plan your food for Mount Rainier with this expert guide to calories, snacks, and hydration for summit success. Start planning your adventure.
Rainier
Learn what it takes to climb Mount Rainier, from crampon skills to glacier travel. Explore route options, training tips, and expert advice.
Rainier
Get to know the key safety concerns of Mt. Rainier climbs and how to prepare for them effectively. Learn more today.
Rainier
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
Climbing Rainier takes more than fitness—build the mindset, skills, and altitude strategy you need for success on and off the mountain.
Rainier
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Climber reviews of the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise reflect the depth of instruction, the value of learning in real glacier terrain, and the confidence that comes from spending multiple days building skills on Mount Rainier. These firsthand experiences offer insight into what it’s like to train, live, and climb in an expedition-style environment while preparing for bigger objectives ahead.
August 27, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The team of Guides each brought a variety of gifts and skills that made for an awesome experience. Loved the certificate! Whittaker Bunkhouse and restaurant great!
Keith O
August 27, 2026
The team of Guides each brought a variety of gifts and skills that made for an awesome experience. Loved the certificate! Whittaker Bunkhouse and restaurant great!
Additional Comments
Could have more inventory in shop.
Additional Comments
Awesome guides and trip. Mount Rainier is amazing. We all summited
What did you enjoy most?
The team of Guides each brought a variety of gifts and skills that made for an awesome experience. Loved the certificate! Whittaker Bunkhouse and restaurant great!
August 26, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
RMI rules, period. What an amazing experience. Other guide companies, take notes after you try their experience.
Auston S
August 26, 2026
RMI rules, period. What an amazing experience. Other guide companies, take notes after you try their experience.
Additional Comments
To put it up front, Sam was an amazing lead guide. He can successfully lead a group anywhere he wants. He really impressed me with his evaluation and synopsis of every socially and physically difficult situation. This ranged from handling questions on the needs from us clients to accomplish this trip successfully, to navigating hard questions like readiness to summit, ways to make the trip useful, relationship/partnership dynamics, and even tips of wag bag positioning. He was awesome and I consider him a friend! He also drives the shuttle like a professional after a successful summit, which is no easy feat with all of us exhausted the way we were. Extra points to be sure on top of his other top-rate qualities mentioned above.
Additional Comments
Equipment list should add in thoughts about if you take or don’t take the meal plan, and expected weather. Not a major problem but we over bought in some areas that could be preventable. Great prep overall.
Additional Comments
I truly love and focus on natural world conservation. They helped hold our group to that same standard and that was amazing to see. LNT.
What did you enjoy most?
Getting to know these four guides because of the wisdom they all imparted to us on our seminar. These four (Erika, Megan, Robert (Bob), and Sam) can all be leading expeditions wherever they like in the future because they give the whole package to clients.
What needs improvement?
See above, small website adjustments given meal planning or weather considerations
August 25, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The guides where amazing!!! Really cool people to spend all day in the mountains with!
Alex W
August 25, 2026
The guides where amazing!!! Really cool people to spend all day in the mountains with!
Additional Comments
Natural leader! I would follow him on any expedition. Felt very fortunate to have him on our rope team for summit day. Really good pacer and a wealth of knowledge. He failed to go on a run with me after the hike. Only thing that made me sad my whole trip.
Additional Comments
Why you make me reset my amazing password for no reason! :( And I was logged in already and website is making me submit this form again.
Additional Comments
Epic!!!
What did you enjoy most?
The guides where amazing!!! Really cool people to spend all day in the mountains with!
What needs improvement?
Literally nothing. 10/10. Would have liked to see big foot or a yeti.
August 24, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I most enjoyed the group of people I climbed with. The guides and fellow climbers really made the experience. The team spirit and culture was what I could've only dreamed of, and this experience wouldn't have been half as special without the team that was with me.
Grace F
August 24, 2026
I most enjoyed the group of people I climbed with. The guides and fellow climbers really made the experience. The team spirit and culture was what I could've only dreamed of, and this experience wouldn't have been half as special without the team that was with me.
Additional Comments
Calvin was an extraordinary guide. I could not have asked for a better leader on the mountain. I had 100% faith in him that he would provide a safe but extremely fun experience, and he did just that. He is a natural born teacher and leader, and I would love to climb with him again.
Additional Comments
Everything was amazing and went off without a hitch.
Additional Comments
Amazing culture at RMI.
What did you enjoy most?
I most enjoyed the group of people I climbed with. The guides and fellow climbers really made the experience. The team spirit and culture was what I could've only dreamed of, and this experience wouldn't have been half as special without the team that was with me.
What needs improvement?
I can't think of anything - this experience was as close to perfect as I could describe.
August 23, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I really appreciated the obvious respect the guides had for Mt Rainier. It made a huge impact on my experience as a whole. Great job by all of them. Literally zero complaints about my experience on the Mountain. Also, Ice climbing was a blast! Thanks everyone!
Christopher G
August 23, 2026
I really appreciated the obvious respect the guides had for Mt Rainier. It made a huge impact on my experience as a whole. Great job by all of them. Literally zero complaints about my experience on the Mountain. Also, Ice climbing was a blast! Thanks everyone!
Additional Comments
Joe's commitment to creating a safe and valuable experience for all his clients was very apparent. I appreciate his ability to communicate in a clear and direct manner. His mountain wisdom is very admirable.
Additional Comments
Gear list could be more clear on climbing gear specifically.
What did you enjoy most?
I really appreciated the obvious respect the guides had for Mt Rainier. It made a huge impact on my experience as a whole. Great job by all of them. Literally zero complaints about my experience on the Mountain. Also, Ice climbing was a blast! Thanks everyone!
August 17, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I enjoyed the training, the physical challenge, the learning, and the reward of summitting. I also enjoyed meeting new people and developing friendships with the guides and team.
Tyler V
August 17, 2026
I enjoyed the training, the physical challenge, the learning, and the reward of summitting. I also enjoyed meeting new people and developing friendships with the guides and team.
Additional Comments
Joe was a fantastic lead guide. He is clearly passionate about both Mount Rainier and mountaineering in general and has a wealth of knowledge that goes well beyond what is necessary to do his job. He was energetic, engaged, and willing to share his knowledge with us from the beginning of the trip to the very end, without ever seeming to flag. I felt completely safe with Joe as our lead guide and would both recommend him without hesitation and happily be led by him on future endeavors. My only minor constructive feedback would be that at times we received different answers from different members of the guide team to similar questions, although perhaps that simply reflects that there are multiple correct ways to do things in the mountains.
Additional Comments
There were discrepancies between the gear list and the guide recommendations.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the training, the physical challenge, the learning, and the reward of summitting. I also enjoyed meeting new people and developing friendships with the guides and team.
August 16, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Had such an incredible experience on the seminar experience. I was so impressed by the all of the guides professionalism and passion for mountaineering.
Laura S
August 16, 2026
Had such an incredible experience on the seminar experience. I was so impressed by the all of the guides professionalism and passion for mountaineering.
What did you enjoy most?
Had such an incredible experience on the seminar experience. I was so impressed by the all of the guides professionalism and passion for mountaineering.
August 8, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I love the diversity of the participants and the skills training was exactly what I was looking for
David D
August 8, 2026
I love the diversity of the participants and the skills training was exactly what I was looking for
Additional Comments
Will was a great leader among the other guides he was watching and making sure that what they were presenting and doing was accurate. Overall, I was happy to follow him to the summit.
What did you enjoy most?
I love the diversity of the participants and the skills training was exactly what I was looking for
What needs improvement?
I think that this should’ve been more time after the 13 hour summit before the descent back to Paradise I felt like we had 40 minutes to put everything together and return to Whittaker. Being an older climber and not sleeping the night before because of the Alpine start I think a few hours break would’ve been appropriate. I say that’s not because I’m trying to avoid hard things but the trek to the summit and back is physically exhausting I would think for any participant and then instead of enjoying the rest of the trip down to paradise after such a great accomplishment it became rush to the bottom of the mountain.
August 6, 2026
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
My guides, and my fellow climbers made this experience and this seminar a memorable and enjoyable time. Who knew that working one’s butt off hauling gear, carrying heavy loads and “wag-bags” would be so fun! Can’t wait to see you all again soon RMI.
Samuel T
August 6, 2026
My guides, and my fellow climbers made this experience and this seminar a memorable and enjoyable time. Who knew that working one’s butt off hauling gear, carrying heavy loads and “wag-bags” would be so fun! Can’t wait to see you all again soon RMI.
Additional Comments
Will is an elite guide. His flawless execution of safety protocols, strong decision-making, and unmatched customer care turned a demanding peak into an absolutely perfect experience.
Additional Comments
Communication was thorough. Correspondence between myself and office staff was pleasant.
Additional Comments
Very well planned. RMI has it down to a science. From planning, logistics, transportation, accommodations and then some!
What did you enjoy most?
Gaining new skills, building upon those skills, and continuing throughout program trying and testing said skills. Most of all, the experience. And of course….the people. Both guides and fellow climbers.
August 25, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Learning all the new skills that I will take with me on future trips and feeling so safe on summit day where every controllable variable was handled by our guides! Absolutely an amazing experience that I will never forget!
Angela W
August 25, 2025
Learning all the new skills that I will take with me on future trips and feeling so safe on summit day where every controllable variable was handled by our guides! Absolutely an amazing experience that I will never forget!
Additional Comments
Tom was amazing! Really tailored our training to each individual! I felt so safe and had a really great time!
What did you enjoy most?
Learning all the new skills that I will take with me on future trips and feeling so safe on summit day where every controllable variable was handled by our guides! Absolutely an amazing experience that I will never forget!
What needs improvement?
Can’t think of anything here!
August 16, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The people. The two guides (Tom and David) as well as my fellow climbers.
Matthew H
August 16, 2025
The people. The two guides (Tom and David) as well as my fellow climbers.
Additional Comments
Tom was phenomenal. Very satisfied with his leadership, knowledge, and personal engagement.
What did you enjoy most?
The people. The two guides (Tom and David) as well as my fellow climbers.
August 11, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The experience was the perfect mix of learning, challenge, and idle time. I came into the trip with the main goal of learning some skills that I'd either read about but not been shown or been shown but not had time to practice. This experience was more than sufficient at checking all of those boxes. In addition, we successfully summited, which was really just the icing on the cake for the experience. I can't recommend this seminar enough for those who have larger dreams of mountaineering.
Nathan T
August 11, 2025
The experience was the perfect mix of learning, challenge, and idle time. I came into the trip with the main goal of learning some skills that I'd either read about but not been shown or been shown but not had time to practice. This experience was more than sufficient at checking all of those boxes. In addition, we successfully summited, which was really just the icing on the cake for the experience. I can't recommend this seminar enough for those who have larger dreams of mountaineering.
Additional Comments
Nick was our main guide for the introduction day and then shared guiding responsibilities throughout the seminar. He was extraordinary in his knowledge shared, attention to the group, and ability to answer our questions throughout the seminar. I greatly enjoyed his knowledge and guidance.
Additional Comments
I think in general, the website, communications, and equipment lists were helpful, but there were a few gaps to note. The website can be a little glitchy at times. Some of the links from emails did not really work and I'd just be directed to the main RMI site, or a dead page. The equipment lists were very thorough, until we were told that some of our items were duplicates when checking in, which went against the gear list (particularly mid-weight gloves). The communications before the program were a little sparse. We were very curious who our guides were, who our team was, what to expect etc. This was all sorted out the first day, but it felt like things like the forum feature were underutilized. In particular, a question was asked here directed at RMI and no one answered it regarding something to bring. All of this in mind, it did not detract from the experience, just something to look into improving.
Additional Comments
We greatly enjoyed the seminar as it really allowed us to focus on learning and not feel rushed as a 4 day summit climb might.
What did you enjoy most?
The experience was the perfect mix of learning, challenge, and idle time. I came into the trip with the main goal of learning some skills that I'd either read about but not been shown or been shown but not had time to practice. This experience was more than sufficient at checking all of those boxes. In addition, we successfully summited, which was really just the icing on the cake for the experience. I can't recommend this seminar enough for those who have larger dreams of mountaineering.
What needs improvement?
The only negative that I had with the experience was a feeling that during the climb, I was not allowed to stray from the pace or timeline. I personally was not struggling with the pace, but someone on my rope team was, and it caused some hard conversations that may have been artificially created. In addition, I brought my camera but took very few photos as I felt that I was not allowed to slow the group down. I fully recognize that the dangers present on the mountain often prevent groups from straying from the pace, but it is just something to think about and maybe call out before, I.e. I could have done a better job at making my camera more accessible as I didn't expect it to be so difficult to have access to.
August 9, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I most enjoyed the guides that I had and being able to learn from them. They had so much great knowledge to share. I also liked being able to directly ask questions I've had for a while about mountaineering. Not to mention the beautiful places we pitched tents to camp, the surroundings were always stunning!
Nicole T
August 9, 2025
I most enjoyed the guides that I had and being able to learn from them. They had so much great knowledge to share. I also liked being able to directly ask questions I've had for a while about mountaineering. Not to mention the beautiful places we pitched tents to camp, the surroundings were always stunning!
Additional Comments
Nick was an outstanding guide on our Mt. Rainier expedition! He was approachable, always open to questions, and genuinely invested in the success of the entire team. Both in our learning and in reaching the summit. Safety was clearly a top priority for him; he remained vigilant and proactive throughout the trip. At the same time, he encouraged us to challenge ourselves and supported our independence, even giving us opportunities to lead sections of the route, like on the Paradise Glacier. What really stood out was how he tailored the experience to match our group’s interests and goals. With his deep well of experience and knowledge, every moment was a chance to learn something new. I also appreciated how we got to connect with him personally. He struck a great balance between being professional, fun, and down-to-earth. Nick is not only incredibly skilled and trustworthy, but also just a great person to spend time with on the mountain. I couldn’t recommend him more highly as a guide! I’d happily climb with him again anytime!
Additional Comments
I would have liked just a little more additional information about the first day prior to arrival. I ended up having to call the office for questions about that. Once I called they were more than happy to help but it could have been solved with an email or in the RMI website. Just more info on things like bringing food for the first day or that there is a restaurant on site. The packing list was great except that the mid weight gloves that are recommended are actually heavy weight gloves and not what my guides considered mid weight. I would suggest updating that as I ended up not having a pair of mid weight gloves and instead had 1 light weight and 2 heavy weight.
Additional Comments
The transit was great and super convenient to have. I felt supported by RMI throughout the whole trip!
What did you enjoy most?
I most enjoyed the guides that I had and being able to learn from them. They had so much great knowledge to share. I also liked being able to directly ask questions I've had for a while about mountaineering. Not to mention the beautiful places we pitched tents to camp, the surroundings were always stunning!
What needs improvement?
I think the only thing for me would be maybe an earlier communication about the seminar before hand. I was surprised when it seemed to arrive a little less than a week out. I was eagerly waiting info and to know who the guides would be.
August 28, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
My main purpose was to summit. That was accomplished and that was my favorite thing. But along the way I couldn’t value more the character of the guides, the skills we learned i.e. ice climbing, anchors, ascending and descending with crampons, knot tying, geography ect…..
Heinrich K
August 28, 2024
My main purpose was to summit. That was accomplished and that was my favorite thing. But along the way I couldn’t value more the character of the guides, the skills we learned i.e. ice climbing, anchors, ascending and descending with crampons, knot tying, geography ect…..
Additional Comments
The ability of Sam to lead a group like this was off the charts. Not only did he have an incredible trove of mountaineering knowledge and physical fitness to tackle a mountain line this, but he was prepared for any circumstance and was very sensitive to the needs of anyone in the group including his colleagues. My mind was blown at the character of such a young man.
What did you enjoy most?
My main purpose was to summit. That was accomplished and that was my favorite thing. But along the way I couldn’t value more the character of the guides, the skills we learned i.e. ice climbing, anchors, ascending and descending with crampons, knot tying, geography ect…..
What needs improvement?
I was concerned about not summiting. I would have been very disappointed if I hadn’t. Perhaps some sort of compensation if we hadn’t summited or a promise to give another attempt on a different day would be nice.
August 25, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
While summiting was the obvious highlight of the trip, I truly believe it's the guides that made the climb enjoyable. Their demonstrable technical capability combined with their engaged personalities are what convinced me I could make it.
David P
August 25, 2024
While summiting was the obvious highlight of the trip, I truly believe it's the guides that made the climb enjoyable. Their demonstrable technical capability combined with their engaged personalities are what convinced me I could make it.
Additional Comments
Sam is an exemplary leader and trainer who consistently provides detailed and comprehensible guidance. At every point in the program, I was confident in his ability to safely lead our group to the summit, and to accurately assess the welfare and physical limitations of our members. I would follow Sam on any climb.
Additional Comments
The logistics for the seminar were near-perfect. My one issue was with pre-renting equipment via the Whittaker website via the RMI site, which was a somewhat clunky process. I had to keep multiple tabs open to ensure I wasn't missing anything, especially since some of the items listed on Whittaker were for different RMI programs, and the equipment selection system on the Whittaker site is mildly difficult to navigate. It would be more convenient, as an example, to have the ability to select items on the RMI site and then send those to the Whittaker site for payment.
What did you enjoy most?
While summiting was the obvious highlight of the trip, I truly believe it's the guides that made the climb enjoyable. Their demonstrable technical capability combined with their engaged personalities are what convinced me I could make it.
August 23, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Each day was a special occasion and the lessons, friendships and views could not be matched.
Jonathan O
August 23, 2024
Each day was a special occasion and the lessons, friendships and views could not be matched.
Additional Comments
Sam was a fantastic leader. Very calm, very knowledgeable. Kept the trip going. Felt extremely safe under his guidance. Would love to take another trip with him as a leader.
Additional Comments
Programmatically I would recommend holding a zoom session or some sort of orientation question and answer even just once a month where a guide could answer some general questions about things to bring and things not to bring. Having read all of the material made available I was not completely aware of the structure of exactly how many males to bring and days spent at Basecamp versus in the mountain.
Additional Comments
I would love to see a bigger emphasis on the culture of stewardship for the land. Such as encouraging people to pick up micro trash while on the climb. Many people had never even camped before so I don’t think it occurred to them to do something like that.
What did you enjoy most?
Each day was a special occasion and the lessons, friendships and views could not be matched.
What needs improvement?
Maybe just be a little more concise and organized with the information that you share Before the program starts.
August 13, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Great guides! Being outside on the mountain. A great learning environment.
Joel D
August 13, 2024
Great guides! Being outside on the mountain. A great learning environment.
Additional Comments
I wouldn't hesitate to do another trip with Jackson and had a great experience with him on the mountain. He did a great job leading the trip and helping the other guides learn as well. He appeared to me, to be a great mentor to them. I especially appreciate the time and effort he put into going through all the extra questions I had, and doing a lot of extra demonstrations, that I believe were outside of the normal course. I am grateful to him for providing such a incredible trip and for obviously doing everything he could to keep us safe and assure the best possible learning experience. Jackson strikes me as the type of person who is always evolving his teaching and leadership. If something doesn't work, in the way he presents it, he mixes up the way he communicates and leads, so that the important content comes through. The passion he has for what he does truly comes through, and I really appreciate that.
Additional Comments
I think there are certain items that could be highlighted on the website better, in order to aid in packing more effectively. An idea of how much group gear would be carried would be helpful (I called office to ask).
Additional Comments
I loved being on the mountain for so long. I wish there was some way to improve ability to sleep before summit attempt, but have no ideas how given constraints.
What did you enjoy most?
Great guides! Being outside on the mountain. A great learning environment.
What needs improvement?
Maybe more correspondence leading up to climb, with insights to think about while packing, training or planning.
August 21, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The guides were so knowledgeable! I learned so much on the expedition.
James S
August 21, 2023
The guides were so knowledgeable! I learned so much on the expedition.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were so knowledgeable! I learned so much on the expedition.
August 17, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The guides were amazing. Every one of them demonstrated a deep knowledge of mountaineering and was deeply invested in the clients.
Joshua O
August 17, 2023
The guides were amazing. Every one of them demonstrated a deep knowledge of mountaineering and was deeply invested in the clients.
Additional Comments
Ben was extremely dedicated to safety and keeping the team informed of all pertinent developments. He was a great guide.
What did you enjoy most?
The guides were amazing. Every one of them demonstrated a deep knowledge of mountaineering and was deeply invested in the clients.
August 14, 2023
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Learning skills in a relatively relaxed setting. Our guides had our safety in mind but were willing to cater the trip to individual needs and desires at the same time.
Jefferson L
August 14, 2023
Learning skills in a relatively relaxed setting. Our guides had our safety in mind but were willing to cater the trip to individual needs and desires at the same time.
Additional Comments
Henry was amazing. He demonstrated a mastery of the skills he presented and taught the participants. Safety was certainly his top priority and he di everything in his power to give us all the best experience possible within the safety parameters he felt necessary.
What did you enjoy most?
Learning skills in a relatively relaxed setting. Our guides had our safety in mind but were willing to cater the trip to individual needs and desires at the same time.
What needs improvement?
Cant think of anything in particular. It was a great experience.
September 6, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I loved everything! I know that RMI is one of the best guiding services when it comes to teaching good mountaineering techniques, but what really surprised me was how great of a group dynamic they were able to create! Our team truly did feel like a team.
Johanna M
September 6, 2022
I loved everything! I know that RMI is one of the best guiding services when it comes to teaching good mountaineering techniques, but what really surprised me was how great of a group dynamic they were able to create! Our team truly did feel like a team.
Additional Comments
Jack was a wonderful trip leader. He made sure that everyone was safe, but also enjoying themselves (whenever possible). Jack has an ability to be funny and joking, but completely in control and serious at the same time. He really made the great dynamics of the group possible.
What did you enjoy most?
I loved everything! I know that RMI is one of the best guiding services when it comes to teaching good mountaineering techniques, but what really surprised me was how great of a group dynamic they were able to create! Our team truly did feel like a team.
What needs improvement?
Maybe find a bigger flag to put on the picnic table to meet for the first time! There were so many groups I didn't know which was which!
August 30, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
Guides were very impressive, and the team serendipitously was a very wonderful mix of individuals from different walks of life.
Duke L
August 30, 2022
Guides were very impressive, and the team serendipitously was a very wonderful mix of individuals from different walks of life.
Additional Comments
Jack's breadth of erudite knowledge of the mountain and mountain-related topics was truly impressive, spanning from the crevasse rescue and anchor skills down to the pharmacology and physiology related altitude management.
What did you enjoy most?
Guides were very impressive, and the team serendipitously was a very wonderful mix of individuals from different walks of life.
What needs improvement?
Looking forward to Jack's follow-up email! Diagrams of the 6:1 pulley system would be nice, perhaps even provide optional pre-trip reading would be helpful? Advance information about available pharmacology options would be helpful so we could contact our healthcare provider if a prescription is required.
August 29, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
The sense of comradely cultivated by guides staff.
Andrew I
August 29, 2022
The sense of comradely cultivated by guides staff.
What did you enjoy most?
The sense of comradely cultivated by guides staff.
What needs improvement?
The rental shop, has a pin map to show where you are from, but it is a map of Europe and the USA. It is 2022.
August 29, 2022
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
insane guides. Amazing group Was so so about summiting with a bunch of people i had never met before, came out of it with feeling quite the opposite with new friends and connections
Katie W
August 29, 2022
insane guides. Amazing group Was so so about summiting with a bunch of people i had never met before, came out of it with feeling quite the opposite with new friends and connections
Additional Comments
Outstanding and experienced guide. Had such a wonderful time and was blown away at the knowledge and skill Jack has. Jack was patient and met the needs of all differing skills levels, experience and ages of our diverse group. The outline of the trip itself was very thought out and strategic, i felt very safe and looked after and everything we learned as then applied accordingly which is the best way to learn. It is clear this is not his first rodeo for everything seemed to work seamlessly and was effortless.
What did you enjoy most?
insane guides. Amazing group Was so so about summiting with a bunch of people i had never met before, came out of it with feeling quite the opposite with new friends and connections
What needs improvement?
not much
September 6, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I enjoyed learning a lot about mountaineering, and I enjoyed summiting - all of my hard work paid off!
Jeanne K
September 6, 2021
I enjoyed learning a lot about mountaineering, and I enjoyed summiting - all of my hard work paid off!
Additional Comments
I wish there was some sort of prerequisite with this trip. I would have preferred to read/watch/practice the techniques we learned during the seminar in advance of the seminar.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed learning a lot about mountaineering, and I enjoyed summiting - all of my hard work paid off!
What needs improvement?
I wish there was some sort of prerequisite with this trip. I would have preferred to read/watch/practice the techniques we learned during the seminar in advance of the seminar.
August 31, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
If the rest of your guides are as awesome as Grayson, Seth and Emma then you are doing an amazing job of hiring the right people. I would be glad to go on another expedition with any of them. Keep up the great work!
Shane M
August 31, 2021
If the rest of your guides are as awesome as Grayson, Seth and Emma then you are doing an amazing job of hiring the right people. I would be glad to go on another expedition with any of them. Keep up the great work!
Additional Comments
I called the office a few times in preparation for our trip with questions about equipment and conditions. Everyone I corresponded with was helpful and polite in guiding me to the answers I was seeking.
Additional Comments
We had reliable, timely transportation to/from the trailhead. Pretty cool that your vehicles are hybrids!
What did you enjoy most?
The thing I most enjoyed about this trip was gaining mountaineering skills out in the real environment with experienced guides who were eager to teach and like minded people ready to learn.
What needs improvement?
Probably not a realistic request, but some kind of shuttle between Seatac and Basecamp would be great!
August 29, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I thoroughly enjoyed climbing with RMI. I felt very safe with the guides and truly had an amazing time climbing Mt. Rainier last week. I am very pleased with everything RMI had to offer, from the preparation of the climb until the final day of the expedition when we were driven back to Ashford.
Kurt W
August 29, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed climbing with RMI. I felt very safe with the guides and truly had an amazing time climbing Mt. Rainier last week. I am very pleased with everything RMI had to offer, from the preparation of the climb until the final day of the expedition when we were driven back to Ashford.
What did you enjoy most?
I thoroughly enjoyed climbing with RMI. I felt very safe with the guides and truly had an amazing time climbing Mt. Rainier last week. I am very pleased with everything RMI had to offer, from the preparation of the climb until the final day of the expedition when we were driven back to Ashford.
August 21, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
This was wonderful to share with other women. Thanks for making that possible. I can’t describe how important outdoor connections with other women are.
Kathy C
August 21, 2021
This was wonderful to share with other women. Thanks for making that possible. I can’t describe how important outdoor connections with other women are.
Additional Comments
A couple of items were not needed for this trip: ascender and pee bottle
What did you enjoy most?
This was wonderful to share with other women. Thanks for making that possible. I can’t describe how important outdoor connections with other women are.
What needs improvement?
I’m frustrated that I was offered the opportunity to summit this year without an actual existence of the opportunity to make that happen. Perhaps you can find more options for those of us that couldn’t summit in 2022?
August 18, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I enjoyed the camaraderie of an all women's trip with women who had similar interests. I also liked how the trip pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned new things every day. It was a great trip.
Jennifer A
August 18, 2021
I enjoyed the camaraderie of an all women's trip with women who had similar interests. I also liked how the trip pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned new things every day. It was a great trip.
Additional Comments
The biggest criticism I have of RMI is its poor website design and social media presence. There is so much more that could be done to enhance the experience of the customer as well as family and friends by upgrading the blog, facebook and twitter presence.
What did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the camaraderie of an all women's trip with women who had similar interests. I also liked how the trip pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned new things every day. It was a great trip.
What needs improvement?
My suggestion is that RMI look at the demographics it wishes to serve. I was the oldest person on my trip (59 years). I believe the next oldest person was mid-40's. Unfortunately, the people who have more time and money for these types of trips are people in the 50+ age range. It would be nice if RMI could figure out how to allow people in the 50+ age range to experience a trip like this without carrying a 60lb+ backpack. That weight load is limiting even for fit, younger people. Some suggestions would be for RMI to provide and transport the meals for breakfast and dinner and for RMI to transport all camp equipment. Otherwise RMI is eliminating a large portion of potential clientle if they don't figure this out.
August 16, 2021
Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise
I loved being able to connect with women who had similar interests while learning from truly best in class guides about mountaineering.
Kirsten H
August 16, 2021
I loved being able to connect with women who had similar interests while learning from truly best in class guides about mountaineering.
Additional Comments
I think the website could use some work as well as the trip email correspondence. The website doesn't gear towards women trips and I think there's an opportunity to expand exclusivity among the hiking community. It would have been nice to have used our profiles more before the trip to get to know one another and our guides. I also think there's an opportunity to expand the RMI social media presence. There is so much to learn about mountaineering and it would be helpful to have the website and social media be a source of information. I would like to see more women's only trips as I think it fosters a unique community. If there was a women's only trip in WA I would definitely sign up, I think there should be more advertising and opportunities for these types of trips. I know many women who would be interested in joining something like that especially after the positive experience I had on the Paradise Seminar.
What did you enjoy most?
I loved being able to connect with women who had similar interests while learning from truly best in class guides about mountaineering.
What needs improvement?
I would have liked more fitness tips and ways to improve as a hiker. I also would like more local experiences in WA.
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
You might consdier one of these trips instead:
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Guides: Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel, Calvin Jiricko
Mt McKinley - West Buttress Expedition
May 5, 2026
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Additional Comments
Calvin is a natural leader at the young age of 26. Calvin was ann amazing example of motivating, teaching and teamwork for the climbers and fellow guides. His passion for instruction and climbing skills is obvious. Classroom instruction and safety focus highly appreciated!