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Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb

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  • Show Trip Info

    Price
    $1905
    Deposit
    $450
    Duration
    4 days
    Difficulty
    Level 2
    Type
    Mountaineering
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Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb

Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb

dollar sign Price / Deposit

$1,905 / $ 450

Meter Difficulty

Level 2

Clock Duration

4 days

Climber on cliff Type

Mountaineering

The classic climb of Mt. Rainier: after learning the foundational mountaineering skills on the mountain's lower slopes, tackle Mt. Rainier on a two day climb to the summit on the mountain's most popular route.

Jump To…

This is the undisputed classic climb of Mt. Rainier. It is the best introduction to mountaineering anywhere in the lower 48 states.

CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS

  • An afternoon orientation and one full day of mountaineering training to prepare for the climb.
  • Utilize the mountain hut at Camp Muir (10,060'), sitting high alongside Mt. Rainier's glaciers.
  • Experience the classic Mt. Rainier climb, ascending 9,000' from its alpine meadows to its glacier-capped summit.
  • Climb with experienced RMI guides, benefiting from their background, training, and expertise; see why we continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.

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As Mt. Rainier's definitive summer climb, RMI's Four-Day Climb is the classic adventure for anyone interested in or involved in mountaineering. Focusing on team building and training, the first two days prepare us for our climb with an afternoon orientation and a Mountaineering Day School. We then ascend Mt. Rainier's lower slopes to Camp Muir (10,060'), where we stay for the evening and prepare for the climb ahead. On summit day, an alpine start brings us up the Ingraham Glacier or Disappointment Cleaver route to the mountain's summit. This climb is ideal for anyone looking to attempt one of America's great mountaineering challenges with a short time commitment.

THE RMI DIFFERENCE

The Mountain Guides at RMI have forged an unrivaled reputation as the leading alpine guides in the United States. Integral to some of America’s earliest Himalayan explorations, our guides draw from years of expedition guiding and climbing worldwide, ensuring each program is led by consummate professionals with a wealth of experience.

Renowned for their leadership and character, our guides are celebrated teachers and trainers. They possess a rare blend of compassion, enthusiasm, and the capacity to empower others to obtain new heights. These are qualities that can only be found in those at the pinnacle of their profession. Despite their vast experience, RMI Guides remember their own humble beginnings in the mountains and take immense satisfaction in assisting other climbers to reach their goals.

Our unwavering commitment to meticulous attention to detail, unparalleled focus on individual climbers, and genuine enthusiasm for these adventures make for an unforgettable experience.

SAFETY

RMI is dedicated to providing the safest mountain experience. Our expert guides prioritize leading enjoyable and successful climbs while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Every climb involves thorough pre-trip planning, weather and avalanche forecasts, and meticulous attention to detail. Our guides are extensively trained in remote medicine and rescue techniques, and they carry comprehensive medical and rescue kits as well as radio communication equipment. Safety is always our top priority, no matter the destination or objective.


NPS Authorized ConcessionerAuthorized Concessioner

RMI Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Mount Rainier National Park.

Address comments to:
Superintendent | Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

These services are operated in an area under jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior. No discrimination by segregation or other means in the furnishing of services or privileges on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, sex, age, disabling condition, or national origin is permitted in the use of this facility. Violation of this prohibition are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

CARBON NEUTRAL CLIMBS & Climate Change

Offsetters

All our climbs in Mt. Rainier National Park 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.

For Mt. Rainier, our primary carbon emissions stem from several sources: the electricity for our office, warehouse, and employee housing, all shuttle operations, commuting miles for office staff, stove fuel used on the seminars, and propane used at Camp Muir for cooking and melting water. These activities generate an estimated 15 tons of carbon annually. We participate in a "Green Power" program for all our electricity needs, which means our electricity comes from the wind farms in eastern Washington, which significantly reduces our emissions. Electricity is one of the biggest sources of emissions, and without the Green Power program, we estimate the annual amount of carbon emissions to be closer to 70 tons.

By supporting this project, we effectively prevent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from our operations from being emitted elsewhere. These offsets are instrumental in fulfilling our sustainability objectives and advancing responsible environmental practices.

Contact Us

As you prepare for your next adventure, don't hesitate to contact us. You can speak directly with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides about equipment, training, the route, or any other aspects of our programs. We're here to help you, and our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can reach us at (888) 89-CLIMB or email us at [email protected].


Climber Reviews

Filter By
08/27/2023
Thank you RMI! While we know the weather is outside of your control, we are grateful to have gotten as far as we did. Thank you especially to Pete and Michael for your encouragement and advocacy to get to the top of the Cleaver! It may not have been a big deal to them, but it made all the difference to us.
Elizabeth G.

08/27/2023
We had an exceptional experience with RMI from the moment we signed up to the moment we celebrated back at RMI. We were kept well-informed and supported in the lead up to our climb, and especially on the mountain, we were led by exceptionally talented guides who really cared about our safety. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we are so grateful to RMI for making it possible. We were very fortunate to be able to summit, but even if we hadn't, this still would have been an incredible experience.
Kelseyleigh H.

08/26/2023
All of our guides were amazing at the delivery and handling of the fact that we had a 0% summit chance due to mountain conditions. They were bummed for us, didnt beat around the bush about how much it sucks, but also had plenty of stoke to still go to Muir and explore the glaciers as much as possible.
Melissa J.

08/23/2023
The 4-day climb with RMI was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I loved everything about it - learning about mountaineering, interacting with the guides, the views, staying at Camp Muir, climbing at night. Having the good fortune to reach the summit was a definite bonus. I feel very privileged to have had this experience.
Benjamin H.

08/22/2023
I most appreciated the expertise of the guides, getting to learn from them and see the mountain through their eyes. I loved learning about glacier travel and moving slow up high, getting to watch a sunrise on a glacier is an amazing view.
Kellina S.

08/21/2023
Getting to know the guides and other participants. I have a lot of experience hiking in the Northwest but Mountaineering is new to me. This experience has taught me a lot and I hope to use what I've learned on future trips as well.
Dennis M.

08/20/2023
Guides flexibility to teach beyond the curriculum.
Patrick B.

08/20/2023
Can't say enough great things about out guides. They were dedicated in helping us make it to the summit while keeping us safe and weighing the risks. Our group was fun and the trip was well organized.
Connor L.

08/20/2023
The guides were a real positive to the trip and enhanced the experience. We asked a lot of questions about all sorts of subjects and Tatum, Dom, Nick and Mitch answered all of our questions happily and fully! Getting out onto the glacier to Ingraham flats was the most enjoyable experience, kind of the culmination of the training and preparation.
Chris R.

08/20/2023
The people - our guides really made it the best experience, even without a summit.
Jacqueline W.

08/19/2023
The beauty of the mountains and the challenge of the climb.
Danielle S.

08/19/2023
Experiencing the different glacial terrain and crossing the ladders. The sunrise experience.
Scott M.

08/18/2023
I enjoyed the energy of the entire group, and the guides were the reason for that. Despite delivering the bad news that there was no safe route to the summit, the guides were optimistic that we were still able to climb past Camp Muir. That relieved everyone, and everyone seemed to bounce that energy off each other. It made what we were able to climb extremely enjoyable, even though we could not reach the original goal.
Payton M.

08/17/2023
I enjoyed the mountaineering school day the most.
Rebecca G.

08/17/2023
I enjoyed the confidence from all members of the RMI team from beginning to end. I grew up in Washington and have read the books as well as been told the stories of the RMI family and company so I knew going into this climb I was going to be in good hands and I really appreciated that. I enjoyed the close interactions with Alan and Michael I had, both are great human beings and I hope to stay in contact with them somehow. I liked the structure of the climb as well and how it was efficient and straightforward.
Peter L.

08/17/2023
The climbing, learning from the guides, meeting and developing friendships with other team members.
Jeff J.

08/15/2023
The care and commitment of our guides to show up every day with a can do attitude no matter the circumstance!
Claire H.

08/14/2023
The guides were amazing! All three were very friendly and supportive.
Catherine R.

08/14/2023
Talking with guides, and learning new skills.
Nathan W.

08/14/2023
This was a great experience overall. I have nothing but great things to say about RMI. We lucked out with the weather, and even though the route was longer than expected, the summit was glorious! Ben was a great lead guide, and I'd absolutely recommend him/RMI to others.
Jamie G.

08/12/2023
I thought that the guides were excellent.
Tim v.

08/11/2023
I loved being in a small group of 9 as it gave us an opportunity to really get to know everyone. Summiting was definitely the highlight, but I also enjoyed the cleaver!
Jill S.

08/10/2023
Mostly I loved how the guides made this an experience. They could have easily made this a revolving door of clients getting to the top and going home. However, they made It a point to learn our names, ask of our lives, and have that connection. I can truly say that we all, as a group, became friends because of the leadership and the care they showed to make this a life changing trip that I will never forget.
Jeffrey M.

08/10/2023
The whole experience was fantastic. I like the pace and the balance of seriousness and levity. I thought the itinerary was appropriate. The guides provided the foundation of professionalism, knowledge, safety and confidence.
David G.

08/09/2023
Honestly, the guides were one of the best parts of this experience and really made all the suffering worth it! Seeing that sunrise from the summit, above the clouds, was pretty spectacular.
Courtney D.

08/09/2023
Besides being able to summit and the guides specifically Will and Jack made the experience even better and would highly recommend RMI and these guys to any one.
Kyle P.

08/08/2023
Even though we did not summit, I had a great time. The guides in my group and the other group worked together really well and displayed professionalism, flexibility, and were candid with those who were not able to continue for various reasons. One can only read so much about Rainier. Getting to experience this mountain with this great group of guides was great. The guides did a great job of working with this random group of strangers who gathered to climb Rainier, accounting for different levels of fitness, experience, comfort levels, and acclimatization. The right call was made in turning back after lightning was spotted. Safety first!
Jim F.

08/07/2023
It was challenging but also fun. The guides did an excellent job at having a plan and communicating to us what we need and what we would be doing. They were also seamless when it came to navigating challenges during the climb, making plans, and keeping us calm and motivated throughout the entire climb.
Caitlin W.

08/07/2023
I really loved learning the mountaineering skills and experiencing the summit vicariously (I was not able to make it). We had a great group and had a lot of fun.
Rachel W.

08/07/2023
The guides - the degree of knowledge/experience and physical ability was mind blowing. They really added a different level of enjoyment to the climb.
Alex J.

08/07/2023
Loved the clear night climbing. Would definitely go on another trip with RMI. Just fantastic work all around.
Charles W.

08/06/2023
Had a great time and I’ll definitely be back to climb again with RMI. The guides and the environment they created for us climbers absolutely made the trip.
Landan S.

08/06/2023
Climbing mount rainier has been on the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember as it has been in my backyard most of my life. My experience was everything I thought it would be and more. The one variable that I didn't consider much before the trip was how the guides may impact my overall experience and I was blown away with how much our group of guides positively contributed to my experience on the mountain. I felt that our guides made the trip more fun, significantly more safe, and allowed for a great sense of comradery across our group.
Logan F.

08/05/2023
RMI helped me reach my goal of summiting Mount Rainier in a safe and controlled way. I learned new mountaineering skills, improved on some bad techniques from prior independent climbs, and met some really interesting people. This experience was a reality check on where I want to go with future expeditions and what training and preparation it would take to make that happen.
Philip S.

08/05/2023
The guides and other clients were fantastic people.
Henry R.

08/04/2023
I felt so safe the entire time. Obviously I know there are inherent dangers but they really made me feel like this trip was a smart decision. I loved the all women's program, the dynamic within the group was supportive and I would 100% do an all women's climb again and again.
Randi R.

08/02/2023
My favorite part of the trip was learning from the guides during mountaineering day school. Jess and Trevor were great teachers and made the class a smart blend of fun and informative.
Brendan H.

08/02/2023
It was challenging but fun.
Steven W.

07/31/2023
I really enjoyed my guides. They were great people who I felt not only cared alot about what they do but sincerely wanted the best time for each of us; whether that ended in a summit or not. I personally did not summit but I felt really encouraged and supported afterwards. It takes a level of care and kindness to let someone know that they did great where they got and to use it as a learning tool as a novice climber. It was really kind and says alot about their character.
Ashlee B.

07/30/2023
Getting to know the team/guides and the incredible views and overall experience of reaching the summit.
Brandon K.

07/30/2023
The comradery during the sufferfest and of course getting to summit!
Jeannine P.

07/29/2023
I enjoyed getting to push myself beyond what I previously knew I was capable of. Additionally, my team was a returning group and it was incredibly meaningful to complete this climb with them.
Anna R.

07/26/2023
This was probably one of the hardest physical things that I have undertaken in my life and RMI did a great job of helping me get prepared to reach the summit. The thing I enjoyed most was the people that I got to meet, both my other climbing buddies and the guides. RMI is doing a fantastic job in the staffing area of hiring a dedicated and unified group of guides and it makes a huge difference for the climb.
Kyle B.

07/25/2023
Comradery with our group - including the guides. It's always fun to reconnect with our old friends and meet new people in a challenging situation with a shared goal.
Gray M.

07/24/2023
I enjoyed the people I got to meet, from the guides to the members on my team, they were all incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and had our well-being in mind.
Parker R.

07/23/2023
I felt the overall programme was very comprehensive and built up nicely to the summit attempt. Despite this it was a very relaxed atmosphere.
Adrian N.

07/22/2023
I enjoyed pretty much everything! The summit day was obviously awesome. One unexpected thing that I enjoyed was RMI made it a goal to teach about mountaineering. I learned a lot!
Erica T.

07/22/2023
The challenge of pushing myself mentally and physically
Jeff R.

07/21/2023
The professionalism, the experience and of course one of the most beautiful mountains.
Mitchell G.

07/19/2023
Mountaineering school. Time with the guides.
Maggie C.

07/16/2023
Finally summiting! After two fails on Rainier, both due to weather, the third time truly was a charm!
Shane S.

07/15/2023
The guides were wonderful
Halley R.

07/15/2023
Climbing with the guides and the other climbers, learning from them and hearing their stories. Also the summit was nice!
Chloe C.

07/15/2023
The professionalism and helpfulness of the team. Obviously, being able to accomplish my goal and summit Mt. Rainier with the help of our guides and their expert knowledge. I also enjoyed the celebration and being able to talk more in depth with some of the team members, learning more about their job and passion for guiding.
Casie L.

07/15/2023
The guides all had an amazing combination of experience, knowledgeable and patience as teachers.
Agustus R.

07/15/2023
RMI seems to work like a well oiled machine. Whatever you're doing in terms of hiring and training, it's clear your number one focus is people - so keep at it! An A+ experience through and through, will absolutely return for future climbs.
Antti S.

07/15/2023
Openness of the guides to have conversation and getting know eachother.
Jonathan M.

07/15/2023
Great team + guides
Barry F.

07/14/2023
This is a difficult question to answer. My favorite part was walking on the glacier in those pre-dawn moments. From prep to people and climb everything worked out.
Christopher F.

07/13/2023
That I learned so much surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Catherine R.

07/13/2023
Camaraderie. Challenge. Guide relationships
Timothy C.

07/10/2023
I enjoyed the overall experience of not just climbing the mountain, but also meeting different people coming from all over the country.
Oliver C.

07/10/2023
Amazing guides, extremely unique and crazy experience. Will be returning to do something with y'all.
Maxim M.

07/09/2023
The guides were really nice and helpful. I wouldn’t have made it to the summit without them. It was a surreal experience making it to the top. It’s an achievement I will cherish forever.
Sai Tarun M.

07/09/2023
Excellent company. Very organized and thorough. Felt safe in their hands every step of the way. Would recommend to anyone wanting to climb mountains!
Samantha A.

07/09/2023
The great team that we had, including the guides. The great mountain experience (climbing, views, experience of technical aspects). This was my first technical climb and I felt it was hugely successful. There are a multitude of ways it could have gone poorly. It's a testament to the service provided from RMI that EVERYTHING went well. That's exceptional.
Ashley W.

07/08/2023
A huge item was checked off my bucket list. Thank you Team RMI for allowing me to make a dream come true!
Dirk P.

07/08/2023
Guides were great! Registration and working with the office staff both went smoothly and reduced stress.
Tim L.

07/07/2023
Summiting to the Columbia Crest was the most enjoyable part of the trip in hindsight. I will always remember it as a testament to my capabilities more than the number of times I felt like turning around. That said, the team and guide comradery was my favorite part during the entire 4 days. Everyone supported and looked out for one another and that was truly special to see and extraordinary to be part of.
Jayanth M.

07/03/2023
Getting to work with an amazing team of people. I felt safe with my whole team.
Jessica E.

07/03/2023
Great experience overall, lots of learning and meeting new people.
Anze K.

07/03/2023
Everything! The guides, the people I met. Making very good pace on the way up to Camp Muir.
Gandiinaa G.

07/02/2023
Professional team (the guides were top notch !), very detailed brief and organisation, good pacing to get to the summit and everything !
Vlada S.

06/30/2023
I enjoyed the struggle and comeradie I developed with my teammates and guides.
Jeremy C.

06/28/2023
Everything was kept very tight. From timing to loading/unloading, meetings and time spent travelling. Well managed expectations and group movement.
Sean D.

06/28/2023
The staff, guides, and overall setup of the trip were all great. When consulting the guides about anything, it was clear they wanted to see us succeed but were very invested in our safety. The classroom/day school sessions were perfect to introduce us to the challenge ahead and mentally prepare
Jacob T.

06/28/2023
The experience and the guides.
Roger E.

06/27/2023
Being able to talk to the guides and learn from them was certainly a highlight for me. During the trip itself I think my favorite part was either the span between High Rest and the Summit or Disappointment Cleaver. The former having amazing views and the realization that you might actually be summiting, the latter being something that’s more than walking and you have to think a little to get where you need to go. Fun stuff!
Torin S.

06/26/2023
The guides. The guides made this trip for me. They were great teachers, stewards of the environment, and just fun to be around. I felt very safe climbing with the RMI guides, and would recommend RMI to family and friends. I can't say enough about the RMI guides on this trip. They are the reason I would book a trip with RMI again.
James C.

06/26/2023
Getting the full experience of Mt. Rainier and putting myself outside of my comfort zone.
Blair B.

06/26/2023
I had no previous mountaineering experience and had never even been above 8,000’ previously. Due to Joe, Emma, Ben and everyone behind the scenes at RMI, I was able to make a successful summit of Mount Rainier. Without a doubt, this was one of the most impactful experiences of my life and I will value this for many years to come. Hope to climb with RMI again.
Ryan H.

06/26/2023
The feeling of satisfaction on the summit, also ascending the DC in the dark was awesome, until I got really cold from an unscheduled break when two other fellow climbers decided to turn around.
Nick B.

06/26/2023
Our guides were amazingly knowledgeable and friendly. The experience of climbing a mountain was challenging and unique. The views were awesome. The mountain air was clean. There was a lot to enjoy about the trip.
Paul K.

06/26/2023
The guides are the real backbone of the organization and provide just incredible service and insight.
Nathan S.

06/26/2023
The knowledge of the guides, their willingness to teach, and the clear passion they all possess for the not just the mountain but the people on and around it.
Sean D.

06/25/2023
Definitely summiting the mountain. Having Casey be our guide with his extensive mountaineering background was such a treat. The guides made the trip amazing and each one were positive and encouraging the whole time. However we were the GOAT team. Everyone summited and no one ever had to use a blue bag!
Ryan W.

06/25/2023
Pushing my body to complete something I did not know was possible.
Zack P.

06/24/2023
Summiting with a great group of guides and fellow climbers.
Alex d.

06/24/2023
Even though my nerves over took me at times, RMI and the guides eased my fears. It was a huge challenge for worth it.
Kim C.

06/24/2023
Seeing the guide team gracefully handle several clients who weren’t able to summit while ensuring those of us who were able could make the top safely.
Garth W.

06/24/2023
The adventure and amount I learned. Building skills and practicing them was most important to me.
Steven O.

06/24/2023
The feeling of being successful at something that was very difficult and challenging. Being together with good people that are positive, happy and enjoy seeing the success of others. The mountain was beautiful!! I did it and I am so happy! I had a great time with great people!! I am full of gratitude!! My legs are still sore!
Brian R.

06/23/2023
When my friends invited me to join them on their Rainier climb, I suggested we use a guide service. I had only one in mind: RMI. Your reputation precedes you and you did not disappoint. My expectations were sky high and you exceeded them. The website, email correspondence, and client care was all top-notch. But, your guides made the experience one that I will never forget and one that leaves me clamoring for more. I’ve shared with anyone who cares to listen just how outstanding your organization is.
Camden B.

06/23/2023
The equipment list was spot on but the recommend sleeping bag of 0F degrees (if you slept cold) seemed too warm. Given the body heat, wind protected bunkhouse and time of day resting a 15F or even 32F bag was fine which could save ounces. The food list was the biggest puzzle because every individual is different. I think it would have been helpful prior to getting to Ashford if we knew how many stops and the length of each stop for food/water. We had 4 stops to Muir and 3 to the summit. It seem the summit stops were quicker due to the wx. For example, plan on 3 stops from Muir to the summit and 2 stops down to muir, ~ 5 mins of actual food/drink time, and consume min of 150-200 cals each stop? Not sure if this would be helpful for everyone but it would have changed my food plan as I carried too much food.
Steve F.

06/22/2023
Being out on the mountain doing hard things. It is hard. But beautiful.
John A.

06/22/2023
I enjoyed the clear communication at each stage of the trip. I enjoyed working with experienced climbers to reach a personal goal.
Ken W.

06/21/2023
I enjoyed stretching myself to my limits. It's good to see what you're made of.
Elisabeth S.

06/20/2023
The organization, consistency, and quality of the trip is amazing.
Tiffani B.

06/20/2023
The team as a whole was the highlight for me. The guides were outstanding, and we had a team that was prepared and ready to climb as a result.
Ryan J.

06/20/2023
Guides were great. Everything made sense.
William D.

06/19/2023
Learning about life as a mountaineer.
George P.

06/19/2023
The views and the sun rise were incredible. I enjoyed doing the climb with my brother, brother in law and nephew and this is a trip we will never forget. It was great to test ourselves mentally and physically for such an incredible feat.
Matthew F.

06/18/2023
I enjoyed talking to the guides and the other people on the trip
Connor R.

06/17/2023
Everything but mostly bonding with the team and our summit bid experience! It was in my top 5 most memorable life experiences and RMI’s reputation holds up!
Travis M.

06/17/2023
Getting the opportunity to summit was fantastic. The weather was initially going to be questionable with the wind speed but getting to the top with the RMI guides and the expedition team was great. The months of training and hard work seemed to be all worth it as we were reaching the top.
Brandon Z.

06/17/2023
I enjoyed interacting with the guides and comparing my wild caving experience with the climb.
William D.

06/14/2023
I enjoyed getting to know the others in our group as well as the guides. I also enjoyed hearing all the knowledge that the guides passed onto us. I learned a lot, not only about Mt. Rainier, but about mountaineering, guiding, etc.
Hailey R.

06/14/2023
The guides were simply outstanding. The transportation to and from Paradise was a nice benefit. We did not expect that. Everyone was so nice- and we were grateful the woman collected our bags and valuables right before we left- and was right there when we returned. She was incredibly prompt. We always felt in good hands.
Jay R.

06/12/2023
I don't usually give 10s lightly, but overall we all had an excellent trip. While we lucked out and the weather was favorable - which helped the overall experience, it was clear that RMI and the guides' program was dialed in and well developed. I will certainly recommend RMI to any interested, and hope to book another trip through them in the future.
Shane F.

06/12/2023
The overall effort put forth to accomplish the summit. The views were amazing.
Anthony G.

06/11/2023
Spending time on the mountain and learning new mountaineering skills
Justin T.

06/10/2023
Without a doubt, from the sign up to the check out, the RMI team are top notch! They care authentically!!
Tony B.

06/10/2023
The confidence and trust I gained in the guides that reassured me through the terrain. The beauty of the glaciers and surrounding views. This was a first class experience for me. Thank you all for providing such a wonderful experience through and though.
Brenton L.

06/07/2023
Worth every penny. I now see why people say RMI is the best.
Jack M.

06/07/2023
Our climb on the summit day was incredible. Being able to enjoy the beauty around me that I never get to see from down below was deeply moving. The guides led us through a safe and incredible route, and took some incredible pictures for us as well.
Ryan K.

06/06/2023
RMI’s experience comes through from the word go, although climbers are not just numbers. You feel like part of the team. Everyone is very welcoming and accessible.
Joel H.

06/05/2023
Camp Muir was way nicer than I thought it would be.
Nicolas B.

06/05/2023
Great program and will be reccomending to others. As a beginning mountaineer and based on my research and hearsay, RMI is the gold standard in this business.
Josh C.

06/05/2023
The entire experience exceeded my expectations-- which is saying something because we'd been planning this adventure for two years, and we'd really built it up in our heads! We enjoyed every aspect of it: the people we met, the guides we learned from, the challenge of the climb, the stunning beauty of the mountains... an incredible experience that we'll never forget.
Patrick B.

06/05/2023
The guides , the mountain, the group , the weather - it was perfect!
Milos I.

06/03/2023
I really enjoyed learning from the guides, especially Dom and Will who were both involved in the mountaineering school. I also appreciate the pace the guides set for the climb, recognizing the importance of moving at a pace that would allow most clients to have the necessary energy on summit day.
Dan S.

06/03/2023
Learning and being apart of the expedition. It was my first experience and the guides were awesome.
Rebecca T.

06/02/2023
The guides were amazing and helped me feel confident and prepared to climb the mountain in a short period of time. I felt like I was in good hands the whole time as a first time mountaineer.
Allison A.

06/02/2023
I loved being on the mountain! I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the guides! They were well organized and communicated well which made for a sooth experience and trip.
Darin L.

06/02/2023
Of course the summit was the goal, and we achieved that. I really enjoyed the process, learning new skills, and meeting the guides. They were great. I and my family also really enjoyed spending time at the base camp. The food, beer, and store were all great. We stayed at the bunkhouse and loved that too. It was a great experience for all of us.
Nathan N.

06/01/2023
Meeting new friends, the guides, RMI staff, Whittaker Staff and summiting!
Kurt T.

06/01/2023
How much I learned about everything.
Jeanne B.

05/31/2023
My Mt. Rainier summit climb was absolutely outstanding. The guides were all professional and highly skilled. Our team bonded and had an amazing adventure together. I will be signing up for the 6-day skills class with RMI next. Thank you for making this bucket list item an absolute joy to check off.
Justin B.

05/31/2023
The guides. Just a group of amazing and knowledgeable folks.
Weldon B.

05/30/2023
The ability to do something very difficult physically while not worrying at all about all the details that make mountaineering so hazardous. I was told when to use the right equipment and guided through all the hazards.
Andrew T.

05/30/2023
The ascent from Camp Muir to the summit.
Aaron P.

05/29/2023
I enjoyed getting to know the guides. Of course they are knowledgeable, professional, and competent. But on a personal level they are great people.
Jason S.

05/25/2023
The camraderie of the team was my favorite part, between the other climbers and the guides it was super fun to hang around everyone
Marc M.

05/24/2023
The packing list was detailed and comprehensive. The rental equipment was clean and professional. The guides were amazing, passionate, helpful and focused on safety. Base camp in Ashford was well appointed and comfortable.
Michael P.

05/23/2023
It is a good program for budding climbers. Perfect itinerary and pace of things. Very well perfected by the best instructors of course!
Anmol K.

05/23/2023
I really enjoyed learning the mountaineering techniques and better understanding the strategy for food, gear selection and approach to the climb.
Robert C.

05/19/2023
I loved how the program breaks the daunting task of summiting Rainier into very doable chunks. The one-hour hiking intervals with 15 minute breaks were perfect.
Samuel W.

05/19/2023
Mountaineering school was a really fun experience! I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but I learned so many skills that I will be able to use for any future alpine-style climbs. Very informative but also really fun, great prep for the climb! I also loved the sleepover vibes of the bunkhouse, sunrise at Camp Muir, and making 18 new friends.
Jessica S.

05/19/2023
The guides really do make the trip. I signed up for the trip to do something new and to take on a challenge, both of which were fulfilled on the trip, but it was truly being able to do it under the leadership of great guides that made it even more fulfilling
Alexander B.

05/16/2023
I enjoyed the people the most! And of course, reaching the summit. My guides and team were what made it possible to get to the summit!
Stacey M.

05/16/2023
Although our group couldn't summit due to the weather, I had a blast! Learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience. Everyone in group and guides were great! Looking forward to re-attempt again next year!
Heather L.

05/15/2023
I enjoyed the expertise of the guides, how organized everything was, and the overall ease of the trip so we could focus on meeting our goals.
Holly D.

05/15/2023
The guides were excellent and really made the entire experience great.
Jon J.

09/13/2022
Meeting the people in our group and pushing myself to go out of my comfort zone.
Deena P.

09/10/2022
Talking with the guides and learning how to maneuver on ice.
Hunter H.

09/07/2022
Getting up there was certainly a struggle for me, but the view, feeling of achievement and the overall experience was spectacular and I'll never forget it.
Nancy G.

09/07/2022
The ice climbing was by far the most enjoyable thing about this trip. It was a truly unique and memorable experience.
Bryan H.

09/06/2022
The transparency the guides provided concerning the route conditions and the related prospects of a summit attempt
Kyle H.

09/06/2022
There is not one thing that stands out as "enjoyed most" on this trip/climb. I try to live in the moment and absorb it all as it unfolds. Despite my medical situation and the decision to turn around, I would not have missed it. Having my son Leo with me on his first climb was very memorable... and we will be back to see if we can touch the summit next time.
Lee H.

09/06/2022
It is really no surprise that the excellent guide team made this a great climbing experience. They seemed to be as excited and happy to climb with this group of strangers as we were- no sign that it was almost the end of the climbing season at Mount Rainier!
Alexander S.

09/05/2022
Excellent guides that wanted the best for us, helped those that summited stay safe, got them to the top in not so great conditions, while maintaining safety
Shireen K.

09/05/2022
Excellent guides.
Ali A.

09/05/2022
A very structured and well led organization that ensured high levels of saftey and education.
Alex D.

09/03/2022
We missed the summit, but I liked that the guides set expectations early about the conditions. Sitting on Ingraham and watching the sun rise beyond Little Tahoma was special.
Rakesh R.

09/01/2022
the atmosphere, your incredible mountain, being around people who love the mountain and climbing, learning what to do next time in order to succeed
Nancy S.

09/01/2022
The beauty of this particular mountain was totally new for me and I feel so fortunate that the weather was on our side. Meeting new people from everywhere was pretty great. The guides were awesome.
Melissa B.

09/01/2022
Guides struck the right balance bewteen safety, keeping us n task and recognizing we were all there by choice and on vacation!
John C.

09/01/2022
I enjoyed getting to know the guides and the other members of my team.
Cindy B.

08/31/2022
It's hard to say - of course it was great to summit on a near perfect day. What I also want to say is that RMI took away the worries that usually accompany such a massive undertaking. The planning and execution of the details made it much easier to enjoy the journey - thank you!
Liz T.

08/30/2022
I enjoy how much the guides clearly care about our safety.
Anthony C.

08/29/2022
The trip was very well planned out. I liked the thorough training days 1-2 and how the climb was divided into various sections in days 3-4.
Ko J.

08/28/2022
I appreciated the team attitude taken by all of the RMI guides. I liked the idea of all of us working together to succeed, and it made me feel comfortable with all of the climbers, not just those in my group.
Nicole R.

08/28/2022
Everything! Our team had a great dynamic and although it was only 4 days, I feel as though I was able to connect with each individual on our team. It was such a phenomenal learning experience and great introduction to mountaineering.
Olivia S.

08/28/2022
I LOVED that this was an all women's expedition. I saw other groups and felt like I could never sign up for a co-ed experience. I would constantly feel like I needed to keep up with the guys and try to prove myself. With the all women's group I felt empowered and lifted up by the group and 10/10 felt i could be my most authentic self. I hope RMI provides more opportunities for women to climb together. It's just pure magic. We all talked about it and we will only do women's expeditions in the future.
Samantha C.

08/28/2022
Loved being part of an all-womens climb! Guides were awesome and the group really made the experience. I will definitely be looking into doing an all-womens climb again if i decide to do another trip in the future.
Wendy S.

08/28/2022
The sunrise over little tahoma and the amazing guides
Jess L.

08/28/2022
I enjoyed spending time and making a memory with my wife Ko.
Gerald J.

08/27/2022
The ability to summit in a timely manner and RMI ensuring we did it in a safe manner. The point was driven home the next day when we read news about the climbing fatality at Disappointment Cleaver.
Nitin S.

08/25/2022
I enjoyed getting up on the mountain with some incredible people (guides and clients), and learning a bit about myself. I didn't summit, but I had an incredible time, and wouldn't hesitate to return.
Brad E.

08/24/2022
The guides all meshed well together and made this trip enjoyable, working together exceptionally well as a unit. They made an effort to get to know each climber throughout the journey. All of the guides are strong climbers and communicate well with each other.
Eric B.

08/24/2022
Other than the experience and the opportunity to attempt this hike and a spectacular environment, it was being part of a team that consisted of great people. Once our team was put together, we all bonded. Everyone got along very well.
Curt W.

08/23/2022
Excellent focus on safety and conservation. Teaching was appropriate for level and experience of group. Great comradery.
Anand S.

08/23/2022
I will mountaineer again. Plan on taking crevasse rescue class next year. I had never exercised that intensely for that long. Every leg of the summit I was waiting to see how my body would respond. I pushed much farther past my understood limits. I feel that a lot more experiences have been opened to me. I would never been able to push past those limits without the guides. Praise the rest step and pressure breathing.
Bruce B.

08/23/2022
Climbing in the dark up on summit day. I was very nervous to climb with only a head lamp, but I got into the zone immediately, and I loved it. I also really enjoyed our training day, which I expected to be boring. I loved learning proper technique and the light hike we did to get to the training field.
Neil S.

08/23/2022
All of the guides were fantastic. They were very encouraging and positive throughout the entire trip. Would recommend RMI to anyone interested in climbing Rainier or any other programs they have to offer based off the professionalism of the guides alone.
Andrew L.

08/23/2022
I really enjoyed the training day on the mountain. Learned a lot. Both guides Mike and Sam were excellent.
Jeff J.

08/22/2022
I thought the guides were everything I could've asked for and more. I really enjoyed having them on the trip. This is an absolutely stand-up group of people that are looking to help strangers out on the experience of a lifetime, which is what I had.
Brendan K.

08/22/2022
The guid Leif was extremely helpful unjamming a zipper in my parka so I could get to my food at the high break when it was cold and windy. He went out of his way to help me even though I was not on his rope team. I also saw him tighten crampons for another climber not on his rope team and help another member of the public below the snow field on the way down. His willingness to provide professional, excellent help without being asked was remarkable.
Todd S.

08/22/2022
Professional Guides. Route Maintenance.
Andrew L.

08/22/2022
The guides were excellent. I enjoyed meeting other people on the expedition as well. The instructions were very clear and the guides explained why we needed to learn certain skills and what to expect at camp and the trip.
Scott S.

08/21/2022
The guides were all very supportive, as were the other climbers on the team. No one summited, but I got to Ingraham Flats, which was higher in altitude than I've ever been before. The whole experience at the park and at Camp Muir was awe-inspiring, even though we didn't summit on this attempt.
Martin Z.

08/19/2022
I love the excitement of getting roped up and heading out VERY early in the morning. The first few steps really get the adrenaline flowing.
Matt T.

08/18/2022
I really enjoyed having a goal as a team and succeeding in it by safely going up to and returning from the summit.
Ryan M.

08/18/2022
Getting to see the upper parts of Rainier in the light of day was truly awe inspiring.
Andrew S.

08/18/2022
Without a doubt Hannah, Erika, and Michael. Hannah could run her own company. Her confidence and leadership were immediately noticable. Erika and Michael, while younger "in the business" are extremely knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. Would come back to RMI solely for that team.
Calvin A.

08/18/2022
Making the summit!!!
Daniel R.

08/17/2022
The achievement and the learning. Loved learning from the guides about the mountain, proper training, gear, weather, safety and proper technique.
Samuel B.

08/16/2022
While I didn't summit, RMI did nothing to cause that. I feel I was given the tools and opportunity to summit in as safe of a climb as possible. All the RMI guides I encountered were incredible people, everything felt well organized. The climber to guide ratio was great. I will definitely rebook another Ranier attempt and other peaks with RMI if dates are available.
Jonathan B.

08/16/2022
The guides/the people - maybe I just got lucky, but this experience was already a tough pill to swallow being my second failed attempt to summit due to conditions (weather) out of my control, but it was still made unforgettable by the amazing guides that we had and the just as amazing team mates.
Richard T.

08/16/2022
I developed a GI illness and has to drop out of the program before snow training. I was feeling very ill and disappointed and the team was nothing but kind and helpful. I appreciated RMIs guides and office staff's assistance during a difficult time. Will try again fort a summit next year and will use RMI again.
Callie B.

08/15/2022
The guides were phenomenal. Very professional, kind, encouraging, safe.
Brian C.

08/15/2022
The instant team development between guides and other climbers and that environment was influenced by the guides and their knowledge and dedication.
Cody M.

08/15/2022
I enjoyed our interaction with our guides. I would request them again if it were possible.
Kendall J.

08/13/2022
It really was a great experience and I'd be happy to come on another RMI trip.
Nicole R.

08/12/2022
Interacting with all the guides while receiving guidance, pointers, and praise.
Tom C.

08/12/2022
Really well organized. We only really had to worry about our own personal equipment
Chelsea A.

08/12/2022
The alpine start, climbing with the stars, seeing the sunrise.
Alex B.

08/11/2022
I enjoyed the entire experience. Summiting was great.
Daniel R.

08/11/2022
The guides were truly incredible. They made this experience safe, fun, and positive.
Megan S.

08/10/2022
I enjoyed being part of a group of strong (in every sense) women. I could not have asked for a better group of guides to make me feel comfortable while pushing myself farther than I thought possible. I enjoyed the physical challenge and the awesome natural beauty of Rainier, but being part of an all-femme group made it that much more special.
Elizabeth S.

08/10/2022
The guides, the women's group, the organization. the mountain, everything!!!!! The only thing I would change was the duration of the expedition. I feel I would do better on five days and with a little bit more break time.
Gabrielle C.

08/10/2022
Since my daughters moved away, I always have to hike & backpack alone with my only company being my Garmin InReach. The best part was feeling part of an extreme adventure team with Guide Emma, and new friends Dan & Joe. It was a great feeling of accomplishment to work together to get more than individual parts.
John H.

08/09/2022
The guides were amazing -- they set a great tone for the expedition, making it fun while helping us to perform our best.
John I.

08/09/2022
Summitting the mountain. As well as the unique knowledge and experience this trip provided.
Matthew A.

08/09/2022
The people! I couldn't have asked for a better group or better guides.
Meeshka B.

08/09/2022
I really enjoyed the introduction to mountaineering and feeling like I was getting a base of skills that I could use down the line. Throughout the trip the guides were very good to point out specific features and parts of the mountain which made the experience more informative and enjoyable. On previous trips with other services I have sometimes felt like I have not even known where I am on a particular trip. The overall approach to the summit was great and difficult and rewarding. It truly felt like we had accomplished something by the time we had made it there. I
Devon H.

08/08/2022
Mountaineering day school was super helpful and super fun. Summiting was a phenomenal experience, and it was great to share the experience with our guides and fellow team members.
Jess C.

08/08/2022
Overall it was a great experience, the guides and the overall service from everyone at RMI was top notch professional.
Robert F.

08/08/2022
Our guides were really amazing. I can't say enough about how critical they were to the experience. They were all hard-working, nice, genuinely concerned about our success and well-being, but at the same time didn't overload us with information or allow us to focus on anything other than the task at hand.
Austin B.

08/08/2022
Climbing the mountain with such a dedicated and fun group!
Lindsey M.

08/07/2022
The ability to have a mountaineering experience in a safe and accessible way. It felt safe, but also like a big adventure. I learned a lot and have lifelong memories!
Lindsey B.

08/05/2022
Meeting and spending time with the whole team, the sense of accomplishment even though we didn’t summit.
Samantha W.

08/05/2022
Our team functioned very well together, supporting each other through difficulties and celebrating every individual's success (to whatever extent that success was). In large part I think this is due to our fantastic guides who led the way!
Adriana C.

08/03/2022
Getting to know the guides! They are great people and great teachers
Laura S.

08/03/2022
I enjoyed seeing the milky way from Ingraham Flats on the way back to Camp Muir. That was amazing.
James S.

08/02/2022
Climbing was amazing. I was appreciated of the thoughtfulness of our guides and their willingness to explain concepts and hang out with us during the route.
Granger T.

08/01/2022
Reaching the Summit, of course! But really what I enjoyed was getting to know our team, guides and other climbers, so that at the end of the trip we felt like family. Everybody exchanged numbers and some of us are even getting tattoos to commemorate this trip. Ill never forget the relationships we made during this experience.
Ross J.

08/01/2022
The guides made this trip on of the most memorable experiences of my life so far. I am thankful we had the opportunity to get to know Casey, Augi, and Nick. Great experience all around.
Kyle Z.

07/31/2022
The guides and the rest of the team. It was so nice being able to perform the climb only portion, but still feel like I was part of the team even though they already developed some bonds from school and orientation.
Sarah E.

07/31/2022
The guides. Really brought their own personalities and touches to the climb. Each made the wilderness feel accessible and doable to all from beginner up to advanced climbers.
Michael M.

07/30/2022
Getting up the mountain safely with my crew
Chase M.

07/29/2022
Been a fan of RMI since my first climb at age sixteen 40 years ago, and you guys continue to impress every time! I've brought a number of new climbers along with me to take part in RMI climbs over the years, and will continue to do so. We'll be back soon!
Clarence N.

07/27/2022
I enjoyed the structure of the overall climb. The guide were very enthusiastic about climbing and very concern about our safety. We were able to make it to the top of Rainier at a very good pace without any delays and is able mitigate risk.
Chris C.

07/27/2022
Almost everything was perfect and surpassed my expectations of the services and experience RMI would provide. Top notch in every way! Guides were personable, funny, knowledgeable, direct, and attentive. Gear shop equally great. Already planning to use RMI in the future, y'all are fantastic!
Greg H.

07/26/2022
Gelling as a team as quickly as we did and achieving what was not an easy goal.
Ian G.

07/26/2022
It was just so epic
Caleb P.

07/25/2022
Great group of friends celebrating a birthday milestone in an incredible setting.
Chris B.

07/25/2022
The fact that I climbed a mountain like Ranier is going to be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I can't imagine having anything but love for you guys.
Erin P.

07/24/2022
The amount that I learned from everyone on the team is unmatched from any other experience I have ever achieved.
Mason M.

07/23/2022
I enjoyed the camaraderie I experienced with the other clients and there guides. Everyone was supportive of everyone else. The scenery was fantastic.
Paul E.

07/23/2022
The guides. They were all very professional and personable. Each of them took time to get to know me and why I was there to climb Mt Rainier. The entire team made me feel like I was part of the RMI family which made this trip an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Jeffrey T.

07/23/2022
This being my first time, it was reassuring knowing that we had experts who knew their stuff guiding us. It made me feel confident that we were safe, that if hard decisions needed to be made, they would be made correctly by experts (not me). There were certainly moments that pushed my limits, but I was always confident that we were not going too far or doing something that was unsafe. There are lots of great things about this trip, but this was the most important.
Josh D.

07/22/2022
I most enjoyed the expertise and attitude of the guides and getting to know the other climbers.
Jennifer R.

07/21/2022
I really enjoyed the fact that we had things spread out over a few days with time to really prepare. I felt like the snow school experience gave me enough practice that I'd feel prepared heading up to Camp Muir and then to the Summit. I also really enjoyed time to get to know the others on the team and appreciated that we had such amazing guides to help build a really strong culture in the group.
Samia Z.

07/20/2022
Top notch organization and the experience matched the expectations that were set. I am very happy that we were lucky enough to secure a spot with RMI for our trip. Although I would consider my mountaineering itch to be scratched, I would not hesitate to use RMI again in the future if I changed my mind.
Nathan K.

07/18/2022
Learning some new mountaineering skills; the scenery; the attention to detail by RMI & Guides; the RMI/Whittaker Base Camp atmosphere & service.
David R.

07/18/2022
The RMI experience is the best in the world. From the guides, office staff, rental team, restaurant, and Whittaker shop you can tell everyone really enjoy their roles with the company.
Charles P.

07/18/2022
It was awesome meeting and climbing with so many great people from different parts of the world. I loved the whole experience from meeting at basecamp to reaching the summit and making it back down safely. *The best part of the experience was working with our team of guides. Henry, Mike, and Steve were all really awesome guys, very knowledgeable and willing to teach skills and info, super technical every step of the way, and overall just a lot of fun to climb with.
Sean F.

07/17/2022
The guides made us all feel safe and part of the team right away.
Bryan R.

07/17/2022
The different views and scenery that you can only see on a climb like this
Nathan D.

07/13/2022
The guides were the shining light of my experience.
Holly D.

07/11/2022
I enjoyed the hike up Camp Muir. The rhythm set by the guides helps to make the climb look easy :)
Sonum J.

07/11/2022
After waiting 3 years to climb Rainier with RMI (2020 Covid cancellation, 2021 heat/rock fall cancellation), I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you to all at RMI who made it possible!
Abigail L.

07/11/2022
Being pushed out of my comfort zone, and the views from the climb were incredible. Getting to know some great new people and spend that time getting to know them was a bonus.
Sarina S.

07/11/2022
Being able to summit with some close friends. I also enjoyed the professionalism from all the guides while on and off the mountain.
Derek B.

07/11/2022
Guides!!!!!!
Paul H.

07/10/2022
I really loved the group dynamic and how awesome the guides were. I can be extremely intimidated and embarrassed about my skill set and coordination, but I never felt awkward at all. Safety was taken very seriously but the learning and procedures were made to be fun and exciting.
Bev H.

07/09/2022
Besides the thrill of making it safely to the summit, I most enjoyed the great team of guides who were all excellent at what they do! They really made our trip a fantastic experience, start to finish.
Erin H.

07/07/2022
I really enjoyed the leadership of the three guides and the training school. It was a great refresher of the basic glacier travel techniques. But the most enjoyable part was reaching the summit.
Nathan P.

06/27/2022
Obviously making the summit and getting down safe was pretty important to me. We originally booked in 2019 for 2020 and then COVID killed that trip. I wasn't physically ready in 2021 (I didn't know what I didn't know). Training throughout 2021 and 2022 to finally get to the top and back down safe was and is a big deal. I also feel really, really lucky (grateful) to have had such a wonderful team and three great guides who all added to the experience. The 100% summit rate was great evidence of the team and the guides commitment (and we were lucky with the weather too)!
Chris C.

06/27/2022
I think no matter how prepared you are, or how unprepared you are, the individuals at RMI provide you the resources that you need. I was shocked to hear that a fellow member in the group only signed up two weeks before to do this, and he was all prepared.
Sandy C.

06/27/2022
Talking/working with the guides in any capacity whether that was hiking to Muir, mountaineering school, the summit climb, etc. They turned the trip into from an event to a lifetime experience.
Philip V.

06/25/2022
The views and the guides
Mark N.

06/22/2022
The organization and professionalism (while still having fun) was outstanding. As a volunteer outdoor leader I get that it's a tough job - especially at the pro guide level - my hats off to the whole team.
Tiffani B.

06/22/2022
Being on the mountain knowing safety was a priority.
John Y.

06/21/2022
The guides were very professional and knew what they were doing. They were as disappointed as we were that we could not attempt a summit but ultimately realized that making it home safely was indeed the number one priority.
Alex d.

06/21/2022
We LOVED the mountaineering school and how patient our guides were with answering all of our questions. The climb up was very doable and sleeping in the hut was so much fun. There honestly wasn't a part I didn't enjoy.... even the hikes in the rain or the Wet Spot were made enjoyable by the overall good humor of the team.
Patricia F.

06/21/2022
We had a really awesome group.
Mark C.

06/21/2022
The RMI experience was dialed in and top notch. It felt professional and organized from the beginning. I think the guides are what make the trip. They each seemed committed, extremely knowledgeable, safe, and very experienced/well trained. They also were approachable and seemed to genuinely care about the individual experience of each climber in the group. Would highly recommend this guide service to anyone interested in a major climbing trip.
Christopher C.

06/16/2022
The overall team worked well together. This was my first time mountaineering at this level and i could not have been happier with the experience and knowledge i gained on this trip.
Jeffrey R.

06/14/2022
Great experience to be up in the mountains for mountain school and to get to stay over at Camp Muir. Little disappointed we did not get above Muir but nothing RMI can do about that, just unlucky.
Michael A.

06/13/2022
Highly enjoyable experience. I'm definitely summit-driven, and we didn't make the summit, so the fact that I see the trip as an absolute positive says a lot about how well the program is run and the people that are part of it. This was my first guided climb, but won't be my last.
Matt H.

06/12/2022
It would have been great to have been able to reach the summit, but of course the weather is beyond everyone's control.
Chris K.

06/12/2022
What can I say ... great trip and great team even if we did not summit. Guess I need to come back a 4th time ...
Barry F.

06/11/2022
I enjoyed not having to think about the details of what I needed to do. The guides and RMI did a great job of informing me and educating me on every detail in order for me to have a successful trip. There’s really no reason a fit and healthy person can’t show up and summit. Obviously, weather and conditions permitting.
Jimmy L.

06/10/2022
Traveling with our group of friends and knowing that we are working with a high quality outfitter. Service level and experience was on par with last time...quite an achievement given everything that has happened (COVID etc.) over the last couple of years.
Damian B.

06/07/2022
Learning mountaineering skills in challenging conditions. All three guides (and the guides on the other team) went above and beyond and provided an experience far better than I had expected. I have hiked all around the world and this was my favorite trip to date.
Matthew G.

06/07/2022
The level of experience each guide brought to the group, and the highest priority for safety. Even though we got stuck at Muir, I easily got my money's worth with everything that I learned this week.
Alexander S.

06/06/2022
Due to the weather and conditions, I feel I learned a lot about mountaineering. It was more educational than expected. It wasn’t just climb to the summit and come back down. I got to watch the guides evaluate avalanche conditions, navigate through very low visibility, etc. they gave a lot of good technique and other advice. I feel other guide services have their guides be very secretive with their clients. I felt our guides at RMI were open and honest with us which I appreciated.
Luke G.

06/06/2022
There was never a doubt that keeping everyone of us safe was always going to be the highest priority. But, at the same time, it was clear that the guides really wanted to get us to the peak if at all possible. On our program it would have been easy to turn back on the way up to Muir when the weather got nasty and just say that it wasn't meant to be. On the second day, it was equally clear that they were trying to get us as high on the mountain was we could safely get. A+ across the board.
Chad H.

06/05/2022
Felt safe throughout, loved being thrown into the deep end, encouragement from the guides, sense of camaraderie, integration of RMI and the gear rental was really helpful, guides were fantastic
Joe K.

05/26/2022
The professionalism of the entire staff. Everyone was also very friendly and you can tell that they enjoy their work.
Adam L.

05/22/2022
I enjoyed the time at Camp Muir and the descent most of all. I went on this trip to gain as much experience in the mountains as possible and spending time around people that are very experienced in the mountains. I enjoyed the knowledge they shared on all things related to mountaineering.
Taylor C.

05/22/2022
I enjoyed the experience of getting out in the mountains while receiving quality information and training from experience mountaineers.
David W.

05/16/2022
The opportunity to take part in an experience that I could never do without the assistance of a guided expedition. Loved being able to interact with the guides and hear their experiences and stories.
Jeff S.

05/15/2022
Being on the mountain for both a beautiful/fairly clear day and a day where the weather was more extreme was an awesome experience.
Blake N.

05/14/2022
The descent in a snowstorm was pretty memorable. Guides did a great job.
Derek G.

05/11/2022
The professionalism, knowledge, leadership and collaboration of the guides. The mountaineering skills acquired. The camraderie. The views.
John L.

05/11/2022
We stopped short of the summit due to avalanche risk on the Ingraham Flats. When Eric and Seth came back from doing their evaluation they did a great job of explaining the reasoning for their decision and the tests they'd run. They made us super comfortable with the decision and I appreciated learning along the way.
Jonathan M.

05/10/2022
I have zero complaints. This was fantastic. Not a moment went by where I did not feel safe and that our guides did not have our best interests in mind. Eric was a phenomenal lead guide and I couldn’t find a word apt enough to describe him. All of the guides on this trip were exceptional. Grayson, Seth, Mira, and the other guides who’s names I didn’t get the chance to exchange with on the other team.
Anthony C.

09/10/2021
Just being on the mountain period was incredible, but really it all comes back to the guides. Dom, Henry, and Axel are all awesome guys and imparted a wealth of knowledge and I really enjoying talking to and learning from all of them.
Austin M.

09/07/2021
I learned far more than I expected. I will not forget the lessons I learned on the mountain.
Jeremy H.

09/07/2021
This climb was truly the embodiment of the quote, "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey". Although we didn't make it to the summit of Mt. Rainier, I had an awesome adventure with unforgettable memories.
Courtney F.

09/02/2021
My favorite part of the trip was getting to summit and realize a goal I’ve had for at least 13 years! I’m just grateful the timing, weather, and conditions all worked out for summit bid to be successful!
Cale M.

09/01/2021
I really enjoy the down time with the guides. Talking and hearing there stories of other trips. Them spending time with us each day is one of my favorite parts.
Shawn R.

08/31/2021
I only rated it lower than a 10 because this is my 2nd time and both times we couldn’t summit. Although it is out of your control, I feel like I have been training for years without attaining my goal.
Sam W.

08/31/2021
The RMI guides and staff! You all are heroes!
Matthew S.

08/30/2021
Summiting was great, but being on Dave’s lead team as anchor was the one number thing I enjoyed.
Russell M.

08/29/2021
I enjoyed getting to know our guides and fellow group mates the most about the trip (besides of course, the summit experience).
Irene W.

08/20/2021
The guides. They were excellent and fun to be around
Paul F.

08/19/2021
I learned so much about the equipment and my abilities. Beautiful views.
Juliana R.

08/19/2021
Very experienced guides. Beautiful views and friendly team. All the equipment and mountaineering knowledge was provided to us conveniently and streamlined very well. I LOVED the skills I learned at snow school and feel much more confident about my mountaineering abilities.
Sarah Z.

08/18/2021
Your guides. All 3 were very enjoyable to be around. The experience on the mountain was incredible of course but far better with the guides.
Jessie M.

08/17/2021
It was a great over-all experience, despite us not making it to the summit. Hopefully, next time. The team. I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the participants and the participants and the guides. The guides. I felt supported and safe with them. I picked up some things for my training for the next ascent. Feeling a sense of accomplishment as we were able to traverse the crevasses on Cowlitz and Ingraham in the dark safely, going back down the Muir snowfield faster than I have been able to and with a pack to boot, and still feel good enough to hike up to Comet Falls the following morning. Glissading. :)
Mariefel O.

08/17/2021
I enjoyed the entire experience. From the training to the hike up to Muir. My only regret is that mother nature wasn't giving us the chance to go up. Oiur team of leaders was fantastic and I would and am planning on returning hopefully with a chance for a successful summit.
Tyrone R.

08/16/2021
Yall have your shit together, very well run place. Great bunkhouse, great vibes, I have zero complaints.
Steven K.

08/16/2021
At first I thought only having a couple breaks up from Paradise to Muir and three breaks from Muir to the summit was crazy until I summited with the team. Looking back I see how these short breaks really benefit everyone in the party from the team leaders to the climbers. Really if you can't take 10 minutes eat/drink and keep climbing you should be turning around. I really like how RMI brought the teams together to make us a group of climbers who relied on each other mentally and physically. Not only did I get to share this experience with my brother but I made other good friends from the fellow climbers and guides.
Jason W.

08/16/2021
I loved meeting the guides and members of the group and learning about what it was that made them want to learn new skills and climb a mountain. But most of all, I was blown away by the magnificent beauty of the mountain and the meadows, flowers, and streams. It was truly breathtaking, and I look at my photos daily to reflect on how grateful I was to be healthy enough to successfully summit with my life partner but also for the wonderful people I met along the way. I am so fortunate!
Kate G.

08/16/2021
I didn't fully know what to expect going into this climb and now, having done it, I almost wouldn't want to do it again because this first experience was so perfect. I would be worried about another experience not living up to this one! Thank you so much for everything, I will be recommending your company to everyone I know and look forward to participating in another program with you in the future. Also, I cannot emphasis enough how amazing Andy, Augi, and David were throughout the program - they truly were a highlight of my experience.
Kaitlyn J.

08/16/2021
I enjoyed our team’s camaraderie. It’s a great bonding experience. I most of all appreciated knowing I was safe because RMI knew the hazards of climbing better than me, and I appreciated being trained.
Cameron P.

08/16/2021
Andy fostered an atmosphere to safety, enjoyment, and diligence. He was informative and helpful, and demanding only when climbers slacked.
Matthew J.

08/16/2021
Summitting, setting a goal and achieving it.
Jon F.

08/14/2021
I enjoyed the overall experience, support from the guides and the team spirit. The guides interacted with all the climbers in a professional way, treating them with respect and prioritizing safety.
Kundana P.

08/14/2021
Joe’s determination to get us to the summit despite the looming weather outlook. The view and the entire journey was perfect. Logistics were great and the guides set reasonable expectations and pace. They were very clear about signs that clients should listen to when considering turning back.
Raymond M.

08/13/2021
the team, the guides. I didn't make the summit but enjoyed the short hike up rock face at Muir Camp with Ben, who was great.
David K.

08/13/2021
During the entire trip, i felt like i was in the hand of professionals who’s job was to safely reach my goal. Hannah’s enthusiasm (though it might be overwellming sometimes)
Charles L.

08/13/2021
Working with obvious professionals who came with a plan that got us to the top of Mt. Rainier. The guide's plan and timing was impeccable. We got to see the sunrise at the summit. What an experience!
David T.

08/12/2021
I enjoyed the special bond between our group the most. I felt like we were family even though we just met. I’m very happy with the experience you guy gave me.
James W.

08/09/2021
I loved experiencing all that is the alpine experience. I believe I got that with RMI. Thank you!
Alan Z.

08/09/2021
Sharing a challenging adventure with friends and family while being with guides that made us feel safe and allowed us to succeed , whether that meant summiting, or a high point on a beautiful mountain.
Tom G.

08/09/2021
I have climbed Rainier before and have been on the summit twice, so reaching the top, while a goal, was not the most important. I enjoyed the overall climbing experience - being part of the process of preparing, climbing and being part of a team.
Mark F.

08/08/2021
Everything was succinct no time wasted. Loved the skills seminar and the prep for gear/ always giving a heads up as to what to expect
Elizabeth M.

08/08/2021
Thank you for a wonderful week of climbing!
Joe P.

08/04/2021
The alpine ascent leaving the camp early morning and going across the glacier via headlamp was pretty amazing. The insights the guides gave on both the mountain and also in climbing better via technique and proper usage of gear was great.
Scott C.

08/03/2021
I truly don't think I could pick one thing. The whole experience with RMI was incredible. All the education was so valuable to us first time climbers and I never felt like I didn't belong on the trip. Every aspect was clearly explained and we were kept in the loop when we had obstacles between us and the summit. It was a great group of people and a safe space to ask questions/continue to learn skills. Learning from Dave Hahn was one of the most incredible experiences. We really appreciate everything that was provided. I will absolutely book another trip through RMI.
Hannah B.

08/02/2021
It's hard to pinpoint what I enjoyed the most. The technical mountaineering skills training and application of those skills was something I've dreamt of since I was a kid, so that part was really cool. I got to meet some other really good climbers / solid guys, which was also cool. Pushing my body to the limit and much further past anything previously was interesting and very satisfying.... I've pushed things hard before - but maybe three hours or so. This experience was so far beyond what I've experienced before. In the end, I'd have to say that the guides were the best part of the whole adventure. As noted above, they were all great and did their job very well. I was confident the whole way up and back down.
Darren C.

08/01/2021
I loved how encouraging, patient and real all the guides were. I felt safe at all times.
Amie O.

08/01/2021
The comradery of our team, which I attribute to the leadership of our guides. This was my fourth time climbing Rainier and this was by far the closest set of climbers. It seemed that everyone had a great time on the mountain.
Kevin K.

07/30/2021
Training, ascent, working with the guides, great support at Camp Muir.
Michael K.

07/27/2021
I really enjoyed my experience with RMI and would recommend them to everyone I know interested in a mountaineering trip. I'm actively interested in doing another trip with RMI in the future.
Alex H.

07/27/2021
The best part of this trip was the training and safety. We all knew we were in the best hands when it came to safety and preparation. RMI did a great job at prepping us and with their guides. I felt secure, comfortable, and safe the whole time.
Hannah B.

07/26/2021
There were many special things that I enjoyed most: the incredible Mount Rainier natural features; RMI's excellent guides and learning from them; the wonderful participants; and digging deep so I could reach the summit crater.
Edward C.

07/26/2021
Sharing the time with my son and meeting so many wonderful folks from all over the country. It was wonderful to hear Dave tell climbing stories, he was very generous in sharing his experience and rich supply of mountain stories.
William R.

07/26/2021
I already have recommended the trip to my outdoorsy friends! We are already looking to come back next year!
Will B.

07/25/2021
This trip was the best trip of my life and I don't say that lightly. A few things that were my favorites were 1) Mountaineering prep from the guides (rest steps, ice ax arrest, pressure breathing, etc.) 2) Cheerfulness of guides (help with anything from pack tightness to details about the area to simply wonderful conversation) 3) Truly incredible views unlike anything I've ever seen
Scott T.

07/25/2021
reaching summit
Carlos C.

07/24/2021
The guides were incredibly knowledgeable with extensive and impressive backgrounds. They were accommodating and ensured safe travel for all clients. Very happy with my experience with Nikki, Henry, and David on Mt. Rainier 4-Day Climb.
Brandon H.

07/23/2021
Getting to do it with my son and meeting some great people
Steve R.

07/22/2021
II enjoyed getting to know the guides and feeling like we were part of a team versus them just shepherding us up the mountain. Andy, Kiira, and Nate were truly an exceptional group of guides and getting to know and work with them was an unexpected but very enjoyable part of the trip. If they are even a small sample size of the rest of the guides I look forward to my next trip. I also felt like the logistics and planning were perfect. It made the trip easy and enjoyable.
Doug M.

07/21/2021
Working with your guides! Truly- I told them this, but I had no expectation that they would be so friendly, engaging, and fun while fulfilling their role as leaders in knowledge and safety.
Aimee M.

07/21/2021
The whole climbing experience. I understand that is broad but the guides/RMI made me (a novice nobody) feel like I BELONGED on the mountain. I cannot tell you what an amazing experience that was. Knowing I was safe with Andy and the guides I could enjoy it all and soak up things like watching a sunrise at 13500’. Super amazing!
Anna H.

07/20/2021
Attention to detail which increased the likelihood of reaching the summit
Doug C.

07/18/2021
Besides summiting of course, getting to bond with our team and guides and share this experience with other people who have aspired to climb this mountain and coming together to get it accomplished.
Chris T.

07/18/2021
The team dynamic was great. The guide team dynamic was also great and they made the trip wonderful. The best part of your org is clearly the people.
Michael W.

07/17/2021
The entire experience was pretty incredible. Joe was my lead guide, and he was top notch.
Tobias T.

07/16/2021
Being able to share the experience with the guides and our group. How the guides professionally handled the one individual from our group who was not able to summit, they were very considerate and made that person feel included.
Kurt W.

07/16/2021
I would absolutely love to do more climbs with RMI and am so glad that RMI was our guide company for this climb!
Caitlin F.

07/15/2021
I'm feeling a little stuck on "what to do next". There are so many other RMI trip options, it feels a little overwhelming to choose just one. It's a great problem to have! But I wonder if there's a chance to suggest a few potential next steps for those who want to push further, and particularly some tips on what I could improve personally between now and my next adventure.
Corey N.

07/15/2021
The sunrise at the summit was the best. After the long trip up, it was amazing to behold. This was my first mountaineering trip, and the bar has been set high for future trips.
Stephen B.

07/14/2021
I enjoyed that everyone in the group I came with (Alex and Kyle) was given the opportunity to really try. The guides were extremely supportive and also very aware of everyone's limitations. It was a great, safe, well-guided trip.
Cristina S.

07/14/2021
It was such a hard climb, but all of our guides were so motivational and supportive and that made it seem easier. They worked so well as a team and seemed to really enjoyed working with each other and I think that happiness transferred to the entire team.
Amy H.

07/14/2021
Our amazing female guides!! They made this such an empowering trip and I was so inspired by them. It felt amazing how excited they were to lead our SheJumps team, and be a part of our climb and summit experience.
Mackenzie T.

07/14/2021
THANK YOU RMI for hosting this amazing experience and collaborating with She Jumps!!! We hope to see it continue for years and years!! We will keep our ears peeled for an all ladies Denali trip!
Cal M.

07/13/2021
For me it was just the challenge of conquering this legendary mountain. It beat me.
Roy H.

07/13/2021
I loved talking with the guides. They are incredibly inspiring to talk to and be around. They obviously love being out in the mountains and their excitement about sharing the experience is incredible.
Mira S.

07/13/2021
It was very organized yet very laid back in terms of personalities executing the program. A good mix of operationalizing the whole thing while still making it feel safe, personal, and fun.
Kenzie D.

07/12/2021
Learning a new skill. Being guided by the best guides. Fulfilling a dream with others with the same goals.
Mari K.

07/12/2021
We had such a great group of clients & guides, couldn't have asked for a better team. Was so helpful pre climb to see the breakdown of each section, what to expect, and where we'd break - that helped calm my anxiety a lot to better visualize it. All our guides we so helpful, obviously concerned primarily with everyone's safety who was on the mountain, and lots of fun to spend time with. I think my favorite part of the whole trip was hanging in the bunkhouse pre climb.
Emily H.

07/12/2021
The guides. The camaraderie. The safety. The pace of climbing. The gear rental was easy. The weather cooperated (stunning). The ease of getting climbers water refills, hot water for dinner, places to sleep in the Guide Hut. All excellent.
Geoff C.

07/12/2021
We loved everything about the trip. I am so happy that safety is the main goal for RMI - that really made me feel comfortable with facing these fears.
Emily W.

07/11/2021
I enjoyed being able to climb at an easy pace with very expieranced mountaineers who where able to teach me more about the mountains and how to move about them.
Niko R.

07/10/2021
Knowing I was with the best company to climb Rainier with - you didn’t disappoint!
Robyn S.

07/09/2021
Attention to detail and safety. I never felt unsafe, which is remarkable given the situation. I really enjoyed that the guides helped us push through in adverse weather. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had.
Brandt W.

07/09/2021
I have already started recommending RMI to friends.
Peter S.

07/08/2021
I will be going with RMI on my next Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia and Denali trips. Can't wait!
Shay A.

07/07/2021
Your guides were fantastic. From the moment we met them, to beers after the trip, they were friendly and engaged in trying to make sure we were successful. I never felt uncomfortable asking them for their thoughts or opinions. They did a great job demonstrating the seriousness of the trip while keeping it fun and upbeat. Would definitely recommend climbing with all of them again.
Matthew D.

07/06/2021
This is the most technical mountain I’ve climbed and it was important to me to go with very qualified guides that I had complete confidence in. RMI achieved that, I was very impressed with all of the guides and very confident that they would make my client as safe as possible.
Melanie M.

07/03/2021
Besides summiting, the views were my favorite. It was overall a great experience and already want to climb it again along with the rest of the peaks in the area. Couldn’t have asked for better or more motivated guides. Also loved how well you get to know your team in such a short period.
Anthony L.

06/29/2021
Having sunrise on the mountain, thanking James (our guide) for bringing us up, and having him genuinely respond that he was happy to do so was a wonderful experience. It was a stunning trip made better by the people around us.
Niklas O.

06/28/2021
I will take many things away from this trip, from the compassion your team showed, to the most amazing sunrise, climbing a mountain by moonlight, standing on the summit, and checking off a bucket list.
Jesse J.

06/28/2021
The summit, getting to know everyone, working with the office staff and everything else. I loved it!!!
Ruth R.

06/26/2021
I enjoyed learning about the different skills one needs to climb Rainier, getting to execute them on the mountain, making the summit, and meeting great people.
Maximilian N.

06/23/2021
The entire adventure from training to buying and renting my gear, to the Whittaker base camp and, clearly, to successfully conquering Mt. Rainier!
Brian H.

06/23/2021
Knowing that if something were to go wrong, we have a skilled and knowledgeable team that can mitigate the risks.
Vasile C.

06/20/2021
The guides, the climbing, meeting our other climbing partners and the star of the show: Mt. Rainier.
Brad B.

06/20/2021
The views are spectacular. I have been in many montains, but never that close to glaciers, crevasses, seracs, etc. The colors from sunrise on through the monring were breathtaking. And even though my feet and legs are destroyed, I'm still giving it a ten as I hope the memories of the beauty last!
Mike M.

06/20/2021
The time on the mountain is focused in a way that is rare in day to day life. I enjoyed the challenge of the climb on the upper mountain, even if the trek to and from camp muir is a bit of a slog.
Eric P.

06/19/2021
I was climbing with childhood friends that I’ve known for 35+ years. Within no time, it seemed as if Pete, Seth, and Conner grew up with us. These guys were great! I enjoyed the guides energy, attitudes, and compassion for what they do.
Andrew G.

06/18/2021
Life long memories that I’ll never forget
Jeremy M.

06/16/2021
The guides created a comfortable sense of camaraderie in the group. They were encouraging and positive. They always provided information in advance. Great experience!
Thelma W.

06/14/2021
The guides and setup and training was very professional. Very organized and detail oriented
Cole D.

06/13/2021
From start to finish, I felt extremely well taken care of by the guides and RMI – safety, communication, knowing what to expect, etc. This allowed me to focus on having fun, enjoying the experience, and challenging myself. Having all 3 of our guides be fantastic individually and together as a guiding team made the experience so much better than I could've hoped for.
Daniel H.

06/12/2021
I enjoyed the mountain scenery the most. The challenge of summiting Rainier was a close second.
Anthony B.

06/11/2021
I enjoyed the RMI Guide dedication to each client. I felt a strong connection to all the members in my group and to my guides that safety and experience were very important.
Elijah U.

06/09/2021
The summit is always a bonus. The trip was professionally run and felt in good hands . We got further than we maybe would have without the excellent leadership, but ultimately it was the right call to turn around with wind slab risk high on the mountain. We had a great trip and learned lots of knew skills and made some great friends which is what it is all about. I would certainly recommend this trip and we will be back.
Stewart E.

06/07/2021
The entire experience was everything I hoped for and then some. I ran into Ben Luedtke on the Sky line trail during one of my practice hikes. And after talking a little we both realized he'd be my guide in a few day's. Although I didn't summit due to a high altitude eating disorder. I learned so much. Ben took the time to go over common knots used in the mountain's. While we were waiting for our team to come back from the summit. I'm coming back for a redo when I get my high altitude eating issue in check. Ben and I have unfinished business on the DC route!
Brian L.

06/06/2021
The guides. They are all amazing in their own right. I can’t say enough about their professionalism, commitment to safety and concern for the climbers.
Glenn F.

06/06/2021
Even though we have livedin the Mountains, this was a new experience that pushed my boundaries in a good way. It was an incredible glacial environment;. It was an adventure, a little scary but I felt safe and confident with our guides. It provided a once and a life time experience for my son and I. Thank you.
Russell F.

06/04/2021
I think my favorite part of the trip was getting roped up and leaving camp at 2am to start the climb. It was scary, but such a cool experience.
Matt T.

06/02/2021
The guides. Learned so much from them, and really enjoyed being around them. They made the experience a safe, enjoyable adventure that I will never forget.
Will J.

06/01/2021
Bonding with my friends, the fun and positive professionalism of the guides, and the stunning natural beauty of the climb.
Dan G.

06/01/2021
The arrival at Camp Muir. Just a beautiful, historic, and remarkable place to spend a night.
James S.

05/26/2021
Just getting out to hang on Rainier with others who were equally in awe of the mountain as I was. Climbing peaks is a passion of mine and I love sharing that with others who have the same mindset.
Chelsea D.

05/23/2021
I appreciate the professionalism of the RMI staff, and the extensive support they provided us during the climb. Despite the difficulty of the terrain, the entire time I felt sure of my skills and our ability to overcome the obstacles in front of us, large in part due to the RMI guides.
Jose N.

05/23/2021
I loved every bit of the trip, I don’t think I could ask for anything else. I had the time of my life. The guides were awesome and taught me a ton. I plan on booking another climb next year when I have more vacation time.
Joe C.

05/23/2021
Summiting - pushing through and doing the damn thing.
Daniel D.

05/18/2021
The entire trip. The opening seminar, the training, the hike to Muir, the climb itself. It was an incredible experience. I felt challenged and supported. I got to test myself while knowing incredible people had my back. I would recommend this trip to anyone and will hike with RMI in the future. Getting to summit a mountain I had wanted to climb for 25 years and to do so knowing I was doing it the right way is an experience and memory I will always cherish.
George H.

05/17/2021
I really enjoyed the mountaineering day school. I learned a lot of awesome tips that I'll take with me on every mountain, not just Rainer! It was so cool to learn from guides who were so experienced.
Shannon A.

05/17/2021
I enjoyed how professionally everything was done from the orientation to the celebration afterwards!
Michael R.

05/14/2021
Super prepared and knowledgeable guides, made me feel comfortable.
Kelsey L.

05/11/2021
I enjoyed the overall experience, the people, the location, the struggle, the reward...the whole process.
Barry P.

05/10/2021
Other than the views your guides and teammates make it or break it. Was incredibly lucky to have the guides that we did. Really made it a trip of a lifetime and something I want to continue to do in the future.
Will J.

10/28/2019
Even though turning around from summiting sucked, the hike back down as the sun began to rise was by far the most magical part of the trip. I appreciate RMIs commitment to safety, and can't wait to give Mt Rainier another go!
Maggie L.

10/07/2019
The positivity. Every guide and every team member brought something cool and interesting to the table, and we were able to celebrate all of it and cheer each other on! That was both inspiring and empowering while doing one of the toughest things I’ve ever attempted.
Corey N.

10/04/2019
I was expecting to be disappointed if we didn't summit, but in the end I learned so much and had such a unique and incredible experience that it didn't matter.
Mary F.

09/27/2019
Mountaineering school. That day the weather was amazing. Learning how to glacier travel was a blast. Getting up above the clouds is something I’ll never forget.
Vincent C.

09/23/2019
I liked the small size of the group and the guide-climber ratio.
Angela C.

09/22/2019
RMI is a top notch program. It would be hard to find any program better. It sets a high bar. Whomever is a part of the hiring team for the guides does an amazing job. The guides are fantastic.
Natasha D.

09/19/2019
Summit day of course. I had a blast and was smiling most the climb... at least until high break when the altitude finally started catching up with me but being a little tired wasn't going to stop me at that point. Thinking we had 30 more minutes of climbing and then suddenly walking into the crater was pretty awesome.
Glenn K.

09/16/2019
Our guides were helpful, encouraging, and authoritative without being condescending. I truly enjoyed their company as both new friends and as mountain guides.
Melissa B.

09/16/2019
RMI provides an excellent service - second to none.
Nathan S.

09/15/2019
Reaching the Summit and Trekking without crampons;).
Wesley D.

09/13/2019
I really enjoyed learning from the guides and getting to know everyone. Climbing this mountain was serious work (much more than expected) and they made it the whole experience really safe and enjoyable! Thank you!
Rebecca M.

09/11/2019
As I mentioned earlier, climbing Mount Rainier with the RMI team was an incredibly fulfilling experience. It exceeded every expectation that I had going into the climb. I am grateful for the friendships that we formed in a very short period of time. Our time together on the mountain, although brief, has made a meaningful impact in my life. I am grateful for the experience.
James S.

09/11/2019
The attention to detail of the guides was impressive. Really enjoyed the epic weather day that still allowed a summit.
Ian B.

09/11/2019
I learned a lot about mountaineering and alpine climbing. Mt Rainier is amazing and I gained excellent alpine experience. I made it through the most technical and steepest part of the climb, the Disappointment Cleaver. The guides are very experienced and knowledgeable. The climbing team was very fun and supportive.
Mike O.

09/05/2019
The guide team was really knowledgeable about more than just this specific trip. Were able to discuss training options to gain self sufficiency in the mountains, best courses, seminars, equipment, etc.
Adam D.

09/05/2019
The Glaciers and Crevasses were so awe-inspiring. I felt like I was on a different planet. I pushed myself to a degree I have never done before. I was certainly outside my comfort level, which I love to do, but this was WAY outside the comfort box. I didn't feel like I was in danger at all, I actually loved being so close to the edge of those Crevasses. And of course, being on top, making Summit was incredible.
Eric K.

09/03/2019
The camaraderie, especially mountaineering day school and after. The team really bonded and while I'm obviously sad I didnt get to go to the summit, I felt like everybody cared about me and thanks to the guides we really felt like a team.
Charline B.

09/02/2019
Everything was great from the ease of the gear rental, and the convenience of the onsite shop , to the food at the grill. The mountain was everything we wanted. The people of RMI, particularly the guides will continue to be some of our fondest memories.
Linsey S.

08/29/2019
RMI did an incredible job communicating beforehand. The guides were all very engaging and very friendly, and the learning was well delivered.
Emmy K.

08/27/2019
The guides were the best part of the trip. Their experience and concern for our welfare came through in all of their actions. We could not have accomplished the climb without them!
Dan K.

08/27/2019
The chemistry between the guides and the rest of us. Really liked the whole team. I was really encouraged knowing how much my experience mattered to the guides, and how far they were willing to go to get us to push ourselves to the top.
Alexander H.

08/26/2019
The best part of the trip was learning and growing in a team environment.
Bo B.

08/26/2019
We fortunately had excellent weather which really helped. The views were stunning from the upper mountain. Sunrise was spectacular. I really thought the ladder climb was awesome. I had never done that before on a climb.
Paul A.

08/26/2019
The knowledge and professionalism of the guides was impressive, made even more so by their ability to communicate effectively with the rest of the team. I enjoyed talking with the guides about their previous experiences as well as with the other clients. RMI took care of all of the logistical things so I could really enjoy and take in the experience of being on the mountain.
Emily S.

08/24/2019
The people. From the guides to the fellow climbers, the people were phenomenal across the trip. Our guides certainly facilitated team cohesion, as did the Base Camp facilities (especially the bar). I really can't say enough about the quality of the RMI personnel with whom we worked this week.
Jason R.

08/24/2019
I enjoyed the fact the guides were so outgoing and helpful. They really pushed everyone to succeed in reaching their goals whatever that may have been. I also appreciated the laid back atmosphere.
Kristie F.

08/22/2019
Overcoming the challenge was probably the most enjoyable part, but a close second was getting to observe the technical expertise of the guides and to learn about mountaineering (knots, gear, layering systems, travel techniques, hazards, etc...). Yes, I know you guys offer skills seminars and I'll be checking into those for a future trip.
Cory S.

08/21/2019
Just overall a great experience. Already thinking about when I can come back. Thank you RMI for a wonderful four days!
Andrew L.

08/17/2019
Organization and the immediate sense of camaraderie. The entire group interacted with each other right from the start. I think that was in large part due to Steve's leadership.
Pat E.

08/16/2019
Beyond being able to stand on top of "The Mountain", the guides for our trip were incredible and added so much to the experience. Without their level of knowledge and deep background, their intent to get us to the top safely, and their humor and engagement with the team our experience would not have been the same.
Steve B.

08/16/2019
Personally, what I enjoyed most was the chance I was given to climb such an amazing mountain and that was only made possible by your services and highly trained guides.
James R.

08/15/2019
Feel fortunate to have been with a great group of guides and climbers that worked well together and encouraged everyone on the way up and back done, That, and reaching the summit!
Tom K.

08/12/2019
Fun, knowledgeable guides who got us up and down safely. The successful summit attempt!
Mallinath V.

08/12/2019
Knowing that we were well prepared and led by competent, experienced, and professional guides. The mountain was amazing, and the views were fantastic. I loved every part of the experience.
Daniel W.

08/07/2019
You guys are the best and I 100% would not have made it alive without you. This is easily the biggest accomplishment of my life and it's because of you guys that I can say that. Thank you Jake, Coby, and Ben so so much. You guys are really amazing.
Samuel G.

08/07/2019
Our guides were the best part of the trip, they were just amazing people and their passion for the mountains and us really made our trip super special! I was very impressed at the female guides presence on the climb, I realized it's not the norm to have 2 female leads (Jess for another team and Christina for our team) and guides for our trip. I was very inspired by all of them and would love to do more climbs with them!!
Sarah S.

08/06/2019
Chance to summit Rainier!
Abraham W.

08/06/2019
The guides were professional and awesome in every way.
Stephen B.

08/05/2019
Our schedule of climbing interspersed by breaks was well-thought-out and optimized my experience and energy, causing the physical exertion to fade into the background as our group conversed with the immense peaks and moonrise beyond the pinnacles of this impressive mountain.
Louisa G.

08/04/2019
This was my second attempt with RMI - the first being turned around due to poor weather. I'm so happy I stayed motivated to come back and give it another go. Getting to the summit was obviously my favorite part. :)
Rachel O.

08/03/2019
The pace was perfect. The gear list was spot-on. The guides were personable yet firm... their humor was much-appreciated.
Ryan M.

08/03/2019
Overcoming my fear at the bottom of the cleaver and making it to the top of it to witness the most awesome sunrise I've ever seen.
Leroy K.

08/02/2019
It's so hard to pick just one thing! I obviously loved being able to summit with near perfect weather but the guides and team we had made the experience so much more enjoyable. My favorite was probably playing on the Muir snow field on the way down. Book Skiing and glasading!
Allison M.

07/29/2019
Awesome experience.
Marvin H.

07/29/2019
Summit day was awesome. I also enjoyed the conversations with the guides. You can tell they are passionate about climbing and sharing their knowledge with their clients. Walter and Jack are awesome guides. Take care of them!
Joseph D.

07/28/2019
The teamwork side of things. Awesome to see strangers come together for a common goal. Luckily my group seemed to understand from the start that the only way we were getting to the top was to work together. My favorite part right now has been reflecting on a summit goal obtained for the past week!
Bo J.

07/27/2019
Obviously making it to the summit on my first try was the best part. But sometimes its about the journey not the destination and the guides that we had truly made the trip an experience of a life time. I had done a mountaineering day class with another company and am extremely happy I went with RMI for the actual climb. The guides we had are truly top notch amazing people; they were highly skilled, fun and their attention to safety was very much appreciated. A few of us from the team are already planning our next adventure with them. I would definitely recommend RMI to anyone looking to climb. I really enjoyed everything and had the best time.
Jennifer S.

07/25/2019
I am pleased beyond measure with each and everyone of my three trips thus far with RMI along with each and every guide I have come to know so far. Rainier was a lifelong dream for me that I can finally cross off, and yet I have further plans for this mountain and many others. I can not wait until 2020 to see what I have in store, and have not ruled out a second summit attempt this September if I can get the time and trips are still available.
Brian B.

07/25/2019
The guides were so knowledgeable and safety was their priority - I felt comfortable and safe the entire trip!! They put up with my bad jokes and even helped catch me a couple times before I fell!
Jessica H.

07/24/2019
Everything about the trip ran very smooth— from navigating the website, to reviewing the gear list, the itinerary, and the staff. The guides were knowledgeable, down to earth, and genuinely cared about my experience.
Siri C.

07/22/2019
RMI is a very professional organization from top to bottom. I am 0-2 on Rainier because of weather. Maybe three times is the charm. Pete, Grayson, and Cody were really great. They were friendly and accommodating, but they also knew when if was time to "put on your game face." One of the things that I really like about RMI is the guide to climber ratio. we had one guide for every three climbers - that is outstanding!
David L.

07/20/2019
The anticipation of it and getting exposure to a more technical style of ascending a mountain than more basic trekking/hiking.
Jordan C.

07/17/2019
The guides and the support from them, and the stories they had to share and just getting to know them
Sarang K.

07/16/2019
I enjoyed getting to know the guides and our group. Everything we learned in school I am going to apply to my other hikes when applicable. I am super stoked we were able to get to the summit and back with out any issues. I will definitely be coming back to climb with RMI again.
Jessica C.

07/16/2019
Other than getting to the summit I'd say the best thing about the trip was how easy it was to trust the guides to know what to do down to clothing, eating, drinking water, etc. It was nice to relax and follow their advice and focus on the climb itself. It was a good way to learn a little bit about how to approach bigger mountains.
Dane B.

07/15/2019
I enjoyed being on the mountain. I loved the scenery and the challenge of the trip. The beauty of the sunrise on the mountain was spectacular!
Natalie D.

07/14/2019
Summit day. Challenging and rewarding.
Josh H.

07/12/2019
The fact that we had an amazing team who all showed up prepared and in excellent physical condition to climb, 3 guides with an incredible combined experience on the mountain and the best possible weather all led to a Rainier summit climb that I will remember for decades to come. The participants and guides I climbed with were all excellent and I hope I have the opportunity to climb with many of them again in the future.
Nicholas E.

07/11/2019
The guides are awesome. These guys take you in under their wing and treat you like family for the time you get to spend with them. Mountaineering is a dangerous sport, but I knew I was safe following their lead. I'm always so jealous of the life they get to live.
Brian H.

07/11/2019
I had little prior knowledge or experience before coming to Ashford. This climb was one of the most incredible experiences I will ever have, and I am really proud of myself for summiting. Our guides kept emphasizing the journey to the summit over the actual summit, and that couldn't be more true. My group walked away with so much respect for our guides, ice climbing, RMI as a whole, and each other.
Florence P.

07/10/2019
The guides gave us such detailed information, I don't think it can get any better than that. I felt as prepared as I could be for doing something so far out of my comfort zone for the first time.
Medina B.

07/09/2019
Being able to learn more about mountaineering and getting to have the adventure of making it further up Rainier than I ever had before with the great help of the guides.
Kyle W.

07/09/2019
I enjoyed the part of the climb where you could still see the stars and then into the early morning with the sunrise.
Caroline G.

07/09/2019
Thank you for one of the best and most meaningful experiences of my life!
David Y.

07/08/2019
I have had a few other trips with RMI. RMI makes this very unique experience fun, while maintaining a high regard for safety and care for the environment. I always feel pushed to the limits, but safe in the hands of experienced guides!
Dave L.

07/08/2019
Professional, caring guides!! We can't emphasize enough how much we enjoyed and respected Jess, Dominic and Coby.
Neil W.

07/07/2019
It was a fantastic experience! RMI has everything run so smoothly with regard to the training and the climb. All of the guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. I am so glad we picked RMI for this trip!!
William E.

07/04/2019
The guides were clearly serious about doing their job but they were also very friendly and personable. I was exhausted and questioning whether I could make it or not a few times along the way and they were confident that I could make it. Without their encouragement I probably wouldn't have made it to the summit. I'm very thankful for that!
Timothy W.

07/03/2019
Other than the camaraderie that built with training partners, being with our whole group while laughing and training. We had great guides, good teammates, and the right demeanor to fit together. It was cool getting to the top, but it was more about the people.
Brian F.

07/02/2019
We had such a great group of guides and climbers .. good and inspiring people to be around . I had complete confidence in our guides ... I think the school prior to the climb was excellent
JoAnn L.

06/28/2019
The learning from our very knowledgeable guides. I feel like I have a stronger base for further mountaineering experiences! The summit wasn't bad either
Matt H.

06/24/2019
Without writing a book I will say these things: 1) The happy accident of this collection of individuals being together for 4 days to tackle this challenge. It seemed like a good balance of personalities with two great facilitators (Casey and Ben). 2) The mountaineering experience. Exploring new terrain I've never felt confident enough to try. Feeling safe in high consequence areas. Elevating my experience of the outdoors with an extraordinary challenge.
Christopher D.

06/19/2019
Everything from Basecamp to the training and summit day worked out perfect..it was the exact experience I was hoping for and would recommend RMI to anyone who asks.
Matthew G.

06/18/2019
Watching the guides climb the mountain like they were walking to the corner store. Unbelievable.
Eric D.

06/18/2019
I appreciated the organization in which the itinerary was followed. Also we appreciated the guides spending time with us after the climb and then coffee with Andy the morning we were departing after the climb. He was off and took the time to talk over coffee.
Michael C.

06/15/2019
I really enjoyed my teammates and the guides. The guides never seemed tired or upset which I appreciated. Their ability to climb the mountain smoothly without complaints inspired me and made me respect the company's hard work. Climbing the mountain was an incredible experience!!!
Sarah S.

06/15/2019
For me, it's always going to be about being in the mountains... the awe inspiring scenery, rock and ice formations, the views to the other peaks, etc. I felt so lucky that we had absolutely perfect weather for our 4 day climb. Of course summitting was a highlight, but you don't get to really sit up there and savor the moment due to the need to keep moving, so it's the overall experience that collectively makes up the great memories. Besides the natural wonders, the guides were incredible. We couldn't have enjoyed those places without their assistance, but beyond that they are all wonderful people to be around.
Heather B.

06/14/2019
The new skills I was introduced to, along with the camaraderie between the other guests and guides, made this an awesome trip.
Ben B.

06/14/2019
The clarity with which we knew what to expect next was awesome. Helped calm the anxiety and enjoy the experience a lot.
Rahul R.

06/13/2019
The thing I most enjoyed about the trip was the people. I was surrounded by highly motivated and adventurous people, which is what I was looking for.
Greg H.

06/10/2019
Overall a very enjoyable experience. Even though we didn’t make the summit I learned a lot of valuable skills in our time up there. Our guides were very knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to climb with them. I will definitely be back.
Scott S.

06/07/2019
I enjoyed being out of my comfort zone on the glacier. While I was terrified to go over the ladders, I felt very safe and was so happy that I got to push my limits.
Katie S.

06/05/2019
Enjoyed being around so many like minded people. I didn’t make it to the summit, because of the environment created by RMI it was great to celebrate and encourage those that did.
Mattson K.

05/31/2019
Just overall beauty of the park and sharing time with the guides and people on the trip.
Martin L.

05/31/2019
The summit day was my favorite. I think I was smiling during the whole climb in the dark. It was so much fun. I was starting to finally chip away at a dream I've had the last couple years, however, I was really impressed with the guides. I generally hike and climb solo, so this was my first experience with a guide service. At least with Chris and my team, there was zero arrogance and some of the most friendly people I've met in this mountaineering community. Between sharing their knowledge and experience to the funny riddles we had up the mountain, it just made for an awesome experience.
Robert G.

05/30/2019
RMI does a fantastic job staffing trips with top-notch guiding talent...it is a first-rate company that I can confidently recommend for others interested in challenging climbing trips.
Steve C.

05/28/2019
Learned a lot about being more efficient in the mountains and really enjoyed being on the glacier and seeing the sunrise.
Brian V.

05/27/2019
The guides are always the highlight on these trips, very interesting people to be around and they are great at breaking the ice and getting a team of strangers talking with eachother.
Daniel P.

05/14/2019
The guides were the best, very competent and professional. The itinerary was perfect. The climb was tough and very rewarding. I don't think you could have done more with 4 days.
Paul R.

05/13/2019
being part of the team, getting to know team members and guides, and having a good opportunity through preparation by your guides to accomplish the ultimate goal
John D.

11/25/2018
The experience of this trip is one I will be proud of the rest of my life. My only regret was not getting myself into better shape before hand.
Brian M.

10/09/2018
SUMMITING!! No honestly, the whole experience was just amazing. I learned so much and I'm totally motivated and excited to keep climbing.
MichaelAnne M.

10/06/2018
RMI is first class. I loved everything about RMI. I will recommend RMI to everyone with mountaineering, peaks and ice adventures on their bucket list.
Julie M.

10/03/2018
I loved some of the hardships I endured with my fellow team members. I may be a bit of a masochist, but I think the difficulties I encountered made me appreciate the difficulty that much more and will help me in the future to become a better climber. It is very hard for me to pick a single favorite item because I enjoyed the whole trip.
Charles T.

10/03/2018
I came to Ashford/Rainier probably 50/50 on whether I was "sold" on RMI for my bucket list pinnacle of summitting Denali. By the end of the 6 day Muir seminar I was 150% committed to do so; both as a client spending money and as a person willing to work through your prerequisites. That assessment was immediately followed by this 4-day which continued in exceeding my expectations. Thank you.
Tim M.

10/02/2018
The unique route and scenery provided by the late season. The guides seem to truly know and understand the mountain, conditions, and route. I also appreciate their high regard for safety.
David B.

10/01/2018
RMI made a difficult summit accessible. It was absolutely fantastic to be able to climb in light and dark, across different types of paths, and know we were safely in the hands of terrific guides. Cannot wait to do more RMI trips!
Virginia W.

09/30/2018
RMI was highly recommended by a coworker and exceeded our expectations.
Charles S.

09/26/2018
The guides knew how to keep us safe but still have a great time.
Nicholas C.

09/25/2018
I loved the time on the mountain and base camp life.
Jeff D.

09/25/2018
I had a great time even though we didn't make the summit. Can't wait to get back and make another attempt.
Christopher W.

09/19/2018
Going over some incredible crevasses on ladders!! Such a thrilling and fantastic experience!
Ghislaine T.

09/17/2018
Getting to the summit with awesome people knowing we'd done it as safely as possible. Learning more about mountaineering.
Alexi C.

09/17/2018
We were all disappointed that winds came up and prevented our summit attempt, but everyone had a great attitude and we enjoyed he beauty of the surroundings.
Paul M.

09/17/2018
The guides were awesome and had lots of great climbing stories. The park was unbelievable and the mountain breathtaking. Pizza and beer and Ashton was a bonus!
Alex C.

09/15/2018
Great company. I really enjoyed almost ever aspect of my trip and I would not climb a mountain through any other organization.
Howard I.

09/13/2018
The staff and guides really make this experience the absolute best. Such a great balance of leadership, instruction, and encouragement. We will ABSOLUTELY be climbing again with RMI.
Hannah H.

09/12/2018
I loved the whole team environment that RMI provided & the organization of RMI was phenomenal from the first email after sign-up to the transportation and the rest of the logistics. It definitely did not go unnoticed.
Allie S.

09/10/2018
This was my first mountaineering experience and I really enjoyed the thrill of it all. The guides and our group were a highlight, I felt like everyone came well prepared and we all got along well.
Raleigh U.

09/10/2018
The team environment provided by RMI and the guides on our climb. The guides were professional but also down to earth and easygoing. Great experience overall.
Andrew P.

09/10/2018
I very much enjoyed learning from the guides and also the company of my fellow climbers. Everyone worked great as a team and it was one of the most fun experiences I've had in the mountains.
Rob C.

09/08/2018
The challenge, the views, and most of all the friendships and camaraderie.
Sarfraz D.

09/06/2018
Great training with RMI. Great guides. Excellent communication before, during and after the trip. The climb itself was incredible.
Roger R.

09/06/2018
Dave! And of course RMI's professional approach to the overall trip. I wouldn't consider climbing Mt. Rainier without using RMI
Michael F.

09/05/2018
RMI has it dialed in....start to finish! Pre-climb communication is top notch, gear guide was right on! On-site the guides are great, base camp is perfect...snow camp was valuable. The actual summit climb is dialed in.
Travis S.

09/03/2018
The guides are very helpful to help us get prepared for the trip, and their concern for safety is very appreciated
Beixian X.

09/02/2018
Getting the opportunity to push myself in a way I wouldn't be able to on my own. Mt Rainier is an incredible place and I'm really grateful to have experienced it.
Alexander R.

09/01/2018
I liked it so much I can't wait to go on more trips with you :-)
Emanuel T.

08/31/2018
I didn't summit Mt. Rainier. Never have I under estimated a climb such a Mt. Rainier. I trained hard for this, but not enough. My experience with RMI was OUTSTANDING! Brent, Dustin, Cole, and Mattias were OUTSTANDING!! I am considering returning next year to finish what I started, but I don't know as of yet. THANK YOU RMI!!
Robert A.

08/30/2018
The sunrise on Rainier was the most beautiful I have ever seen. The trip planning and guiding was well presented and we knew exactly what to expect with regards to equipment, traveling, timelines, difficulty.
Lacey J.

08/30/2018
My experience could not have been any better. There was not a single person with RMI that didn't make me feel completely welcome, and made everything as easy as it could possibly be.
Dan P.

08/29/2018
Learning new skills. My background is backpacking and not mountaineering. Many of those new skills will translate well into backpacking.
William S.

08/29/2018
I really enjoyed how much the guides kept the climb exciting. They continuously were talking about the Mountain and the areas we were in.
Garrett G.

08/28/2018
I loved the guides and the challenge of the mountain -- it was hard but the sunrise view was worth it
Anne-Marie W.

08/25/2018
I loved getting to check off an item from my personal adventure bucket list. Furthermore, I loved that the experience was educational and at an enjoyable pace. Both of these factors motivated me to pursue mountaineering further! Most importantly though, I enjoyed going with a guide team that I trusted with my safety. It was wonderful to pursue my dream without having to constantly worry about my safety. It was great to know we had a well-educated guide team that would make the difficult decisions and help keep us safe.
David R.

08/24/2018
The guides by far. They were extremely knowledgable, professional, and fun. They kept everyone on track while doing it in a way to not rush.
John M.

08/24/2018
The amount of support from the guides and the team was great. I was quite nervous coming in on whether I was sufficiently prepared and able to make the climb. They were great in assuring, helping, and educating. In the end I was well enough prepared and their guidance and support got me to the top.
Mark N.

08/24/2018
This was an amazing experience overall. While obviously standing on the summit of Mt Rainier was a highlight, I deeply appreciated how RMI and especially the guides did everything possible to make sure that we were in the best position we could be to have a successful climb. It was very impressive and definitely made me feel like I had gotten the absolute most out of my time on the mountain.
Olga R.

08/23/2018
I enjoyed the adventure being out on the upper glaciers, and how pedestrian the RMI guides makes it seem to be on such difficult terrain. They motivate me to become a better climber!
John S.

08/23/2018
There was nothing about it I didn't like. The guides were great, the climb was great. And the people were all fun to meet.
Aaron C.

08/23/2018
I enjoyed the climbing with the people I did not know and was great climbing overall from trailhead to summit.
Dilip N.

08/23/2018
I really liked that the guides weren't going to baby anyone up to the summit. Each climber was expected to be physically able to get up and back down under their own power.
Aaron S.

08/23/2018
I learned a ton of new skills and got to work with a talented set of guides and an inspiring group of colleagues. It was the hardest and most fun thing I've ever done.
Puja T.

08/22/2018
Glissading on the way down! (just kidding) My favorite part was the time between the last rest break and the summit, as the stars were fading and the sun was getting ready to climb above the horizon. It was a truly magical moment.
Jeff J.

08/22/2018
Trip was very well organized and there were extremely competent people at every step along the way.
Pat E.

08/22/2018
The staff and guides were very professional and easy to deal with. Obviously the climb was my favorite part of the trip but having a staff that was as personable as they were made the trip over the top!
Mike B.

08/21/2018
I’ve gone on trips with other companies. You guys have this dialed in. Your guides, staff, facilities, instruction, and client care are unmatched.
Katherine G.

08/21/2018
I loved the whole trip! I've never had an experience like being deep in the glaciers of Rainier. This was my first true mountaineering trip and I loved finally getting comfortable with my ice axe and crampons. My friends keep asking me how it was and I have no words to describe being up there. Truly unreal. I want to do it again and bigger mountains!
Torrie F.

08/15/2018
All of the guides did a fantastic job of making this a safe, enjoyable, educational experience. Mountaineering is inherently dangerous, but felt that I was in good hands with the guides. We could not have made it without them! It was nice to be able to use the RMI bunkhouse at Camp Muir. Also convenient that the RMI/Whittaker Mountaineering campus was a one stop shop for rentals, gear, lodging, food.
Jake M.

08/15/2018
The entire experience. The views of the mountain, the physical challenges, the bonding with my friends... Literally everything was a great time.
Jeffrey W.

08/14/2018
My favorite part of the trip was getting to know and learn from the guides. Observing how professionals operate in an alpine environment creates a great learning experience.
Doug J.

08/14/2018
This was a great experience. Rainier is a tough mountain and ALL the RMI staff did everything to make the experience suscessful
Grant B.

08/13/2018
I enjoyed the guides, they were so knowledgeable and I felt very safe and comfortable. I loved the snow school and how RMI is really committied to not only getting people to the summit, but also teaching.
Sheriden S.

08/09/2018
Well organized and guides who cared about your experience
Jim C.

08/08/2018
I enjoyed so much. I am a low-land hiker, so getting crazy high on a mountain and experiencing all of the high altitude/glacier stuff + learning mountaineering basics is what I signed up for. The joy I got from experiencing it with the RMI team and the rest of the climbers in our group was unexpected.
Robert G.

08/08/2018
Life journey, building friendships. amazing views, , great people !
Matthew M.

08/07/2018
I enjoyed the challenge and the team environment. RMI and the guides did a great job of bringing the team together for those 4 days and making a special experience.
Michael L.

08/06/2018
I just think RMI and these guides are fantastic. you guys do so much more than just get RMI clients safely up and down the mountain. You educate, you take care of the mountain, you look out for any climbers up there... it's really humbling and inspiring and I have a lot of respect and gratitude for what RMI and your guides do. THANK YOU!
Casey B.

08/01/2018
Real mountaineering, not just a hike up hill. I really felt like I was having an authentic experience and real mountaineering training.
Carl M.

08/01/2018
As noted, guides were top notch in every way. The summit day was outstanding and the clear highlight.
Ed D.

08/01/2018
All the people on the trip were fantastic: both the guides and other climbers in our group.
James B.

07/31/2018
Loved every single second, even when it was tough. I learned so much about how to climb sustainably, and now am excited to tackle future mountains with RMI! Can't imagine going with any other guide service.
Anna G.

07/31/2018
Our guides and their passion and experience, which helped make the trip an adventure of a lifetime.
Sue N.

07/27/2018
Climbing with awesome and experienced guides and the mix of clients.
Marco T.

07/27/2018
Having a women-only space to experience this trip was the best part. It made me feel comfortable to share my experiences, try and fail, cry, hug... I really appreciated that opportunity. Thank you.
Jacquelyn K.

07/26/2018
I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the best! I loved the pacing, breathing techniques, and rest steps-- it has made such a huge difference in my climbing already!
Siri C.

07/26/2018
The overall experience was amazing! I felt like I was on an adult feild trip. A combination of the awesome guides, the other guests and the professional yet light and personalable attitudes of the staff. The journey up was awesome. I have already recommended you guys to friends.
Jason H.

07/25/2018
All guides had good attitudes and were committed to getting the whole team up to the summit. There was a good feeling among the climbers and we had all of the information and preparation that we needed to reach the top.
Metta C.

07/25/2018
Rainier climb in beautiful weather - guides ensured the 4 days was well structured, efficient and absolutely enjoyable. The combination of web site information, eMail reminders and guide oversight/coaching ensured I was well prepared, in good physical condition with the right equipment.
Robert S.

07/24/2018
Thanks Again will be back for other mountains
Davren B.

07/24/2018
The opportunity. Being able to push yourself mentally and physically and having these world class guides to lean on is great. You really have the opportunity to share something special with these people and this year for me it was with my brother. These opportunities can change your life for the better and really steep into your everyday life, iif you let it!
Parker A.

07/23/2018
We summited! The weather was fantastic -- thanks for that! In spite of Dave's experience on much grander expeditions than Ranier, he took the time to make sure we were safe and successful. Never got the feeling this was "just Ranier." He was very careful to make sure we knew what to expect and what was expected of us.
Malcolm L.

07/19/2018
I enjoyed the overall camaraderie that quickly formed between the group and the guides. I also appreciated the straightforwardness and honesty that the guides had while communicating the risks and challenges toward the top of the mountain.
Frances D.

07/18/2018
I truly loved everything about the trip and experience! If I had to pick what I enjoyed the most it would be how well our guides and overall team worked together. I thought it was a perfect balance of safety, security and laughter to make the trip enjoyable throughout.
Daesha E.

07/16/2018
The camaraderie of our group, chemistry with our guides, and overall adventure/challenges on the mountain.
Libby M.

07/16/2018
Having lived most of my life in Florida, I had never seen a glacier up close, peered into a crevasse, walked under seracs, been on a volcano, or seen the Milky Way. I was overwhelmed by the experience of seeing all the head lamps going up the mountain. Humbled by the strength and resolve of my team mates.
Julie B.

07/16/2018
Obviously getting to the summit. But the camaraderie fostered by the guides on us the clients was a close second.
Drew T.

07/08/2018
All guides were extremely professional, friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Very grateful that they allowed us to go all the way to Columbia Crest and sign mountain registry. Support staff, including van drivers and rental equipment people were also extremely professional and friendly. Overall just a wonderful experience and looking forward to my next adventure with RMI.
Kimberly O.

07/06/2018
The people, the guides, the challenge
Christopher R.

07/05/2018
RMI Base Camp was a great location to call home. Clean, organized, good food and accommodating staff. What I enjoyed most about the trip overall were the caliber of guides, their commitment to the group and ability to keep a positive outlook and connect with everyone individually. Great personalities all around really made for a fun experien
Brenda B.

07/04/2018
RMI was Aces. I never even considered another company. Your setup at Rainier Basecamp is amazing from gear shop to grub, you have it all. The Meal plan with Whittaker Mountaineering and the rental service was excellent and a great value. I enjoyed the Bunkhouse a lot and was very comfortable there. The food at both the Grill and the Cafe was excellent and just what was needed for an early start or post summit celebration. I will be using your services again in the future for sure!
Jared Z.

07/04/2018
The views and the environment. I really loved the sense of "esprit de corps" that developed very quickly.
Zachary A.

06/29/2018
The guides. The mountain.
William A.

06/29/2018
Rainier was my very first attempt at mountaineering. I love the outdoors and hiking, but not having done a climb before I wasn't sure what to expect. RMI from the very start at signup to the end of the climb, proved to be an awesome company to work with. The guides were fantastic and never once did I feel like my safety was in jeopardy. You can really tell that the years of experience at the company and from the guides really helps to keep the climbs moving efficiently with the right amount of rest. I think the guides make all the difference in the world, if all 3 weren't so awesome to be around, I'm not sure I would want to try again. I'm already thinking about next year and my next adventures with RMI!
Mychal W.

06/26/2018
I did my research, read all the informative emails sent out by RMI, read some of the recommended books and did my best to physically and mentally prepare, because of this there really wasn't many surprises for me, I could tell that others had not taken the time to read the information as thoroughly - such as the itinerary etc.
Michelle F.

06/19/2018
"The camaraderie between other climbers and guides * the physical challenge and collective support * the beauty of the landscape * the professionalism, focus on safety and making the trip enjoyable"
Andreas R.

06/19/2018
I was extremely impressed by the professionalism and kindness of all of the guides. Each one was knowledgeable, patient, caring, and had a true talent for teaching the necessary skills to all personalities. It's a tough job to led a group of strangers safely through difficult terrain, yet each guide provided us with a great experience while also taking great care of us. Thank you!
Joanna M.

06/16/2018
An authentic mountaineering experience with a focus on safety.
Dennis D.

06/13/2018
We carefully vetted and assembled a team of 8 awesome guys. My favorite part of the trip was reaching the summit with my team. But, here's the deal - I didn't vet or select the guides. They were the unknown factor. And RMI didn't disappoint. You provided guides that completed our group, fit right in, and made us better and made the experience better.
Scott P.

06/13/2018
I loved our time on the Ingraham Direct route. It was just the experience I was looking for.
Harrison F.

06/11/2018
Obviously the mountain was beautiful, but getting to climb with Steve and Geoff Schellens was a pretty cool experience.
Quinton H.

06/11/2018
The Guides, made the trip, hands down!
Sam O.

06/10/2018
This is my second RMI trip. You do an amazing job selecting guides. They are wonderful people full of integrity, grit and compassion.
Katherine F.

06/10/2018
RMI is fantastic and has the best group of guides on the planet. Tremendous people with great character and massive experience and talent.
Chris C.

06/09/2018
The 3 guides assigned to our group were all great and seemed to get along. Really enjoyed getting to know them and having them lead us to the summit!
Matt K.

06/08/2018
The 8 is a rating on myself not RMI. I started working out in October of 2017 and was more than capable of walking 5,000 in elevation, with 35LB on my back, on a incline machine. While it was great cardio workout, for me it did not represent the actual conditions of soft snow and heavy boots.
Dan H.

06/07/2018
This stretched my bounds for sure! I was grateful that we were able to summit. The guides and preparation were top notch! The team did everything necessary to set us up for success.
Don I.

06/06/2018
I was truly blown away by the level of professionalism throughout the entire 4-days. You could tell the guides truly cared about making sure the experience was over the top (and not just getting to the Summit). The knowledge, communication, leadership, professionalism, and positive attitudes helped create an unforgettable experience. Everything about the trip, and especially the guides, exceed my expectations.
Nathan M.

06/06/2018
Well planned, with attention to detail. Guides all have great people skills. Rachel in whitaker rentals was wonderful. Renting gear was easy and after initial meeting addded more items.
Brian F.

06/04/2018
The whole experience was great right from the time I arrived to the time I left,very professionally run, great team of people, the climb was better than I could ever have imagined and the beauty of Mt Rainer was amazing.
Dean S.

06/03/2018
The positive, constructive, and safety-focused RMI guide team takes the cake here. While no guide or service can make the climb "easy", RMI guides have the gift of maintaining a focus on what is important and attaining the goals set out.
Dylan R.

06/01/2018
I can't tell you how many people have come to me about climbing Mount Rainier now that I have done it. I have recommended RMI to everyone letting them know how well organized RMI is in getting the climber prepared for the experience. I have also told them the name of my three guides, letting them know how good they were. I don't plan on climbing Mount Rainier again but if I do it will be with RMI.
Peter S.

06/01/2018
I enjoyed sitting at our maintenance break on the "High Break" and watching the sunrise. Of course, the summit is awesome and reading the summit registry. Having optimal weather makes it that much more memorable. Standing on the summit and knowing what energy it took to be there felt incredible. The taste of the first beer once back down at Ashford is always pleasant too, invigorating even.
William F.

05/31/2018
The professionalism and caring attitude of RMI guides. I have climbed with other climbing companies and so far no one has come close to the professionalism of RMI. Thank you :-)
Rahim C.

05/31/2018
Bryan, Nick, and Lydia were outstanding. They demonstrated exceptional professionalism and commitment to the best experience for their clients. Bryan's leadership and communication were outstanding. Nick showed exemplary attention to detail. Lydia's people skills and her ability to manage and communicate with clients was superb. I've participated in numerous outdoor activities with guides and none hold a candle to the level of service Bryan, Nick, and Lydia provided. Absolutely top notch team.
Greg B.

05/29/2018
Making it to the top with my friends. Truly unforgettable, and I know there's no way we could have done it without RMI. This was a dream come true.
Matt S.

05/28/2018
The pace was great. Everything was planned and explained perfectly.
Alex J.

05/26/2018
Had a great time. Even if you possess all the skills to do this on your own, doing it with a team you dont know amd with guides taking care of so much really is something all climbers should enjoy at some point.
Logan H.

05/22/2018
Aside from getting to climb with my husband and a bunch of my friends it was the actual climb up a huge mountain. I worked hard to be fit enough to do this and it felt great to summit knowing i was. The views... It looks huge from Seattle and it almost felt bigger when we were climbing it.
Angela J.

05/21/2018
I enjoyed that safety was put on the highest premium. The trip of course was fantastic but the best part was interacting with the guides and how they can get the "group" to interact with each other.
Stephen B.

05/19/2018
The visual scenery on the mountain, the guides, and the beer garden on your property. So relaxing.
Anthony E.

05/16/2018
Great guides with great attitudes
Tim A.

01/15/2018
Even though it was very cold, I enjoyed waking up at 11pm and starting the final ascent. Seeing the headlamps of other climbers marching up the mountain 100s of vertical feet above me is a memory that I hope is burnt into my brain forever. The sunrise as we were summitting was another beautiful experience.
Bryce H.

12/28/2017
Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Made the right call at the right time.
Michael S.

10/12/2017
Unforgettable.
Eli B.

10/11/2017
We've already been recommending RMI to anyone thinking of doing an expedition in the future!!
Amy R.

10/09/2017
From John muir camp to SUMMIT !!!Insights from Dave Hahn were extremely insightful.
Jatin N.

10/06/2017
Fellowship with other climbers and guides is a surreal environment.
Bryce P.

10/01/2017
Christina, Solveig, and Taylor were amazing. They all have such a passion for what they do and it's evident in the way they care for and communicate with their climbers. I enjoyed talking with Christina about mountaineering, guiding, and some next steps that I can take through RMI to broaden my mountaineering skills. She was very inspiring and I hope to learn more from her climbing next year!
Kimberly K.

09/26/2017
Learned a lot, very educational and systematic. All guides are very knowledgeable and a pleasure to climb with.
Tian W.

09/25/2017
Sunrise at Camp Muir and hiking down the snowfields in the early am with Gloria. We were the only ones on the mtn and i think that is pretty rare. I also really enjoyed mountaineering school as I hadn't had any experience with it before.
Scott B.

09/24/2017
Professional organized operation and execution.
Kevin J.

09/23/2017
The experience of the guides. I felt like they really knew what they were doing, and I felt safe with them.
Neil D.

09/22/2017
All of the guides were very knowledgable and fun to be around.
Will M.

09/20/2017
I enjoyed everything about this trip. I have climbed many 14K peaks in CO and this was completely different. Look forward to climbing with RMI in the future
Matt L.

09/17/2017
The entire experience was incredible.
Brian D.

09/14/2017
The climb. New experience with lots of positive feedback and guidance from guides
Kari H.

09/13/2017
The RMI Team's attention to safety and drive to get everyone to the summit. Their knowledge around the mountain and what is needed to make it safely is impressive.
Shawn B.

09/11/2017
Jess was really poised as trip leader and Taylor and JM very helpful as assistant guides.Perfect balance of pushing us to our physical limits without being TOO much...knew when to push us another level.
Neil C.

09/07/2017
RMI was fabulous throughout the experience, from the training tips to the actual climb. All guides were extremely professional, highly skilled and incredibly knowledgeable of mountaineering. Impressive to say the least!
Audie A.

09/05/2017
The guides! Being able to learn from them - that's just been the best.
Ting-Lan A.

09/05/2017
The guides and beautiful park. The set-up of food/equipment/store all in one location. Very well laid out.
Linda A.

09/04/2017
Our guides made the trip. It would be hard to imagine the trip without them. The logistics were smooth and well done.
Sean W.

09/04/2017
The confidence your team gave me to tackle a very challenging mountain.
Aaron A.

09/03/2017
Although we did not summit due to conditions beyond our control, I appreciated and respected the guides decision to not take risks. I felt safe in an area where there are clear risks. I felt satisfied overall because it was such as great experience. I would highly recommended RMI to others and will book RMI for any of my future climbs.
Tim M.

09/02/2017
I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the guides as well as the entire RMI operation.
Chip M.

08/29/2017
I enjoyed the entire experience. The guides were great at making me feel better about my decision to turn around. They drilled the 'summiting it optional, returning is mandatory' into my head.
Jason C.

08/28/2017
Best adventure guide service bar none. Safety, preparation, pushing limits but knowing their charges true limits. RMI is simply the best.
Brian R.

08/27/2017
I love the guides that RMI hires. They are smart, very educated, kind and humble people that would do anything for you. The guiding service here is spectacular and is so much more professional than other guiding services. I appreciate that a lot and I had so much fun being on the mountain with them!
Makayla M.

08/26/2017
RMI is hands-down the best guide outfit out there. I've been climbing with you guys for 35 years, and I wouldn't climb with anyone else. Absolutely the best in every way.
Clarence N.

08/24/2017
RMI really has some great guides. Thank you RMI for an absolutely remarkable adventure! I cannot wait to come back and start another one!
Ciara C.

08/23/2017
More than any other aspect of the trip, I will always remember the high quality of customer care Walt and JT provided.
Meredith P.

08/19/2017
I enjoyed summiting and butt luging the most; almost equally. The summit was earned and I am proud of my accomplishment, and the butt luging was just pure joy and fun that we so often dont get to revel in as adults!
Kellie C.

08/14/2017
I enjoyed every single aspect of the climb. The correspondence, route selection, route preparation, equipment service, etc. were exceptional. If I had to pick one aspect that was the best, I would select the guides. You employ phenomenal people.
Adam K.

08/13/2017
This was my third climb with RMI and I will definitely use your guide service again for future trips. Thanks for an incredible experience and exceptional guides.
Katherine F.

08/11/2017
I had a blast - all the way from orientation to the summit !
Matthieu L.

08/11/2017
For us, training and preparing the year before was huge and made this climb easier.
Milton A.

08/10/2017
Being in the mountains and of course the sense of accomplishment. Everything was so well organized with all details taken care of. The guides were fun and confident.
Paul A.

08/09/2017
Us clients and the guides made for one amazing team. We all had such a good time and got along fabulously.
Patrick R.

08/08/2017
This was one of the most incredible trips of my life. From start to finish, everything ran great and as expected. The communication from the entire team gave me a very realistic idea of how everything was going to play out during our 4 days with RMIt. I think this was very important because we werent hit with something unexpected along the way. I believe this was essential in me being able to accomplish my goal of summiting. Great work by the entire RMI team, especially our guides, Robby, Ben and Jesse
Brian B.

08/07/2017
The guides were amazing! But, so were the people at Whittaker's Bunkhouse, Whittaker's Store, the restaurant, the rental, etc.
Kelly S.

08/03/2017
For me, the whole process was the highlight. From the preparation, training, arriving in beautiful country and taking on a challenge. Getting to the top was a bonus. I came to learn, gain perspective and try a challenge. I was greedy in that I had a lot of goals and they all were met. The highlight was meeting my own expectations.
John C.

08/03/2017
This experience exceptional. Probably my favorite part wass.... sliding down on my trash bag through the Muir Snowfield on the way down. But the dawn summit was pretty awesome at 14,000ft and of course the summit was the highlight overall -- but climbing a mountain isn't all "fun" so I'm still sorting through why it was so awesome despite some of the suck. On the slides down, I was like a kid riding a post-endorphin wave -- 100% "weeeee".
Ashley T.

08/02/2017
My second climb with RMI, and as expected, they didn't disappoint. The entire experience, from reservation to summit day was first rate. Competent and affable guides, high quality rental equipment, comfortable HQ in Ashford. Very well organized. I look forward to climbing with RMI again and would highly recommend them!
Morgan F.

08/02/2017
Reaching the summit in style, of course, and having access to the wealth of knowledge in the guides.
Aaron G.

08/01/2017
I really loved my experience. It was our vacation, we love challenges/being outdoors, we met great people from around the country, had2 great guides, loved the restaurant/bar after and the environment as a whole.
Anthony C.

08/01/2017
The obvious answer is making the summit. Better answer is making the summit and knowing there was enough left in the gas tank to make the decent.
David K.

07/31/2017
Beautiful mountain, experience with my son, great guides and organization.
Norman O.

07/29/2017
I enjoyed the physical challenge of the climb and the connections I made with a few of my team members and with Lydia. Also, the day school was absolutely necessary, and most of us had little to no glacier travel experience.
Katie N.

07/28/2017
I was very fortunate to participate in the ALA climb with Win and Solveig. What I enjoyed the most was how Win and Solveig balanced the intensity and focus needed to safely and successfully complete the climb with still laughing and having a good time.
Frosty G.

07/28/2017
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow climbers and learning needed skills of mountaineering. The climb was tough but I really enjoyed the sunrise between Disappointment Cleaver and High Break.
Mike L.

07/26/2017
I couldn't believe the beauty of the mountain sunrise, the lenticular cloud on top, and coupled with the physical exertion and uncertainty about whether I could finish the climb, followed by actually doing it...It was a high point for me. Really a unique experience in my life. Not to mention I got to do the whole thing with my daughter at my side! I would have to say my high point was at the top of the mountain, literally, figuratively, and emotionally!
Scott W.

07/26/2017
I learned SOOOO much on this trip. As someone who had about 3 hours of crampon time and had only touched an ice axe in REI before starting, I had many "Aha!" moments during my four days.
Becca M.

07/25/2017
Loved it. Thank you so much!
Pat C.

07/25/2017
I liked the guide to climber ratio, it made for a great learning experience and a strong feeling of individualized learning and the ability to ask questions freely and without the feeling of taking away from other climbers. The detailed explanations about how and why everything we did, was being done, was very helpful to further my understanding.
Andrew H.

07/25/2017
Great trip, really enjoyed it and the RMI staff.
Kevin K.

07/24/2017
I enjoyed every aspect of the trip. From learning to walk and breath, that helped a lot once I got the hang of everything. It helped tremendously on conserving my energy to summit Rainier. I enjoyed all the conservations with the guides and my teammates, and the jokes too. :-) This is an experience of a life time, and I am glad/lucky to be with the group I was with.
Amanda K.

07/24/2017
I am so glad we went with RMI - I have nothing to say but EXTREMELY POSITIVE things about everything about this trip. Thank you!
Lindsey E.

07/24/2017
Although the overall experience was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, Haugen & Hannah made the trip 110%.
Tom D.

07/21/2017
All of it from start to finish it was a wonderful experience. The orientation, mountaineering school, the hike to camp Muir, the summit Day and back was a lifetime memory for me.
Philip P.

07/20/2017
The weather! Also the ability to climb with such wonderful guides and the chance to watch a true professional like Brent Okita in action. Of course reaching the summit was the most enjoyable part of the whole trip.
Michael W.

07/20/2017
Walter, Jenny, and Lucus were excellent - they worked together really well! The strong focus on safety was very important to me.
Thomas G.

07/20/2017
I felt we had a fun team and great guides
Brett S.

07/19/2017
Lucked out on the weather, and saw some beautiful landscapes and sites from Rainier. Seeing the glow of distant headlamps in the middle of the night was pretty magical too. The trip pushed me just enough out of my comfort zone to feel a thrill, yet still had the peace of mind knowing I was in good hands and mostly safe. Wish I could have seen the whole team make it to the summit, but it was great to see how we came together to celebrate what we each accomplished.
Alex K.

07/14/2017
This is my first time climbing with RMI and my expectations were exceeded in every way. The trip was exceptionally organized and I really loved our guides. RMI helped position us all for a successful summit of Mt Rainier.
Brianna M.

07/13/2017
What an experience. Not just about the destination, but the journey, that's where RMI made the difference.
Kelly S.

07/11/2017
Your team puts the 'Professional' in 'Professional Mountain Guides'. From start to finish I felt like the guides and the overall organization cared about all the details at every moment.
Kevin C.

07/10/2017
The organization is managed very well. The trips are well organized, the guides are the best in the business, and the commitment to safety is held in the highest regard. The skills course prepared me very well for the summit climb.
Greg G.

07/10/2017
Great guides- fun, strong, and motivating. The trip was well-organized, and the schedule flowed well.
Elizabeth P.

07/09/2017
The professionalism of all three guides was outstanding.Their knowledge of all aspects of climbing Mount Rainier, including the preperation, the gear, safety, nutrition, etc., was excellent.
Mark T.

07/08/2017
This was my first alpine climbing experience and I already am recommending RMI. I am beyond impressed with the professionalism of the guides and their objectives of helping engage others in mountaineering in the safest manner. I really appreciate this as summering is the bonus but learning, meeting new people, and the journey is the most important.
Brian P.

07/07/2017
The whole experience. Meeting Dave Hahn was a treat and apparently I missed Ed Viesturs on our first morning. This was my first and I learned a lot.
Philip T.

07/06/2017
The organization and the overall attitude of the guides.
Ian R.

07/05/2017
I learned so much about mountaineering. I appreciated that safety was always a priority. The guides were awesome and made the whole experience worth while.
Sara E.

07/05/2017
What an awesome trip! Thanks for always looking out for our safety - I never worried because I knew the RMI team was doing all of the worrying for me!
Sam Z.

06/30/2017
"This is a solid program. RMI has top notch guides and I would pick RMI over any other guiding service for future trips based on my Rainier experience. "
Olya M.

06/30/2017
I love that on day one I didn't know anyone I was about to climb a mountain with, then just two short days later we celebrated like old friends on the summit of Mt. Rainier!
Heather G.

06/27/2017
The overall experience was incredibly challenging and rewarding. Having zero prior mountaineering experience the day school was extremely helpful in feeling prepared for our climb but most importantly having the time to develop relationships, and most importantly trust, with our guides and teams was crucial. Everyone involved with RMI was fantastic throughout but can't say enough about our 3 guides and their commitment to ensuring this was an amazing, yet safe, experience for our entire team. Looking forward to more adventures with RMI in the future.
Jon W.

06/26/2017
The climb itself was unlike anything I'd ever done before. It was my first time using an ice axe, crampons, and climbing harnessed to a group. I learned a lot from the guides about climbing skills and about proper use of the gear.
Christopher B.

06/26/2017
The guides did a great job at effectivley communicating the skills required to summit Rainier. The training day made me feel comfortable on the mountain for my first mountaineering experience (i.e. self arrest, effective use of crampons and ice axe, etc.). Additionally, it was obvious that all of the guides truly enjoyed mountaineering, not just as a job, but had a passion for the outdoors. Each guide took the time to get to know me during the trip on a personal level (i.e. my interests outside of mountaineering, personal life, job, etc.). Overall, I cannot give a better review for Christina, Matt, and Joe for our summit climb. It was great enjoying beers and pizza with the team to celebrate a successful climb!
Tim W.

06/26/2017
Thank you so much to RMI and especially our guides!! This was an amazing program and experience. As someone that has grown up and lived in the PNW my whole life, standing on top of Mt. Rainier was definitely a bucket list item and it was all because of RMI and our guides that this became a reality on my first try without any formal mountaineering training. This trip was definitely one I won't forget.
Hadley G.

06/25/2017
Atmosphere overall - organized and efficient but not controlling. The right mix, for example, Paul didn't say "you must wear only your base layer" instead he made recommendations that we all trusted. I never felt I was hiking with my mom, but I did appreciate Paul's sunscreen reminders!
Craig B.

06/23/2017
"For a few years since moving to Seattle I had casually thought about signing up for this trip but just never had. With some time off work and looking for something to do I signed up and am so happy I did. The personal sense of accomplishment is great. But the group and the guides made the trip. The guide team was professional, kind and encouraging to all. They were also perceptive of participant ability and firm in with any necessary decisions. I'd absolutely recommend RMI. Thanks for an experience I'll always remember."
Emily K.

06/22/2017
I enjoyed the team approach to Climbing Rainier and the balance between fun and safety that the guides were able to achieve
Kirk K.

06/21/2017
The guides are great, the facilities are great, the weather was not great.
Ryan T.

06/21/2017
The total team concept, the people especially the guides, the overall experience. Having not done climbing in snow, the preparation was thorough and I felt confident with the instruction.
Paul M.

06/19/2017
The people made the trip! There were alot of nice folks.
Fritz L.

06/18/2017
I really enjoyed becoming a part of a community that I have always admired and wasn't a part of in the past. I felt like our guides treated us like we had been climbers for 20 years. I didn't get the slightest hint that we were looked down on or judged as "novices." The only bummer was the weather but nobody can control that!
Peter L.

06/17/2017
The entire experience was very well done. I'm looking forward to future RMI trips. Clearly one of the best guide services in the world. Thank you!
Jon H.

06/17/2017
Meeting all other climbers and interacting with them and of course summitting !
Rahim C.

06/16/2017
"The camaraderie building throughout the event was great! Our guides were mind blowing. My girlfriend has climbed several places around the world (all with guides) and she commented that this is the best guide service, and these are the best guides, she's ever experienced. This was my first guided trip of any kind and I feel like I'm spoiled now. I love challenging myself and seeing how far I can push; the challenge of the mountain impressed me! Now that I know what to expect, I'd love to try it again (maybe on a more technical route, even)."
James A.

06/15/2017
Thank you to Pete, Jenny, and Eric, and all the RMI staff! We feel incredibly lucky to have summited, and to have felt so secure in our personal wellbeing throughout. My friends and family would also agree. :)
Thomas B.

06/15/2017
The summit! But also just experiencing the challenges of the mountain and working as a team to overcome them.
Bryce F.

06/15/2017
We had great weather and the physical and mental challenge of conquering something new is always rewarding.
John M.

06/14/2017
There was nothing bad. Done right from start to finish.
Kirk L.

06/13/2017
this trip exceeded my expectations. possibly because ive never done anything like it, the exerience felt unreal and magical. my group and DAVE were wonderful people to spend time with
Andy J.

06/13/2017
The guides - Mike, Gloria and Taylor made the trip safe and memorable. They also taught us skills which really helped on the mountain.Also, hats off to RMI for having all the things at one place - accommodation, rental, food, transportation. The best outfitter!
Sreekanth P.

06/13/2017
Although I did not know anyone when I started the trip, I felt the whole experience was very team based, which I really enjoyed. I also felt safe the entire time and that the guides were well trained and genuinely wanted everyone to have the best possible experience.
Cole K.

06/13/2017
Spending time with my friends, learning about mountaineering.
Peter O.

06/12/2017
Absoultely loved the experience to be able to see the upper mountain up close. The guides made the atmosphere of the adventure very enjoyable. Without great guides the trip would have been beautiful but a lot less fun.
Rachel L.

06/12/2017
Safe and successful summit trip with safe and friendly guides
Randall W.

06/11/2017
The incredible amount I learned about mountaineering in such a short time. The guides were so knowledgeable but also very fun to be around.
William H.

06/08/2017
The view was incredible! Excellent adventure, thank you!
Casey S.

06/07/2017
Great experience. Very professional and rmi made the trip as little hassle as possible. Keep doing you.
David A.

06/05/2017
The guides, the views, then sense of accomplishment.
Matthew K.

06/04/2017
1) Solveig - an excellent guide.2) The itinerary - from the gear check-in to glissading down the lower slopes - the entire experience was was enjoyable, just the right amount of intensity, and very worth the money and the time.3) The route maintenance - ladders, rope and anchors - well kept! And stopping 1 hour for the ladder repair in order to achieve safe passage was well worth it (esp because we had a sunny day and successful climb!)4) The base camp amenities and experience.5) and of course, summiting - the effort to get to the top and then scooting across the flat top to the final few feet to the very top, and the journey back down.
Jill K.

06/02/2017
Reaching Camp Muir with perfect visibility.
Jeff S.

06/02/2017
This was an amazing trip, there is nothing that could have made it better, well, maybe the weather could have let us summit. hahaha
Claudia M.

05/31/2017
Opportunity to learn new skills from extremely experienced and knowledgeable guides who were passionate about what they were teaching and doing. Also the scenery was beautiful and the opportunity to push myself to accomplish a summit of Rainier under the watch of guides who kept us safe was great.
Thomas B.

05/31/2017
SUMMIT The absolute feeling of safety with the teamThe great personalities of the guides
Michael S.

05/31/2017
The mountain was an amazing experience. I was incredibly impressed with every aspect of the trip especially the guides.
Alex F.

05/26/2017
You guys are great. I sincerely appreciate all of your efforts to make my trip an extremely memorable experience. I hope this is the start of many RMI adventures.
Andrew H.

05/25/2017
In a word, everything!
Chris H.

05/25/2017
The guides were so great. Honestly amazed by the professionalism, humor, and overall know-how from this team.
Sean W.

05/23/2017
Well we summitted! The guides truly were incredible. My guide in particular made me feel like I was cared about and not just a client.
Brittany H.

05/22/2017
Brent Okita is an incredible climber, and following him up the mountain on his team was quite the experience.
John A.

05/22/2017
There's no way to pick one thing I enjoyed the most. The Mountain, the beauty, the challenge, the Guides, the gained knowledge, the people and even the rental boots were a pleasant surprise!
Susan B.

05/21/2017
It was very will organized and everyone we dealt with was professional and nice.
Kyle R.

05/19/2017
Very happy with the overall experience! WOW! Just awesome people that made it a wonderful trip! From everyone in the office to rental shop to grill to shuttle drivers!!!
Tracy A.

05/18/2017
Bunkhouse was comfy.
Mark B.

12/01/2016
The views! But otherwise, I thought it was well organized, and I appreciated the careful pace on the way up to base camp. I also enjoyed all the information the guides provided about the mountain, how real they were with us, and that they celebrated our successes.
Heather B.

10/10/2016
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip despite the challenging weather conditions and have already put a deposit down for a June 2017 trip and hope the weather cooperates.
Kelly M.

10/04/2016
I enjoyed being on Mount Rainier. We had perfect blue sky days both days. I also enjoyed our climbing group. It was amazing what just a few days together on trying to battle the same goal will really bring people together. I've got some great memories and made some friends.
Daniel R.

10/03/2016
The attitude of our guides and how knowledgeable they were. We learned so much from some of the best in the business.
Aniket S.

10/01/2016
The experience of climbing with your expert guides (Mike, Pepper, Lucas) was incredible. These three guys totally made the trip.
Peter D.

09/29/2016
The snow all over the mountain and the difference it created in an already natural wonder. I also really enjoyed the calm easy going demeanor that Leah had throughout the trip.
Daniel R.

09/29/2016
The differences brought to the mountain being a fall climb. I have now been on Rainier in June, July and late August and each one brought a different beauty and experience to the mountain. Non climbers cannot fathom the call to return to such an ambiguous endeavor but it the shared experiences and lessons we take with us that no one can diminish.
Daniel R.

09/26/2016
I enjoyed the outdoor experience on the mountain, the training, learning about mountaineering, and the camaraderie. The guides were great at creating a team mentality. Though we hit some pretty terrible weather and didn't make the summit, it was a thoroughly positive experience for me. The experience on the mountain, Camp Muir and trekking the glacier to 11,000 in the swirling snow was an experience I'll never forget. After four days I felt like I had known the guides and team members for years and I am sure I've made friendships that will last.
Jim B.

09/23/2016
Very well-organized; expert guides; top-notch organization.
Katherine F.

09/23/2016
I really enjoyed learning about the mountain. Brent knew the area really well. It was too bad a storm blew in the day we tried to summit but being on the mountain was an awesome experience.
Taylor K.

09/20/2016
I enjoyed the guides and how much I was able to learn in my short trip. I am looking forward to more trips with you guys.
Alexander H.

09/17/2016
The experience of Dave Hahn was exceptional. He guided the group and was able to use this experience to help us all to have a positive experience. Hannah and Megan were terrific too.
Richard J.

09/16/2016
Nature and the challenge. RMI provided everything I needed: Pre-trip information, exercise tips, etc. Great mountaineering instruction and the right level of supervision and adherence to safety.
Michael M.

09/16/2016
I chose RMI because I had researched and everyone I asked recommended you. I was not disappointed, and you went above and beyond to make my experience great. I will continue to recommend RMI, and plan on climbing with you again in the future.
Jenna M.

09/14/2016
The camaraderie of accomplishing a difficult task with strangers who become friends. Walking across the Cowlitz glacier under a million stars.
Jeffrey D.

09/14/2016
Everything. It was a really great experience. Thank you guys for the memories.
Eli V.

09/14/2016
Learning from our guides was one of my favorite parts of this trip. They didn't just tell us what to eat or what to wear or what equipment to use and leave it at that, they explained the reasoning behind everything. This isn't the first mountain I have climbed, but I have never been able to soak up so much climbing wisdom in my life. These guys are the best and I feel so much more prepared for future climbs after everything they taught us.
Tyler H.

09/14/2016
Excellent work RMI! Good to be back soon!
Tony I.

09/13/2016
We really enjoyed working with all the professional guides in this trip.
Cheng Q.

09/13/2016
The experience and knowledge gained on the mountain.
David W.

09/13/2016
My favorite part about the trip was that the RMI guides made it fun and easy for us to succeed! All guides were supper attentive to how we were feeling and what we needed help with. They were fun to get to know and made the entire experience very enjoyable!
Morgan S.

09/12/2016
Best part was that Brent lead us up the mountain from Camp Muir on a day when no other expedition even left their tents. Anyone can summit when conditions are perfect, but it was cool being up on Disappointment Cleaver in bad weather, knowing that no other group even tried. And I never felt unsafe, Brent knew exactly what he was doing and turned us around when it was getting sketchy.
Jason P.

09/10/2016
There were many aspects of the trip that were enjoyable, but I think the people made the trip unforgettable. Not only the guides, but the entire staff was amazing.
Mark N.

09/10/2016
I will most definitely recommend RMI to anyone and everyone. I will also be climbing with RMI again, no doubt. I was so impressed I would love to be able to guide over the next few summers while I finish up my college education. Like previously stated, I was impressed with every aspect of the climb from the safety and communication to the guides and the whole climbing itinerary. Thank you for such an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Abbey B.

09/08/2016
Really great job!I liked the balance of dependence/independence we had as climbers in the group. Nobody forced me to wear this or that, or prevented me from eating this or that, or forced me to take this much water. But there was a lot of advice, and I always felt like I knew what the recommended approach was.
Andrew M.

09/07/2016
I can't begin to describe how impressed I was with the overwhelming beauty of the mountain. Even in rain and snow conditions the guides clearly had a love for the mountain and stopped when safe to allow us to take in the beauty of the mountain. I learned such an appreciation for this sport and it's something I will do more of in the future.
Robert M.

09/07/2016
This was my 4th trip with RMI, all with the 4 Day Summit Climb: 1999 (Failed - weather), 2000 (Success), 2004 (Success), 2016 (Failed). I've always felt that RMI has been focused on safety first, which is reassuring as I know other climbing outfits place a lower priority in this area. I greatly enjoy the variety of fellow climbers and guides. All of the guides have been friendly, knowledgeable, and hard-working.
CharlesScott P.

09/06/2016
Can't think of a single thing, still high from the summit experience! I wouldn't change a thing.
Matthew K.

09/06/2016
Beautiful scenery, lack of cell phone service, and group comradery.
Rich V.

09/05/2016
I enjoyed working with the Guides they were very knowledgeable and took the time to instruct us on different aspects of climbing and the mountain. RMI definitely came a across as a one stop shop for mountaineering. The view at the top was also a big plus.
Samuel D.

09/03/2016
"The experience and knowledge were second to none. Brent did an amazing job overall and our group was very pleased with all parts of trip."
Danny H.

09/01/2016
Well organized and safe. The leadership of the guides was amazing.
Jason N.

09/01/2016
This was a trip ive been waiting to go on for many years. Im so glad I chose RMI to take me to the top. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bradly S.

09/01/2016
I was extremely satisfied with my experience with RMI. I would recommend RMI to anyone seeking to climb anywhere either domestically or internationally without hesitation. You folks run a top notch program with top notch guides!
Rob C.

08/31/2016
I cannot say enough about how much I loved the three guides I had. They made the trip great. All three of them were capable and responsible, so I knew I was safe in their care. In addition to that, they were easy to get along with and made the trip really fun for us all. I was also the only girl in my group-- they went above and beyond to make sure that I felt comfortable, and I really appreciated that.
Kara E.

08/30/2016
The professional booking and internet instructions and guidance for the climb. The environment at each level of RMI from Ashford, Camp Muir, retail store and canteen! Most of all was the RMI Team members that helped me experience an event of a life time on Mount Rainer. I am eternally great full to Billy Nugent and Glori Roe, Thank you...DRKlepper
Douglas K.

08/30/2016
It is perfect. From the start to the finish I feel like family when with RMI
Dave K.

08/30/2016
Making it to the top was the most amazing experience i could ever imagine. The team support was amazing... everyone was there to help each other to make it. The views were stunning.
Solmaz M.

08/30/2016
The guides all had our safety as their primary concern. For someone with no climbing experience, I felt it was invaluable having someone keep an eye on our safety. Each of the guides had their own unique personality, but shared the same passion and enthusiasm for their work. Great people. We were also blessed with perfect weather, which made it even more enjoyable. Kudos to all.
Mark M.

08/30/2016
Everything was laid out and explained in detail. The whole program ran like a top.
Zachary S.

08/29/2016
Our team - the group we had was the highlight and the guides we had were the perfect match.
Colin E.

08/29/2016
The guides. They were the right balance of professional and friendly. I look forward to my next trip with RMI.
Charles K.

08/29/2016
Excellent education. I learned a lot from the guides, and they are also very fun company.
Scott B.

08/26/2016
Other than the scenery of being on a mountain, I always enjoy talking to the guides about what they know, how they learned what they have learned, and things like that. I've received great tips and advice from your guides over the years that I use hiking and climbing at home all the time.
Michael H.

08/26/2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Being a rather inexperienced climber, I relied on the guides heavily through the entire climb. They exceeded my expectations and would recommend RMI to another other climber.
Timothy N.

08/25/2016
As mentioned above. The guides totally made the trip and for me being up high up on the mountain when the "Alpenglow" came up followed by the sun rise. Words cannot describe the beauty of this.
Jeff W.

08/23/2016
I really enjoyed the group I climbed with. Everyone was very supportive and a lot of fun.
Kalah B.

08/23/2016
This was my first climb above 12,000 ft. I very much enjoyed the physical challenge of climbing Mt. Rainier and the scenery is amazing. I also very much enjoyed getting to know some of the RMI guides and staff. What an incredible team! The personal interactions made the trip for me!
David R.

08/23/2016
The way the guides worked like clock-work. Very dialed in. Almost like robots, and it blew my mind to think a new team started every day that was run simultaneously.
Carson T.

08/23/2016
I enjoyed the whole experience. The guides were great and being able to submitt made it even better. Would recommend RMI to everyone.
Kyle W.

08/22/2016
The whole trip was put together very well. The team was very professional and guided us through all the aspects that were necessary to make it to the summit successfully, knowing that most of us had not attempted anything like this before. The organizing team and the guides were there to help every step of the way.
Giri G.

08/21/2016
Even though i didn't summit, I had a transcendent (literally & figuratively) experience...I look forward to doing this with RMI again.
Thomas M.

08/20/2016
I had an incredible experience!
Katie F.

08/19/2016
Standing on top, duh! Hahaha! I actually couldn't pick just one thing that I enjoyed most. I would like to say that I am super impressed with how the four day Rainier climb is put together as a whole. I know you guys have been providing this climbing experience for many years and it shows. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. RMI and Whittaker Mountaineering has got it together, that's for sure. If I ever climb Rainier again there is no doubt in my mind that it will be with RMI.
Kyle G.

08/19/2016
Another wonderful experience.
Tom H.

08/17/2016
I enjoyed the camaraderie the most. it felt like a small family. i haven't seen that since the Army and it brought back many great memories
Mario Q.

08/17/2016
The guides were amazing. Very patient with everyone during the learning process. Excellent communication regarding what was coming next.
Brenda L.

08/16/2016
Loved RMI. Will climb again.
Jason N.

08/16/2016
I had a blast on the entire experience and it is hard to pick out one part. I did enjoy watching the meteor shower as we climbed to the summit so thanks for setting that up for us!
Baxter G.

08/15/2016
I loved the entire thing. From learning new skills to the challenging climb, I couldn't have asked for a better company to do it with. The guides and staff were professional all the way through and very easy to relate to. You can tell they love what they do. I also enjoyed getting to meet my team and getting to know everyone.
James V.

08/14/2016
The guides, the staff team, including the rental shop helpers and bar/grill folks... everyone I encountered was off the charts great!
Michael S.

08/14/2016
Our three guides really were the best part of the trip. Summiting the mountain was an experience I'll never forget, but Seth, Caleb, and Lydia made the trip exceed all expectations.
Matthew G.

08/13/2016
Everything was great. Look forward to the next adventure!
Justin L.

08/12/2016
The feeling of getting to the summit is indescribable. Everything from the training/prep, to getting to RMI HQ, to school to the climb itself was awesome. I learned a ton about myself and my environment and (once these blisters heal) I look forward to the next one.
Avi L.

08/11/2016
We had an awesome time and definitely plan to keep doing these trips. RMI does a great job with safety - I never felt unsafe and enjoyed learning the skills that will keep me safe on the mountain. Everyone was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be around. Thank you for a wonderful experience and providing us with some really awesome guides!
Julie O.

08/10/2016
Pepper and team were great. We had an awesome experience. Thank you!
Matt S.

08/10/2016
Keep up the great work!
Sam K.

08/08/2016
Definitely the people, and the scenery. My climbing team was really great- I could not have picked a better group of people. I was so sad leaving Ashford, not because we didn't summit, but because I hated to say goodbye to everyone! Also, Rainier is so beautiful, no matter the weather. I miss waking up in the morning and knowing I get to spend the entire day hiking/climbing in such a beautiful place.
Rebecca J.

08/08/2016
I'm super happy to have climbed and RMI and found the overall experience fantastic.
Andres L.

08/07/2016
The entire experience was awesome.
Brandon G.

08/05/2016
"My guides really were the greatest thing about my trip. They had a way of making you feel like after your trip is over you impacted their lives just as much as they impacted yours. I had never done anything like this before and they taught me the skills and gave me the confidence to do it! They are the reason why I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face now that I am home. They were fantastic. I really could not have asked for more. I am 100% satisfied with my experience with RMI. Thank you so much." (Any additional comments about your program.)
Susie L.

08/03/2016
Walking across Ingraham flats with the amazing stars and moon. I also loved the camaraderie of the group.
Kelly S.

08/02/2016
I loved the entire trip, but the part I will hold on to most was the summit day. From the total excitement from waking up at midnight, watching the sun come up, sitting next to a steam vent at the summit, and seeing the beauty of the mountain on the way back to Camp Muir, the summit day was more than I could have expected and will stay with me forever. It really was the culmination of months of hard work and training to in one spectacular day.
Bryce T.

08/01/2016
Our guides were top notch! Excelent leaders and great teachers. I learned a few new skills on this trip that I will use on future climbs.
Matt B.

08/01/2016
I really loved the guides we had, and it was extremely helpful to have everything we needed in one place at "base camp." We stayed at the bunkhouse next door, enjoyed the ice cream and coffee at the cafe, and it was great to be able to walk over to the grill, rentals, gear shop, orientation, etc. so quickly.
Stephanie G.

08/01/2016
I cant praise this 4-day Summit Climb enough RMI is a premier outfit from excellent guides to a thorough understanding of how to introduce a group of women to this incredible environment everything was top notch and highly professional. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this women program to other women. The RMI Female Guides possess a passion for the mountains, an exceptional level of knowledge, and patience with those of us who are just learning that inspires confidence and lays a foundation for a lifetime of adventure. Thank you so much, Solveig, Hannah, Jess for this incredible adventure!
Silvie-Marie F.

07/31/2016
I enjoyed learning more glacier team travel skills and feeling more confident and less fearful on technical glacier terrain.
Brett K.

07/27/2016
I had no idea what to expect, an entirely new experience. The emails and lists for what to bring, along with meeting our guides immediately put you at ease. Ben, Lucas, and Leah were amazing down to earth people whose passion for what they do shows through. They always made sure to tell us exactly what was on schedule, from what cloths to wear and gave many tips that made the climb fun and enjoyable.
Nick T.

07/27/2016
Snow angels on the summit and the views were spectacular!
Glenn P.

07/27/2016
I enjoyed the guide's company, weather, pace, organization...all of it.
John N.

07/27/2016
The most enjoyable thing for me hiking under a full moon and then watching the sunrise at 12,000+ ft. The alpenglow was incredible and turned the snow an orange color I had never experienced before.
Dillen R.

07/27/2016
All three guides on our team; Billy, Kat and Blake, far exceeded my expectations. Their commitment to excellence and safety was convincing enough that I would not go unguided in the future even if I thought I had all the experience and expertise necessary. In fact, my girlfriend and climbing partner and I want to continue mountaineering with the use of RMI! And hopefully with this same great team of leaders.
Alex M.

07/27/2016
Loved all of it. Felt like everything was extremely organized and all the guides were knowledgeable and fun.
Vanessa F.

07/26/2016
Special thanks to the guides. As a beginner climber I really learned a lot from the school and the actual climb from Camp Muir to the Summit. They were all good teachers.
Jason G.

07/26/2016
This is the first guided trip I've done, so what I enjoyed most was the professionalism/efficiency at which RMI took ownership of all logistics and planning. I felt 100% confident in their judgement, which is rare for me because I'm typically a very cynical person.
Patrick B.

07/26/2016
Great team of RMI guides... Made it fun! Reaching the summit was awesome.
Mario M.

07/26/2016
The comradery with the other climbers and guides and the overall adventure that we undertook. This was a lifelong dream of mine and my families to climb Mt Rainier together. With the conditions we faces on the upper mountain, it made for a VERY challenging ascent. The guides kept us moving and were very diligent in ensuring our safety. It was the hardest, most rewarding, craziest, intense and joyous experiences of my life. Bucket list item, check! The guides were fun to be around, light hearted and extremely knowledgable.
Michael L.

07/25/2016
I enjoyed the team environment, which was fostered by the guides as well as supported by excellent teammates.
Richard T.

07/24/2016
The most enjoyable part of the trip was the people (our group, the guides and support teams). Everyone was passionate and excited to be apart of the trip - and it made for an unforgettable event.
Michael K.

07/24/2016
I really enjoyed the guides I worked with. They were incredibly professional but also very personable and enjoyable people, people I came to trust in a very short amount of time. I thought the whole operation was smooth from beginning to end, and I have full confidence in RMI's ability to lead successful climbs and trips.
Robert K.

07/21/2016
The trip was conducted in a safe manner. However we were still able to have fun. It did not seem like their goal was to only get as many people to the summit and back down so that they could do it again. Instead they shared their expertise and experience and summitting was only an added bonus.
Kevin H.

07/21/2016
This was my first time using a guide service and the experience was even better than I had hoped for. The guides and the way the entire company is run are top-notch and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Candus W.

07/20/2016
Meeting and getting to know all the guides.Meeting and getting to know my fellow climbers.Experiencing the upper mountain.Standing on top!
Scott T.

07/20/2016
The guides were great. RMI truly has an elite team.
Joe P.

07/19/2016
The friendly and knowledgeable guides, the focus on safety, the atmosphere set by RMI, and the excellent team members.
Katie F.

07/19/2016
What can I say, all of my expectations were met.
Michael R.

07/18/2016
I love meeting new guides and making friends with the climbers in my group.
Brandon B.

07/18/2016
Guides kept the energy level high
Casey C.

07/18/2016
I really enjoyed meeting the people. My fellow teammates and the wonderful guides. It was wonderful!
Ken A.

07/18/2016
Good experiences with everyone I came into contact with. From all the staff at Whittakers, to the RMI guides, I am satisfied completely.
Maressa V.

07/18/2016
Loved reaching the summit - which was directly a result of all the help and guidance by RMI! Also love the sense of community that RMI kind of inducts you in - the environment around the bunkhouse, grill etc is great. Beers with the team is also a great way to end the trip.
Biren B.

07/18/2016
By the time we were walking back down the Muir snow field we were telling stories with the team and guides as if we've been friends forever. Rmi does an outstanding job of providing guides who are both the best at what they do mountaineering wise but also very personable and sociable. Just the best experience i could've possibly hoped for.
Eric C.

07/18/2016
The experience- the guides (and especially Mike) made the trip everything I expected and more. At all times I felt safe and he ensured that even the less enjoyable parts of the trip weren't so bad. Reaching the summit of Rainier has been a life-long dream of mine and I'm incredibly thankful to Mike and RMI for helping me achieve that goal in such a efficient way.
Jamie A.

07/18/2016
The experience as a whole was unique as this was my first guided climb. All three guides were very friendly and it really showed that they have a passion for what they do.
Thomas C.

07/18/2016
I really thought the duration was the perfect length. Breaks feel short, but is a necessity to get up and down the mountain in a timely manner.
Alice L.

07/17/2016
The guides and the climb itself. The guides truly made this an amazing climb and their leadership and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations at all times.
Patrick K.

07/14/2016
I enjoyed developing skills and becoming a team with several people that I had never met before.
Joe D.

07/14/2016
Everything was spot on.
Nicholas G.

07/14/2016
Very transparent about what was going on and what we should be doing to make it to the top. I liked all my guides and had a great time.
Marc R.

07/14/2016
Sunrise over the mountain.
Nate W.

07/14/2016
RMI is definitely the best Rainier guide group.
Charlie S.

07/14/2016
The mix of people, the time on the mountain, the experience and instruction from the guides.
Chad L.

07/13/2016
RMI by far exceeded my expectations. I had no idea how much i would benefit from working with the RMI team - everything from ensuring we had the right gear to ensuring we were safe on the mountain. This was my first climb, so the skills day was perfect - learning how to rest step, walk in crampons, and pressure breathing. Our guides were top notch - Paul, Christina, and Jessie were all great at what they do and really worked well as a team. I will definitely use RMI again!
Jennifer D.

07/13/2016
I enjoyed the camaraderie of the team. Amazing how close you get to people in 48 hours.
Kim H.

07/12/2016
I appreciated and am grateful that even though we were unable to go to the top, Katrina, Seth, and Chase still took us up to the Cathedral Rock area so that we could cross over one glacier and have some fantastic views and imagine what it would be like to keep going up.
Kyle E.

07/12/2016
Getting to know the team mates and guides, while in a beautiful mountain setting. Though it was compressed, the mountaineering day-school provided great knowledge in a short amount of time.
Jeremy D.

07/11/2016
Professional and organized. All details were accounted for. The experience of the company really shows.
Garo B.

07/11/2016
This is our second trip with RMI ( we completed MT Kilimanjaro in 2014) and each experience has exceeded our expectations. We have referred RMI to others who have completed trips and others who have trips planned.
Jan G.

07/11/2016
Always felt safe and learned a lot during the trip. It was very fun and look forward to my next mountain.
Eli L.

07/11/2016
I have experienced adventure travel on four continents with multiple outfitters, guide services, etc. RMI is the most thorough, communicative, professionally run adventure travel company I have experienced, bar none. As a result, I will continue to be a loyal customer. Looking for the next climb now!
Charles T.

07/10/2016
Learning from extremely knowledgeable guides. Seeing how they think and problem solve hazards was also great to see. The guides made this trip a success.
Clive M.

07/10/2016
Wildly impressed by the whole RMI business operation! A special message of gratitude to guides Paul, Christina, Jessie as well as Hannah and Dylan at Whittaker rentals for their help!
David B.

07/10/2016
The most enjoyable aspect of the trip was not only the positive interactions with our guides, but the team-based approach the guides instilled on our climb. Not only was I responsible for getting myself up the mountain safely, we were all responsible for the safety of each other. I quickly became thankful for the hard work our guides put into teaching us necessary skills, promoting a positive morale during the ascent and descent, and maintaining the route for both guided and private climbs. I can definitely say I learned much more about mountaineering, my mental strength, and my body's physical strength. Thank you, Steve, Brent, and Jenny!
Alayna W.

07/09/2016
Fantastic experience, already thinking about what to do next with RMI.
Matt P.

07/08/2016
The experience of the guides and their ability to take calculated risks that are needed to climb a dangerous mountain.
Alexander C.

07/08/2016
I really enjoyed the structure of the program and itinerary. Mountaineering skills were taught, learned, and practiced in one day which I felt was the appropriate level of training needed for the climb. Our guides were awesome! They really took care of us - closely monitoring us, providing feedback on technique and safety. They were also genuinely encouraging of the efforts and level-set my expectations for the tough climb, which was refreshing in contrast to the "be tough" or "this is easy" attitudes that I've experienced on other guided adventures.
Emelissa B.

07/07/2016
The scenery, the guides, and the sense of team work. Was an amazing adventure and we will never forget it.
Jon M.

07/07/2016
HTe friendly guides and the way they got the group to open up with each other so quickly.
Matthew S.

07/06/2016
Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. Climbing to the Mt Rainier summit was a once in a lifetime experience and we look forward to more climbs in the future.
Ainsley H.

07/06/2016
Great adventure- guides were awesome.
Tim W.

07/04/2016
Spending 4 days learning and experience a great and beautiful climb.
Peter M.

07/04/2016
The journey and team work provided by all to make us all successful.
Kate K.

07/01/2016
The entire experience was even more organized than I expected.
Nash P.

06/30/2016
The sense of accomplishment and the sheer beauty of summiting. Looking out at the world from the top of the crater was pretty breathtaking as was the feeling I got looking back at the mountain on the way to Seattle and realizing i had climbed it!
Akshay S.

06/30/2016
The moment of the summit. Hanging out at Camp Muir.
Michael N.

06/30/2016
Fun time would use RMI for any climbs I do where I need a guide.
Beau L.

06/30/2016
Attitudes, motivation level, intensity
Richard A.

06/30/2016
Making the summitThe camraderie of our GSU team
Robert T.

06/29/2016
It's hard to describe just one thing, but the professionalism of Billy, Leon, Jesse, Megan and others has left a huge impression - RMI has given me the mountaineering 'bug', and that's in no small part due to the phenomenal team. I'm sure I pestered the guides with too many questions along the route, but they were always patient and happy to answer. Bravo.
John H.

06/29/2016
Reaching the summit was the overall highlight but the process to get there was also top notch. That was all due to the guides.
Ben I.

06/29/2016
The summit attempt and pushing through my comfort zone
James D.

06/28/2016
Overall I had an excellent experience with RMI and have no reason to select another guide service for my climbing needs. If you go where I want to go, I will go with you!
Sam S.

06/28/2016
What an awesome experience! Very challenging for me (a beginner), but I felt safe, well-cared for, and supported throughout the climb. The opportunity to climb with Dave Hahn, in particular, was just awesome, couldn't have hoped for a better guide! Lots of memories from those few days!
Lauren L.

06/27/2016
Learning new skills and being above the clouds
Lenore G.

06/27/2016
Climbing with Dave Hahn and the incredible views the morning of our summit climb.
Roman L.

06/27/2016
The team and climbing were the two things I enjoyed most about the trip. Everyone was positive and supportive and the mountain was awesome.
David C.

06/27/2016
Leon was great and the pacing of the climb was delibrate but not exhausting.
Randy G.

06/27/2016
RMI provided me with essential information to prepare me for the trip, so that on climb day I felt prepared, relaxed and was able to really enjoy the experience.
Inger A.

06/27/2016
Our guides - Leon, Bryan, and Paul were superb! I enjoyed learning more about my capabilities and endurance...and the opportunity to do this with my two sons was a very treasured time!
George D.

06/24/2016
It's impossible to choose one thing. The entire trip was so very memorable. I feel like we all got so close in such a short amount of time, that was perhaps my favorite thing. But also being in a situation where you had to really push yourself to do things you've never done before. That was great.
Natalie G.

06/23/2016
Everything! Of course, the cilmb and reaching the summit. But, the guides were by far the best part - they really knew their stuff and they encouraged us every step that we were going to make it, even after a week of terrible weather. They always made us feel safe and we thoroughly enjoyed learning from them!
Skye M.

06/23/2016
Overall I'm very satisfied with my experience with RMI. I wouldn't consider any mountaineering without your services.
Annie D.

06/22/2016
I commend the guides for hacking a path to the top. They could have turned around (others did), but they made it happen. Our guides were also very efficient when someone couldn't press any further.
Matt S.

06/22/2016
Being with the group for four days and all working on the same project of sharing a lifetime memory.
Dave J.

06/21/2016
I enjoyed learning the basics of mountaineering from some of the best guides in the world and the beauty of Mount Rainier.
Daniel A.

06/21/2016
I enjoyed everything. It was challenging just as I expected and I learned so much. Perhaps the skills day was a highlight because I learned so much about mountain climbing. then the chance to put it all to use during the climb was great. I like group activities like this where you build a team and need to rely on each other.
Eric G.

06/21/2016
I always felt that Mike, Chris and Joe had the team's best interests in mind and that safety was not just something they talked about, but something they actively championed and demonstrated. I appreciated that they were vocal in warning, challenging and selecting team members that they felt were not prepared to go further and I agreed with their assessments. The reason I selected RMI was because I trusted the judgment of the organization and with it the judgment of the guides to stay safe and at the same time give it the best shot of getting to the top. This trip confirmed for me that I made the right choice.
Walter W.

06/20/2016
This was my first mountaineering experience and I really just enjoyed the beauty of the mountain itself most of all. Otherwise, Mike and his team's true love of the mountains really shone through, which was inspiring to me.
Philip T.

06/20/2016
This was my third trip with RMI. I cant speak more highly to my experience and its becoming a yearly activity for me. I'm now getting to the point that I've climb multiple times with the guides.The growth I have achieved over the last three years is directly related to the guides that I have had and the relationships that I've built.I'm sure they might be tired of seeing me. :) I'm already thinking the next trip and looking at the Emmons route and then Denali.Brent - to climb with him is an incredible experience...I've broken through so many barriers under his leadership and guidance. He is the sole reason I made the summit. 500 summits and 30 years of experience on the mountain --- priceless.Hannah - didn't get to climb much with her, but her energy and enthusiasm was incredible and exactly what was needed to conquer the DC.Gloria - Wow, what a connection I felt we made in such a short period. Hands down I would climb with her again, anywhere anytime. Seth, Ben, Solveig --- awesome all around and great to see them again and for them to know that I finally made the summit.
Daniel K.

06/20/2016
Thank you RMI team for your guidance, expertise and up lifting attitudes. It's great to meet people that enjoy their jobs and seek to help others to achieve their goals. When I'm ready to climb again RMI will be at the top of my list.
Mike B.

06/19/2016
It's hard to pick what I enjoyed most because overall it was an extremely enjoyable experience. Our guides made the trip very enjoyable. They were super friendly, kept us all in the loop, and a fun crew to be around.
Elizabeth W.

06/17/2016
It was an experience and adventure of a lifetime because I shared this with my two children. I only with I had planned this 10 years earlier when I might have been in better shape (heathier heart) to summit.
Mark H.

06/17/2016
The 4-day climb was great! We didn't make the summit due to snow conditions, but we had a really positive, fun experience. My brother and I are hoping to come back next year and try again! Thanks for such a great experience!
Zachary V.

06/16/2016
I thought the guides, organization, and overall approach/schedule were great. Appreciated the gear check and skills day. My nerves were calmed, I learned a great deal (especially in regards to being an "efficient" climber), and felt confident in my abilities to summit (had weather-permitted), which I had been worried about.
Elizabeth P.

06/16/2016
The interaction with the guides made the trip. I was coming into the experience expecting basically someone to keep us on the route and safe, my expectations were blown away. The interaction from the first afternoon was awesome.
Andrew H.

06/15/2016
RMI made the time I shared with daughter really great. We both pushed ourselves to the summit, and came home safely. Was what I was looking for...Thanks
Jim L.

06/15/2016
Everything :) The guides were amazing. It was a hell of a ride. The weather did not hold up for us at all which at times made it more challenging and in some ways more exciting. Through it all we had a blast, were made as comfortable as possible while also knowing that our safety was top priority.
Kristy B.

06/15/2016
I enjoyed getting the chance to go beyond Camp Muir and do some real mountaineering in a structured professional program. It is a real challenge to be trying out a new sport in such rugged terrain, so being able to do with experienced guides gave me the confidence to give it a go.
Katie G.

06/14/2016
Meeting the new people in the group and experiencing what RMI and Mt. Rainier has to offer. I wouldn't trade the things I learned and the people I met for a summit. I will come back another day for the summit.
Todd V.

06/14/2016
The guides were fantastic, the facilities well set-up for everything we needed (gear store, restaurant, bar, motel), and of course the mountain is spectacular. Everything went off without a hitch! It was nice to feel like RMI was a well-oiled machine.
Marty (Martha) S.

06/14/2016
Great overall venue and superior guides. Great training and adventure.
David L.

06/14/2016
The education on the entire trip, it takes a lot of time on behalf of the guides, but it is invaluable and fun.
Brad B.

06/14/2016
The communication from the guides and the overall organization of the climb. Good team building skills. Also the concern for team safety over the goal to summit. That takes a lot of skill and knowledge and leadership...and courage.
Jon M.

06/14/2016
The learning, the guides, and the views!
Andy M.

06/13/2016
Learning new skills that I will use on future adventures and completing a huge personal challenge
Alison L.

06/13/2016
The guides. RMI has such awesome people working for them.
Greg N.

06/13/2016
Guides were awesome. Casey provided insight on the details of planning and preparing. This was my third trip and this was the best coaching I've received from RMI Guides.
Fred C.

06/13/2016
Start to finish loved everything 100% But the best thing was sitting on top of the summit and thats thanks to the kick ass guides !
Tina H.

06/13/2016
The depth of experience of the guides, the fact that they anticipated issues that would come up and gave us all the information we needed to know to understand how to make the climb safely, but without letting worrying about these safety concerns get in the way of having fun.
Calvin S.

06/13/2016
the attention to detail the guides provided. They all did an excellent job in making sure the climbers were prepared for the trip. To be honest, I enjoyed the whole thing. It exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be going on another climb with RMI in the future.
Fernando C.

06/13/2016
i will recommend RMI to anyone i meet, you guys are top notch. what i liked most about our trip is we were treated like family, not customers. it was like i had 3 brothers guiding me up the mountian.
Kyle M.

06/11/2016
Trip was great! Overall RMI is a great operation and i will absolutely be doing another climb with RMI. thx
Joe S.

06/11/2016
Guides, beer in Ashford. It was nice to do something where everybody was in a good mood all the time; from our Guides, to the people manning the stores and bar.
Ashley E.

06/10/2016
I was incredibly satisfied about the overall program. I am impressed with the knowledge and endurance of the guides and I have total respect for them and the rest of the staff. I loved being there and I felt encouraged.
Lauren R.

06/10/2016
The guides were great and I could not have succeeded my goal of reaching the summit without them. The trip was very well run and organized, and the guides made it a lot of fun.
Jeanne C.

06/10/2016
Besides being able to summit, I really appreciated the guides expectations of the climbers. It was extremely well structured and all of the guides were very pleasant.
Kevin S.

06/09/2016
Thanks for a great climb to the full team!
Richard W.

06/06/2016
Clear instructions and guidance leading up to the climb. EXCELLENT guides, Mike, Joe and Paul were amazing. They made the trip.
Jeremy E.

06/06/2016
The guides are unbelievable. They know what they are doing at all times. They can chat and make jokes but the moment it's time to get serious, they take over the scene and everyone falls in line. And despite the imminent danger of being on the mountain, I felt safe the whole time.I would trust my life to these guides.
Sandra M.

06/06/2016
The trip surprised any of my expectations. I was really taken back by how much good information I received. From route info, to body adjustment. Overall all three guides were exceptional. I am beyond thankful for their willingness to work with each person and ensure that everyone felt comfortable. I've done nothing but highly recommend RMI expeditions to friends and family. I could have no done the trek without RMI. Hands down an amazing experience. Thank you!
Amelia T.

06/06/2016
Thank you for a memorable experience. The entire RMI property is well maintained and exceptionally organized. I enjoyed how everything a person needed was within walking distance on the RMI property. I look forward to booking with you again! RMI made it look 'easy.' Thank you!!
Ryan R.

06/05/2016
I enjoyed talking to the guides the most. Their wealth of mountaineering knowledge and personal attention made this trip memorable.
Daniel W.

06/05/2016
Every minute on the mountain!
Te-Yuan H.

06/04/2016
Finishing !! it was rigorous and personally challenging, but to see my son climb almost to the summit was very rewarding.
Joel K.

06/03/2016
The views! Overall positive environment that gave you the space and encouragement to push yourself.
Diana R.

06/03/2016
Overall, I really enjoyed the whole program and got a lot of value from every part. Loved the whole thing. I worked hard to get ready and my expectations were definitely met. RMI is a quality outfit and it shows at every level of your operation. Your guides know their stuff - they are skilled, passionate, dedicated and patient. We also lucked out because the other climbers were so wonderful - a really compatible team, very considerate and supportive.
Deirdre G.

06/02/2016
I learned a ton about mountaineering. Always felt safe.
Matthew B.

06/02/2016
The guides showed the power and importance of being positive, no matter what. I returned to my clinic this week committed to live that way, and already doors are opening in my relationship with my staff that I never thought could be opened. I am better for having had this experience.
Benjamin W.

06/01/2016
Hard to pick one. Every aspect was great, This was a major educational experience.
Mike O.

06/01/2016
Just being on the mountain among like minded people.
Jason S.

05/31/2016
The most important thing for me was safety and I never thought I would feel as comfortable on the upper mountain as I did. During the climb I wasn't sure I'd make it up and consistently told myself this was the only mountain I would ever climb - now I'm planning my next trip!
Katie M.

05/31/2016
The mountain speaks for itself, but the guides are the real hero's at RMI. You look at the photos and pay your fees thinking about summiting a mountain. But we clients don't walk away from the mountain having conquered anything. If we're lucky the RMI guides have been able to help us reach our goals and then bring us home safely, but make no mistake that none of us were able to climb that mountain without the RMI guides making it possible. We read about those professional climbers with branded gear and full page spreads in Outside or Climbing magazines, but I came away from this climb knowing that it's the guides that make this sport a reality for people like me. I'm eternally grateful to them for that service and look forward to continuing to climb harder and bigger mountains with their guidance.
Shane K.

05/31/2016
I really enjoyed climbing with the group and the guides. Everyone had a great personality and attitude making it very enjoyable even for those of us who aren't regular climbers. Good people are so hard to find, I think you're lucky to have a group like this one.
Jonathan W.

05/30/2016
Thank you for providing ordinary people an opportunity to do something extraordinary!
Sam H.

05/30/2016
Aside from the breathtaking views on the mountain and attempting to accomplish a lifelong goal, it was mostly learning to climb with my two friends who came with me on the trip and building a trust/friendship with the guides.
Chris J.

05/30/2016
That despite the horrible weather, the RMI guides, Walter and Adam, continued to keep focused on getting as many of us safely to summit as possible - even though well less than half of the team made it, and even with the terrible wind, cold, and precipitation..
Michael S.

05/29/2016
Honestly it is hard to pick out one thing I enjoyd the most about the trip. If I was to pick one thing it would be short changing other aspects of the trip. The guides were excellent, the views were great, and the overall introduction to the sport was amazing.
Joshua W.

05/28/2016
Aside from reaching the summit and feeling a massive sense of achievement, I also enjoyed meeting the other members of the team and the guides. I felt lucky to be in a position to learn so much from guides that have such extensive experience. Our team as a whole was a great mix of people and i'm sure it is a trip none of us will forget in a hurry!
Adele M.

05/26/2016
Geoff, Hannah and Katrina managed to take a guy that literally lives 11 feet above sea level and turn him into a guy that is already plotting his next mountain adventure, with RMI of course. This endeavor came at an absolutely critical time for me, personally. I needed something that would help me build confidence and self awareness. Geoff, Hannah and Katrina pulled me and pushed me to reach limits I never knew I could. For that, I am eternally grateful and will never forget.
Scott C.

05/26/2016
The Mt. Rainier four day summit climb truly surpassed all of my expectations! Casey, Paul and Walt are truly experts in their field but were still able to break climbing skills and techniques down to a format that someone who had never touched an ice axe, crampons or climbing harness in their life could easily understand and employ. Their number one priority was always the team's safety but they strongly encouraged every single person to work to 100% of their true potential (note this was often greater than what an individual believes their potential to be). Thank you guys for getting us up the mountain and believing in us! The extended RMI team was also fantastic. From the preparation emails, to the rental pick-up, to the transportation - the organization couldn't have been better. I will definitely be recommending RMI to friends and look forward to my next adventure with the RMI team.
Amanda B.

05/26/2016
Can't thank you enough for the experience! Two years ago I came with my 2 sons (who both summited) and I was unable to do so because of a calf injury I'd sustained a month before the climb. This trip, which honestly could have gone either way do to weather or my ability, ultimately allowed me to reach the summit and thus "live the dream" with my sons and family going forward. A special "shout out" to Tyler Jones for his special "reassurance" that he projected to this old climber that in large measure propelled me to the summit! Thanks again!
Ron S.

05/26/2016
I just want to thank RMI for giving me the knowledge and ability to successfully, and safely summit Mt. Rainier last week. Our rope team leader, Kel did a fantastic job of keeping us alive, and making sure we were doing the right things on the mountain. I shocked myself when a member of our team began to fall, and immediately heard the word "falling!" Come out of my mouth as I dropped to the team arrest position. Being 100% sure we had all the right gear, and a guy like Kel to answer any questions made all the difference in the world as compared to the "learning from my mistakes" method I'd previously employed. There were several times I felt like a toddler looking for his father to tell him what to do, and Kel always had the answer. Big thanks to him!I would also like to thank Bridget who made the decent from Camp Muir in the very back of the pack with a member of our team who was having a particularly rough go of it. I know her words of encouragement really helped him make it to the bottom, which after all is the real goal, no?In any case, thank all of you so much. RMI will always be the first place I look for my next adventure. You guy rock!
David H.

05/26/2016
I think the whole experience was truly remarkable and I really enjoyed the camaraderie within the group. Even though we were only together a few days it felt much longer. Making it to the summit was obviously very enjoyable but it honestly would have been just as fun if we had to turn around early.
Robert T.

05/23/2016
"A huge thanks again to Casey, Paul, and Walter for safely guiding our group to the summit and back. Your level of professionalism, knowledge, enthusiasm, and concern for our safety completely blew me away. It was very obvious to me that each of you are extremely passionate about guiding. I learned so much over the past few days and very much appreciate the enormous effort that each of you contributed to make it a fun, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable four days. I look forward to climbing the next peak with you and RMI... after I recover from this trip of course :-)"
Paul M.

05/22/2016
I loved how much I learned, even about things that I thought I knew about. Also, i was blown away by the scenery and beauty of Mount Rainier.
Gordon C.

05/21/2016
"The education received - have done many hikes before, but learning correct ice axe and crampon techniques, as well as a few rules of thumb on safety conditions - in addition to being an amazing overall experience, it was also very educational. I plan to do multiple additional climbs with RMI in the future."
Tom L.

05/21/2016
The guides enthusiasm and love or the outdoors and the mountaineering experience
Kylen R.

05/19/2016
Looking back at the experience (and pictures) I am amazed at what was accomplished. Not once was I fearful or did I feel that I was asked to do anything dangerous. The guides were incredibly intuitive to how high each person could reach, without placing themselves or the group in danger. I cannot say enough good things about the guides I encountered.
Clark H.

05/19/2016
Just an overall great experience. Reaching the summit was probably my most enjoyed moment. Although we were only there for a few minutes due to the weather it was still really exciting.
Matthew R.

05/19/2016
I enjoyed the leadership of the guides, the commentary and education about the mountain that they provided, and fact that we pushed on through some interesting weather near the summit.
Matthew D.

05/15/2016
The overall experience was amazing. The guides did a great job at doing their best to look after everyone on the team throughout the climb and always checked in to see how people were doing. This made every one feel safe and comfortable and they made sure those who were capable were going to summit.
Mara M.

03/07/2016
The rush of adrenaline on summit day (or night) when you're gearing up to get it. Climbing over deep crevasses, watching the sun rise on the high mountain...the summit is pretty cool too! The whole experience was epic.
Will G.

10/20/2015
The flow of the whole operation made everything very seamless and easy. Everyone was so professional and well trained. Great experience.
Seth T.

10/18/2015
Obviously the climbing, but the skill and professionalism of all the guides was absolutely incredible. I wish I dealt with people that skilled and professional everyday in my day job.
Charles G.

10/18/2015
Brent's leadership and willingness to share his experience, the education was worth the trip. Outstanding!
Chris C.

10/09/2015
The majesty of the mountain!
Brodie W.

10/06/2015
The experience, once in a lifetime type adventure.
J.J. D.

09/30/2015
Getting up at 1am and climbing in the night is the most memorable experience. Hopefully next year it is seeing the sunrise from the top of the mountain.
Jason B.

09/26/2015
I enjoyed setting a goal, being disciplined to get in shape and then attempting the climb. I also thoroughly enjoyed the group of guys I trained and hiked with.
Ryan H.

09/26/2015
I didn't make it to the summit, but still felt a sense of accomplishment. now I have a better understanding of what and how to train- perspective
Martin P.

09/26/2015
Great climb, great people.
Peter K.

09/24/2015
I enjoyed the being taught all the essential climbing strategy. I enjoyed the 'rest time' at Muir that allowed the group to get more comfortable with each other and take pictures/relax.
Tommy M.

09/24/2015
The guides were great and the people I met were outstanding.
Fred C.

09/23/2015
Great Guide staff. Had tons of fun. Very informative and would want the same guides on my next climb with RMI
Randolph C.

09/23/2015
The experience
Lukas L.

09/22/2015
I liked the bonding with the guides and other team members. The sunrises and the sunsets. Looking at the stars while sitting at 12000'. Lou Whittaker coming over at our climb wrap-up and sharing stories.
Christopher R.

09/21/2015
Getting to 12,700 feet! Just the overall experience. Meeting people who have similar passions. I have climbed 2/3rds of the Colorado 14ers, but this was far and away the best mountain trip I have had. Even better than my 14-hour day on Longs Peak.
Kerry J.

09/21/2015
Professional and thorough in guiding us all the way to the top.
Scott B.

09/18/2015
Whatever the difficulty, I keep remind myself that I am in a beautiful environment
Chrystel V.

09/18/2015
Learning and getting a chance to climb with great guides and other climbers.
Greg C.

09/18/2015
The overall challenge and adventure with a team. As this was something new to me (mountain climbing), having a set agenda in mind helped immensely.
Nico F.

09/15/2015
We stayed at the bunkhouse and having everything available at that one location was great. Hats off to the crew at the rental shop! They were always willing to help, explain and demonstrate anything. Plus they were always there by 7am or before! I like punctual people! You have a very organized and smooth running operation. Our guides are "keepers"!
Danny T.

09/14/2015
This was my second time on a mountain within two weeks (after Mt Baker) so I actually pulled myself out of the summit attempt. My reason were both personal (probably too soon after Baker) and also just observing the weather patterns that were prevalent
Graham E.

09/12/2015
the guides were great and the mountain was awesome
Matt B.

09/12/2015
The commitment to getting out and getting up the mountain.
Phil L.

09/12/2015
Great structure, I was constantly challenged, but never overwhelmed. Even though we weren't able to summit, this was still an incredible experience, and I look forward to my next trip.
Patrick G.

09/12/2015
time with my sons and best friend
Bill M.

09/12/2015
I really enjoyed my time being outdoors and challenging myself. The guides were excellent.
Chelan L.

09/11/2015
Being able to experience the mountain and enjoy a rewarding and education outdoor adventure.
David S.

09/10/2015
The guides were badasses. They took us all the way up to 11,600' even though they could have easily said that there was not hope of leaving muir.
Matthew O.

09/10/2015
The over all team building practices you employ. The importance of that and safety combined. The guides were extremely encouraging and fun to work with.
Albert W.

09/10/2015
I loved the experience of being up on the Glaciers, learning new techniques, and I really loved Zeb, Hanna and Steve. They were excellent and even though we were stiffed because of bad weather on the Cleaver, I had a blast. I can't wait to go back and do more with RMI.
Nathaniel W.

09/10/2015
I loved the overall experience! The training sessions really put me at ease and the two day climb was structured and the communication excellent of what to expect. The intensity at wake up was a bit much--60 mins goes really fast, but the guides were supportive and helpful. Intense decisions after Disappointment Cleaver were tough as well--but again the guides did well. I loved reaching the summit. It was an amazing experience all the way around.
Stefanie H.

09/08/2015
pretty much everything about the whole experience. Well maybe not the outhouses so much, but at least they are there.
Mike H.

09/08/2015
The experience with friends.
Ron S.

09/07/2015
I enjoyed the instruction on mountaineering skills and being out in this world class environment.I enjoyed the professionalism of most of the guides and how they freely shared their knowledge and expertise.
Dawn T.

09/04/2015
making the summit, pushing myself through limits
Steve B.

09/04/2015
Very impressed with RMI. I most enjoyed the dangerous and difficult conditions during our summit attempt, with 70mph gusts and significant rock fall, plus a crevasse fall. They were intense moments, but highly memorable. The guides were great (especially Mike King), and the training and whole experience was superb.
Daniel W.

09/02/2015
Learning new skills and the challenge of climbing the mountain.
Jeffrey P.

09/01/2015
I enjoyed participating in the climb in a safe environment created by the guides with people that I really enjoyed.
Cambria N.

09/01/2015
Looking back, the best part wasn't summitting or the technical aspects or even the scenery. It was getting to be on the mountain with such a great group of people, both guides and fellow climbers in our group. Part of that was luck of the draw, but it was also a result of the efforts of Nick and Jake in setting a tone for the group early on. (Megan reinforced that tone when she arrived on day three, so she deserves some credit here as well.)
Christopher H.

09/01/2015
I will go out of my way to recommend RMI.
Zach C.

09/01/2015
Meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Learning all about necessary mountain skills.
Anna V.

09/01/2015
The guides seemed extremely competent, allowing me and my friends to focus on the physically demanding part of the climb.
Taylor W.

08/31/2015
The guides are what make RMI excellent. I actively recommend RMI to everyone I know!
Jeremy F.

08/31/2015
I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Below is what I enjoyed the most:-Learning about the ins and outs of climbing Mount Rainier.-The camaraderie that our group had from the get-go.-Having stayed at the bunkhouse, everything I needed was within walking distance.-The restaurant food was excellent.
Kevin K.

08/31/2015
being in the mountians
Harshikesh P.

08/30/2015
Camaraderie. Our group gelled really well. It was great hanging out with everyone.
Andrew H.

08/30/2015
Teamwork, Physical Challenge, Mental Challenge
John M.

08/30/2015
The bonding experience with my fellow climbers.
Mary N.

08/29/2015
Culmination of a 20+ year dream with professional, helpful, and friendly guides.
Andrew S.

08/29/2015
The professional staff and the breathtaking scenery!
Jennifer H.

08/29/2015
Unfortunately, my overall experience wasn't good. But that's strictly because of Brent.Everything outside of Brent was great ... It's just unfortunate that Brent's part of the journey was the one which caused the greatest impact.What did I enjoy most? (I couldn't have answered this until today ... as it's taken me a while to understand what happened and get the good from it)1. The camaraderie and support from the amazing group!2. How hard it was. I loved the challenge! I love to be challenged. Going in to this I knew it would be hard. I didn't realize how hard. That was awesome. Going in to this I assumed I would summit ... I've never before NOT finished something I started. 3. Hannah and Chase! I learned how important being surrounded by great leaders really is.4. Four days after getting off the mountain I can say what I also enjoyed was what I learned, the hard way, from this trip. I (and all the other women and one man) learned that you can't kill our spirit ... just because you're beating us down. It took a bit to get the spirit and strength back - but it's here. And perhaps stronger than ever.
Sharon W.

08/28/2015
I loved the physical and mental challenge of getting to the top of Mt. Rainier. It really highlights just what you can accomplish when put in certain circumstances. I also enjoyed meeting our team and getting to bond with them on our climb. It's always amazing how a group of individuals who don't know each other can be thrown together and accomplish something extraordinary!
Douglas S.

08/28/2015
The entire experience: learning new skills and accomplishing a difficult climb.
Ryan M.

08/27/2015
Being with friends, stepping outside of my comfort zone, the beauty of the park and mountain
Andrea F.

08/27/2015
Making summit @ 58yrs of age with my youngest brother who has been and always will be, 14yrs younger than me.A close second was being able to climb with Dave Hahn.
John R.

08/27/2015
Experiencing mountaineering with a group of fun climbers. Everyone had your back and wanted to see you succeed to your furthest point. Growing and learning something new that has only lit the fire in me to continue on this path.
Bett C.

08/27/2015
My enjoyment came from the group I climbed with, great friends and lots of laughs.
Janet H.

08/26/2015
Aside from the thrill of traversing a glacier, I most enjoyed spending time with the team. The guides and all the other climbers were wonderful people with great stories to tell. It makes me really want to come back and climb again.
Molly P.

08/26/2015
The team commraderie was my favorite aspect of the trip. Our guides were quick to pick up on the team dynamic and integrated it into their program.
Tyler H.

08/26/2015
The whole experience was pretty surreal. I wasn't quite sure what to expect or how hard it would be but once we made it to the summit everything was worth it.
Nathan V.

08/25/2015
I enjoyed the entire experience, its hard to break it down into a one specific topic or experience. I enjoyed the challenge and witnessing the level of knowledge and ability of the guides.
Patrick G.

08/25/2015
I enjoyed most the ability to conquer a challenging physical test, but I appreciated the concerns the guides had for my safety as well for making sure I was prepared to ascend the upper mountain and enjoy my time there!
Steven S.

08/25/2015
The guides.
Scott C.

08/25/2015
Besides reaching summit, I enjoyed very much mountaineering school day, this was my first mountain climbing experience and I felt that the techniques we learned on the previous day were very helpful and made me feel safe and confident.
Manola M.

08/25/2015
The guides did an outstanding job of letting everybody do as well as he was able to. I really appreciate that they didn't let slowpokes drag down the whole team, as was the case with the Timberline Guides I used on Mount Hood.
Michael S.

08/25/2015
I really liked that the entire trip from the arrival to the return to Ashford was active and fun. We always had something to do, but it wasn't overbearing.
Ian I.

08/24/2015
Being part of a good team
Jennifer B.

08/24/2015
Climbing with someone who has summited Everest. I would have paid extra for the privilege but I got it for free.
Brad R.

08/24/2015
Summitting! I also really enjoyed learning and practicing the mountaineering skills, and having access to such incredibly knowledgeable and experienced guides to ask questions and hear their stories.
Jonathan C.

08/24/2015
This was an awesome experience. The planning and timing of everything was exact.
Jason G.

08/23/2015
Obviously getting to the summit was what I enjoyed most, however I also really enjoyed how the guides pushed you to continue on and be strong. The encouragement really helps when it gets tough.
Ryan L.

08/22/2015
The low rating above was about the level of difficulty. RMI did their part, it was just much harder than expected. Hard to have a great experience when in pain.
Doug S.

08/21/2015
It was more physically challenging than I thought it would be, which made it that much better when we summited. All the guides were fantastic!
Allyson W.

08/21/2015
Ladder bridges, good people, pizza, beer and the summit!
Nicholas H.

08/20/2015
My climbing group became very close before, during, and after. I know this must vary from group to group, but it is really incredible to have formed such strong bonds with people who were strangers to me 4 months ago.
Megan Y.

08/20/2015
The whole experience was crazy. It was amazing to see the insides of Rainier (crevasses) like most people aren't able to. The route was super fun, despite being too dangerous to allow us to summit. The hut, prep for the climb and everything was so great too (compared to setting up tents in a blizzard).
Sarah S.

08/20/2015
Everything was top notch. From the staff at coffee shop, shuttle bus driver, rental shop staff, food servers...to a person this was the best service possible. I have stayed at many top resorts across the country and the people here are second to none. The guides were great, and they made sure our total experience was the best it could be. I would never consider climbing with another outfitter since RMI did such a great job.
Kevin F.

08/19/2015
New skills learned and what I learned about myself.
David M.

08/19/2015
I just enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a unique experience with everyone. It was certainly one of the most challenging experiences I have ever done and would not have been able to have done it without the support of those around me.
Luis C.

08/18/2015
Just the overall experience. Guides make you feel comfortable with whatever is at hand.
Charlie D.

08/18/2015
I really enjoyed climbing to the tippy top and seeing jake and a few other up at top. It was like a whole nother world up there. Lindsay and the whole group of guides were awesome but it was really cool to see a true uncommunicated bond connected at the top with jake and Lindsay. Truly life changing.
Wilson D.

08/18/2015
The training was efficient, and the overall program does a good job of helping people get up the mountain without sugar coating the individual effort required. For me, the challenge was pretty big because I'm middle-aged, and I worked very hard to get ready. It paid off, and I'm very gratified that it did. Plus, I had no idea how big the crevasses are up there....
Christopher Y.

08/18/2015
I enjoyed the overall positive atmosphere everyone exhibited on the trip
Aaron A.

08/18/2015
Leon and his team were incredible. Their attention to all of the details was amazing. They were the best part of this experience.
Steve H.

08/18/2015
Competence. Set-up at base. Great drivers.
David H.

08/18/2015
All 3 of my RMI climbs have been very enjoyable. Each a different experience and learned new things. No complaints with RMI and their staff/guides!
Brian P.

08/18/2015
Everything about this trip was enjoyable from start to finish. I gained an experience and knowledge that I will never forget and will use in later expeditions. This was the best adventure ever!
Rebecca A.

08/18/2015
Meeting fellow climbers and guidestraining and the entire experienceSummit!
Edward H.

08/17/2015
The experience as a whole was great. Everything from the pleasant environment of base camp, the muir staging area (clean, comfortable, water), to the summit and back down. Even the pickup driver went the extra distance with lemonade at the parking lot pick up after our summit!
Travis S.

08/17/2015
The leadership through out the trip was key for the success. I honestly thinking of doing it again.
Wilfredo O.

08/16/2015
All four of my group summited and had fun!
Bob S.

08/15/2015
so well planned and allowed enough time for success but kept moving to avoid losing energy, etc. - an excellent agenda that was integral in my successful summit attempt. Pacing is huge and the guides had it down to a perfect science. Also- the guides' support was respectful and realistic and really increased my confidence in my own growing abilities.
Karen S.

08/15/2015
I enjoyed the challenge of the summit climb and climbing with my friends the most.
Tim W.

08/14/2015
The accomplishment of climbing Rainier despite the extremely challenging and dangerous route conditions. Also, being able to climb with Melissa was an incredible experience after working with her in a different capacity for a number of years. Her overall positivity and personal motivation was a great complement to the seriousness and focus of our climb.The collective vibe of the guides was great and the intensity of the lead guiding kept me focused on the safety and seriousness of the climb. I smiled at the top AND didn't seriously injure myself on the descent, which was clearly a win.
Dan K.

08/14/2015
I was lucky enough to climb with a team from Eddie Bauer and Melissa who I've trekked with before. As a result the dynamic was really fun and positive and I had more trust in my rope team to get me home at the end of the day.
Kirsten K.

08/13/2015
The mountain was amazing as well as the other clients and Chris/JM
Joseph B.

08/12/2015
The interaction of the group was fantastic!Also, the view from the summit was stunning.
Paul G.

08/12/2015
I enjoyed the people in our group. They were fantastic. I also enjoyed Elias' charming personality. I enjoyed the summit and doing something like this for the first time. I also enjoyed really appreciated that RMI was so safe in their process.I also appreciate this questionnaire. I was actually surprised to receive it because most of the experience was so focused on safety and summiting and very little on the customer experience as I will describe below.
Clint W.

08/11/2015
EVRETHING, the company, the team, the training, the climb, very happy over all!!!
Juan G.

08/11/2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the guidance and support from the guide team. They were able to lead us with ease, prepared us well for each portion of the climb, and always seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Megan D.

08/11/2015
The way our group came together and supported each other during the climb. Solveig's outstanding leadership and belief in our ability to perform on the mountain. The beauty of Mt. Rainier and traveling through the high altitude glaciated environment. I suffered at times on the way up but enjoyed every moment.
Peter S.

08/10/2015
One of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thanks rmi for providing it.
Tim W.

08/10/2015
I enjoy learning new techniques and spending time on the mountain. I enjoy chatting with the guides and meeting new people.
Ben S.

08/09/2015
The climb :)
Eva C.

08/09/2015
The professionalism by the guides and the availability of the staff. Bear in the rental office was very courteous. We also had Ella from the rental office on our climb and she was esp fun to hang out with. Everyone at RMI is awesome. What a fun crowd to be around. You guys have a good crew.
Paul V.

08/08/2015
andrew and stoney are wonderful people. really enjoyed them.
Andreia G.

08/07/2015
Making new friends and sharing the experience. Plus, Ed Viesturs is a hero of mine and to be able to share the mountain with him - and the summit - was icing on the cake. Also seeing Peter Whittaker and Melissa Arnot on the mountain was simply amazing. Honestly, the trip could not have gone any better.
Rod F.

08/07/2015
The guides and clients who I climbed with. I love the kind of people who do these trips.
Craig F.

08/06/2015
Being high on the mountain.
Larry P.

08/06/2015
The guides where always one step ahead.
Bradley G.

08/06/2015
Summiting under a full moon and morning sunset
Jeff P.

08/05/2015
The guides, and we had a great group that seemed to enjoy each other's company. All of us got along well which made for a fun time (even though I did not summit...again).
George S.

08/05/2015
We had a great group and guide team and just enjoyed the fantastic scenery,weather,being on Mt.Rainier and every minute outdoors learning more skills and putting them to use!
Ruth M.

08/05/2015
Continuing to enhance my skills. Loved the guides and fellow participants. Amazing group energy. Warm weather!
Kelly O.

08/04/2015
The guides were amazing, professional, and engaging.
Jeffrey M.

08/03/2015
The amount of knowledge I gained at the hands of our excellent guides.
Matt K.

08/03/2015
Climbing with other women!I cannot express to you the enjoyment, sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I received from this experience.I climbed up Shasta two years ago with young men. Don't get me wrong. I love men. Been married to one for 30 years but nothing compares to sharing such a physically and mentally challenging adventure with your kindred gender.Please offer more all women's climbs.
Lori O.

08/03/2015
I felt I learned a lot from the guides.
Katerina d.

08/03/2015
Summiting (of course!) Good orientation & Training day. The facility with all the facilities- bunkhouse, store (saved us!!!) pizza & beer cafe and coffee shop.
John F.

08/03/2015
Learning & applying new skills!
Tom M.

08/03/2015
I enjoyed spending time with my friends in a complete foreign setting/environment. I also count myself as being extremely fortunate for being placed in the group I was placed in - the dynamic between the other climbers was great. I am a horrible excuse for a mountaineer though which is why my overall experience score is somewhat low. Everything RMI did was top notch, my enjoyment was affected by my own realization that this activity/scenario is not for me, not by anything that was under your control.
Matthew M.

08/02/2015
I enjoyed watching the effort of fellow climbers. Some people I weren't sure of summitting did so! Then, some who appeared strong and robust had problems. I enjoyed conversing with the guides, especially Kel, who asked questions that delved a bit into our own lives. I most enjoyed summitting and getting to see all the other summits I've been on and looked at longingly at Mt. Rainier from.
Phillip C.

08/02/2015
Getting up on Rainier and enjoying the views.
John C.

08/01/2015
I enjoyed learning new mountaineering skills and spending time in a new environment ( glacier travel).
Kyle P.

08/01/2015
The people - team and guides.
Greg C.

07/30/2015
The descent, skiing with shoes!
Prithviraj S.

07/30/2015
Efficient and focused throughout without feeling suffocated by process or timelines.
Kip B.

07/30/2015
Learning new skills, being in the outdoors in ALL types of conditions that stressed the limits of physical preparation and equipment. Brent's patient but firm demeanor provided clear directions, and when needed, corrective actions without being intimidating or demeaning.
Joseph H.

07/29/2015
Fantastic guides, great terrain, reaching the summit
Shawn J.

07/29/2015
I enjoyed the team feel from start to finish. I also enjoyed learning the mountaineering techniques during the week. As always, the summit is a great way to finish.
James N.

07/29/2015
The guides make the trip. After climbing Rainier with RMI last year, I brought 3 friends with me again this year. We had horrendous weather the first 3 days. My friends actually hadn't seen the mountain yet. But things came together. What we enjoyed most was just the whole experience. You plan a good itinerary and fill it with A+ guides that put you in a position to succeed. What more could you ask for.
Geoffrey E.

07/29/2015
The preparation before the trip, the teamwork during the trip, the guides, and returning to basecamp after the climb.
James A.

07/29/2015
The guides, the other climbers, the scenery, the agenda (including timing for the start of the summit climb, we left at the perfect time), the weather.
Joe G.

07/29/2015
The entire trip was a great experience. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Great people!!! Thanks for a wonderful time!!!
Matthew S.

07/28/2015
I loved the guides and how prepared and knowledgeable there were. And I enjoyed the group we had which was more by chance, but it made for an awesome experience with strangers.
Sam K.

07/27/2015
The guides were amazing, I found the techniques the guides taught us such as pressure breathing and rest stepping were incredibly helpful. They also provided so many tips during the climb, such as clothing recommendations, explaining how to hold the hand rope while crossing the crevasse ladders, letting us know it's ok if we can't sleep at Camp Muir, just to focus on rest. The guides did an amazing job of ensuring everyone was taken care of at rest breaks, asking us how we were feeling, ensuring we're eating, drinking and proper clothing on and we're keeping warm. The guides really made this trip and incredible experience.
Laura J.

07/27/2015
I enjoyed learning the basics of mountaineering in a group of like minded individuals with guides who were both knowledgeable and caring.
Adam W.

07/26/2015
The experience of climbing on Mount Rainier was great. The first time I climbed with an expedition or guides. RMI is very well organized and professional. The experience of climbing on a glacier was new, challenging and exciting.
Mitchell F.

07/25/2015
I enjoyed the entire trip from start to finish...my only disappointment was in not making the summit.
James F.

07/25/2015
Everything but the noisy neighbors in the hut.
Patrick T.

07/25/2015
Summiting and just being on the upper mountain...
Stephen D.

07/24/2015
I like the team spirit which was created with help of Robby and Brent. Those guys were very attentive to each person in a group as well
Victor S.

07/24/2015
I enjoyed the whole thing. If I were to have a complaint it would be the tired legs. But hey you have to pay to play. The trip was a true type 2 fun and I would do it again without hesitation.
Jason A.

07/24/2015
Everything was very well organized and smooth
Morgan F.

07/23/2015
Outstanding itinerary, very well organized, amazing guides and great overall experience.
Patrick C.

07/23/2015
Summiting Rainier with my two sons and my nephew. The guides were key to this experience and i can truly say "I(we) couldn't have done it without them".
Michael H.

07/22/2015
our guides Win and Chase
Jason L.

07/22/2015
Climbing challenging terrain, yet feeling safe in doing so.
Vince P.

07/22/2015
Wonderful people, excellent program. Thank you for an incredible experience.
Arleen N.

07/22/2015
I enjoyed being in the presence of the motivated and kind employees of RMI.
Wolfgang H.

07/22/2015
I enjoyed every step on the mountain, and I felt safe at all times with your guides.
Pavel P.

07/21/2015
Hi-fiving my teammates and then taking a pano of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Saint Helens from Columbia Crest.
Alexe M.

07/20/2015
Great job for the whole trip. Thanks to Seth Waterfall as a great guide. He made the trip very memorable and informative.
Eric J.

07/20/2015
The interactions between the other climbers and the guides. Meeting and getting to know everyone is just as much fun as the climb itself.
Jon W.

07/20/2015
This was my first guided trip. Even though we had Mike, Hannah, and Billy watching out for us, the trip was still a personal achievement and a lifetime desire completed.I never felt like we were being pampered , but the well of experience and guidance was always there with RMI.
Jerry R.

07/19/2015
I enjoyed the team aspect of it all. I also liked the fact that you gave us greater chances of success by creating Camp Muir and taking some of the tasks out of the process. I would like to pursue a summit attempt where those 'luxuries' were not part of the experience, but for the first time it was nice to be able to just concentrate on getting my butt to the top.
Jim M.

07/18/2015
Organization
Brent W.

07/18/2015
I enjoyed learning about mountaineering from knowledgeable and caring guides. The highlight for me was gearing up at zero dark thirty and stepping out onto a glacier for the first time of my life. Roped up to Mike and two other guys. I felt as if I was part of a SEAL team going out on a classified mission. It's something that I'll never forget and can't wait to do again.
Duane H.

07/18/2015
The people and my team added to the experience.
Colleen M.

07/18/2015
Mountaineering skills lessons and practicable applications; some of the people, Mike.
Mark R.

07/17/2015
Climbing Rainier all of it starting from Paradise hiking up the snowfield to all of the different sections of the climb itself on summit day. Really cool experience with really awesome guides.
Don H.

07/16/2015
The challenge of the hike, it was my first technical hike and what an experience. The guides were good, but I believe their watches may indicate that 15 minutes is actually 10 as those breaks were short :)
Lauren B.

07/15/2015
I have highly recommended RMI to all my friends and family since returning from my trip. I firmly stand by the statement that there is no way to climb Mt Rainier for the first time than with RMI Expeditions. This is due in great part by the presentation of my guide team. Thank you!
Eleazar C.

07/15/2015
The guides were fantastic, the experience they have, and the skills they taught us were invaluable. They made it possible to not only summit the mountain, but appreciate every detail of it along the way. I feel very lucky to have been able to take part in this climb.
James W.

07/15/2015
The entire experience was great. True class act organization at every level.
Peter W.

07/15/2015
I loved the season and the way the mountain went from green to snow. I loved the camaraderie amongst the climbers and guides.
Charles P.

07/14/2015
Summit day was great. We were well prepared thanks to Casey, Josh, and Bryan's guidance and preparation. We climbed at a consistent pace, took breaks just when we needed them, and the route was challenging. It was a great 12 hours! I also really appreciated being on smaller rope teams on our summit day. I felt like we could move more easily at a consistent pace, and I felt like we were really safe as we moved below potential ice fall and rock fall areas.
Jessica H.

07/14/2015
RMI is a well established guide company with the experience I was looking for with my first mountaineering trip. I felt comfortable with the company and my guides to know that I was going to be safe. The rental shop made it very easy and affordable for us to pick up the items we needed. I enjoyed being with a group of 8 other climbers. It was a good sized group that we all got to know each other.
Molly S.

07/14/2015
I had great weather which is KEY to success with this climb. You can not plan/pay for that, but that is what I liked the most!
Brian H.

07/13/2015
How organized the whole thing was. I enjoyed the excitement of crossing crevasses on ladders and learning how to rope up and self arrest.
Josh M.

07/13/2015
I think the RMI team is hands down the best in the business. Professional, courteous and fun. The whole experience made it feel like we were all part of a family.
Mark N.

07/13/2015
RMI has impressed me from the start when I first tried for Rainier last year and I remain impressed by the caliber of the guides, the program and the complete attention to each step of the process along the way.
Ted (Theodore) S.

07/12/2015
The guides were exceptional athletes, instructors, and people. Their individual personalities as well as their "mountain smarts" made this trip a unique and memorable experience for me.
Hailey H.

07/10/2015
Climbing Rainier was a near religious experience for me and I never would have been capable of reaching the summit without the RMI guides, particularly given my lack of experience.
Aaron B.

07/10/2015
The overall experience was great good job RMI !!!
Ben S.

07/09/2015
A real taste of mountaineering on a 'big' mountain, from planning and training on the mountain and putting a team together all the way through to achieving a successful summit bid
Peter R.

07/09/2015
Being in the mountans
Brad S.

07/09/2015
I loved all of it - I had trained for it, I knew what I was getting into, and it met every single expectation. Mountaineering is a new sport for me, and after my 4-day climb I am absolutely hooked. The expert level of the guides made me feel safe at every turn. The mountain itself is nearly indescribable -- dominating, challenging, even inviting at times -- but that doesn't really cut it. I felt scared at times, empowered at others, and generally overwhelmed by my own determination, the guides' capabilities, and the mountain's sheer beauty. I cannot say enough good things about RMI or the Mt. Rainier climb other than... when can I come back?
Nina S.

07/08/2015
I've already raved about him, but Eric was just great and probably the best part of the trip (aside from the mountain itself, of course).
Chris P.

07/08/2015
Honestly, we hit the weather jackpot--full moon, sun, lots of awesome crevasses because of the low snow pack, lucky lucky lucky! But, as far as RMI goes, the guides were awesome!
David W.

07/08/2015
The tips from the guides. It is great when they are able to take some time during the climb to educate clients.
Michael H.

07/07/2015
The mountain and the people. being around like minded people is fun, the guides are cool and of course everything is so beautiful.
Michael A.

07/07/2015
Everything! This was our second trip with RMI, and we enjoyed both equally though they were quite different. I think the staff is incredibly impressive -- and that matters a lot both for the feeling of safety and enjoyment of the trip. Seeing the sunrise on the top of Rainier isn't a memory I'll soon forget.
Sari A.

07/06/2015
This was an amazing experience in every way. I am very appreciative of everyone involved.
Ted B.

07/06/2015
guides were great had a fun time even though we got weathered off at 11,200 feet and did not summit
Bradley G.

07/06/2015
PERFECT PROFESIONAL ORGANISATION.Very friendly.
Jacob K.

07/05/2015
The positive exposure to the sport of mountaineering! our guides were supportive, professional, and safe. They helped me summit despite my altitude sickness, for which I will be forever grateful. Furthermore, I LOVE climbing, and can't wait to plan my next mountaineering adventure. Your guides perfectly balance professionalism, safety, and enthusiasm while being enjoyable companions on an adventure of a lifetime.
Sarah G.

07/05/2015
Learning and implementing new climbing techniques.
Brigit M.

07/05/2015
the camaraderie, Peter & Ed's leadership. The accomodations at Ashford inn were great, and I feel like I could hang out all day every day, at the Base Camp B&G. what a great setup.
Jeff B.

07/03/2015
Well-packaged with everything you need right there. A real significant sense of accomplishment.
Gregg S.

07/02/2015
I simply cannot wait for my next RMI adventure. I already have three friends lined-up for my Rainier adventure next season.
Terrence H.

07/02/2015
The guides are always awesome - I've never had a bad one with RMI. Always a great mix of technical competence and people skills. It's cool hanging around the base camp and running into guides from previous trips and catching up with them for a few minutes as well. Also, the base camp area is an awesome place to hang out, and makes the trip much more enjoyable than going back to a less socially-oriented hotel somewhere.
Andrew L.

07/02/2015
The whole thing was run professionally but everyone involved was individually fun to be around and seemed to enjoy their jobs. As someone with almost no climbing experience, summiting Rainier would be out of the question without an outfit like RMI. You guys made it possible for me to show up in good shape and enjoy the experience without worry.
Chris S.

07/02/2015
The guides were great, the route was fun, and the trip was awesome.
Jay B.

07/01/2015
Seeing the scenery on the descent--we were lucky to have a crystal-clear day. I just wish there had been a few more opportunities for photography.
Jasmine S.

07/01/2015
Guides and fellow climbers sharing stories and personal info that can only be obtained from spending time together.
Jason F.

07/01/2015
I enjoyed the entire experience: the mountain, the stars, the people in the group, the guides, learning to use the ice axe.
Ann H.

06/30/2015
This was an incredible trip. I was looking for memorable experience to celebrate my daughters high school graduation, and this certainly provided that.
Deric W.

06/30/2015
The challenge of elevation and learning a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
Kyle C.

06/30/2015
I enjoyed everything. The resources and equipment were of the highest quality. The website was outstanding in helping us prepare before our arrival. The guides were outstanding. The rental personnel were very helpful. The gear check gave us a peace of mind for what we needed.
Brett G.

06/30/2015
The guides were very nice and Lance was especially helpful to me.
Terri R.

06/29/2015
Professional guides. Encouragement. Put everything in place for the team to succeed.
Aaron B.

06/29/2015
The Mountain, the guides, meeting others in the group, the training, and the sense of accomplishment. Thanks for all of it !
Edward M.

06/29/2015
The quick and easy camaraderie Peter and Ed fostered from the first meeting onward. Learning the basics such as the rest step and breathing - clearly so essential to my success. The awesome challenge of summit day and achieving the summit, climbing in the night helped me focus on the light beam, keeping pace, and taking one thoughtful step at a time. Peter, Ed, Robby and Stoney hanging out after the climb to reminisce, enjoy pizza and beer, and not be rushed.
Steve M.

06/29/2015
Well executed and safe mountain climbing experience in all.
Brett M.

06/29/2015
Meeting and bonding with the guides and other clients. Working as a team in a challenging environment. Experiencing Mount Rainier in all its glory.
Phil K.

06/29/2015
RMI is a first class operation! Safety is their priority and having fun is high on the list as well! I can't wait for another adventure!
Pam R.

06/29/2015
After participating in the 4 day summit trip numerous times over the years, I can say without a doubt that the quality of the program year in and year out is amazingly consistent. It is the result of a well run business and top guides/assistant guides. As long as I can do it I will continue to participate in an annual 4 day climb.
David A.

06/28/2015
The experience was more than just a climb. It was very personal.
Rene G.

06/28/2015
I had a moment as the sun was rising when I realized that I was actually going to summit. We had made it past Disappointment Cleaver and I knew that the top of Rainier was in my sights. It was because of the great leadership and excellent communication that I felt a great deal of trust and faith in our team and myself.
Meredith B.

06/28/2015
Making it to the top with a good group of people.
Andres H.

06/27/2015
I really liked the people that I climbed w/ especially the guides. They really were the glue that held the entire team together. They were relational and able to bring a large team together of different personalities and interests. It really was the guides that made my trip!!!! W/o them, I never would have been able to reach the summit of Rainier.
Matthew B.

06/26/2015
For me it is about the journey. This trip provided learning opportunities surrounded by incredible beauty while providing a focus on safety.
Aaron D.

06/26/2015
Climbing with RMI helped us really focus on the challenge of the climb and not worry too much about weather conditions and things outside of our control. It was a great feeling getting to the top.
Jason C.

06/26/2015
I really enjoyed the climb and having the support of the guides in case something went wrong. I felt like the guides were approachable and not just telling us what to do, but also climbing the mountain with us.
Jacob S.

06/26/2015
Leon as our team leader. Being on a group of people that we're all good guys.
John H.

06/25/2015
I enjoyed the climbing with my long time friend Mike James the most. My experiences with Ben and Nick were memorable for different reasons, but I really enjoyed both of them immensely and their skill and sound decision making put me at ease the entire climb.
Daniel L.

06/25/2015
Unbelievable experience, and had a great time.
Robert W.

06/25/2015
Overall commitment to safety and respect for everyone on the team regardless of ability
Dwight S.

06/24/2015
Learning more about climbing
Ciana M.

06/24/2015
the mountain.
Rasheed S.

06/24/2015
Being outside with a great group of people. Our group really gelled, making the experience even more fun. Communication was great so we always knew what we needed, what we were doing, etc.
Rebecca S.

06/24/2015
The camraderie on the trip was fantastic. With a bucket list type trip, you forge relationships with people and create memories that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. I also thought the guides were fantastic and totally vested in our experience.
Jason S.

06/24/2015
People and the mountain. I felt completely safe throughout the trip! Thanks RMI for that.
Arun S.

06/23/2015
The people, both guides and other climbers, as well as the focus on safety and working together as a team. I learned a ton about myself in addition to climbing skills that I'll take beyond the mountains.
Rudy S.

06/23/2015
The trip was really well organized and facilitated. Super amazing company.
Alex H.

06/22/2015
Summiting Mt. Rainier
Kevin S.

06/21/2015
As above, this is my fourth trip with RMI. Though I haven't summitted Mt. Rainier, I have had an excellent experience each time and this was the best trip of all. Made it to Ingraham Flats which is a personal best for me on this mountain before turning back. I need to set my sights a little lower (no pun intended) but this does not diminish my enthusiasm for the sport.
Mark M.

06/19/2015
The mountain views!
Angela G.

06/19/2015
team work, nice people, and reasonable pace
Qian J.

06/19/2015
Very nice people with extremely good customer service.
Daniel W.

06/19/2015
Tyler is an excellent guide.
Sarah S.

06/18/2015
Very well organized from a to z.
Reinier V.

06/18/2015
Met a lot of great people and had a great experience at RMI....Unfortunately I ran into the US Open travel problems and wound up feeling too bad to continue from all of the delays. I will come out earlier next year and do some hiking before I start.
Michael H.

06/18/2015
I had a great experience and it was even more than I thought it would be.
Scott P.

06/17/2015
Got to learn a bunch about mountaineering from the guides. Great pacing for acclimatizing, so altitude wasnt a problem. Summit view was perfect, 10/10.
Ian M.

06/17/2015
Challenge and the skills of the trip leaders.
Richard R.

06/17/2015
the glaciers
Scott N.

06/16/2015
I was happy to have capable guides who understood what was necessary to get to the top of the mountain.
Jake R.

06/16/2015
The Mountain
Drew M.

06/16/2015
Dear RMI, I wanted to take a moment to express how thrilled the group and I were with our recent trip. The entire experience exceeding my expectations, and they were fairly high going in based upon RMIs reputation. In fact, I believe I wore the phrase out over the weekend. I found RMI to be a highly professional organization with a genuine goal of creating an extraordinary experience while prioritizing safety and enjoyment. As a group of weekend warriors looking for adventure, while balancing our experience and skill levels, we rely on an outfit that can provide that sense of adventure while containing it within a sensible risk dynamic. RMI provided that and more. The truly defining factor, of course, were the guides. Mike & Chris were exceptional, and thats not a word I through around loosely. Being in the client service business myself I know its no easy task to educate, lead and encourage, all while being personable and even entertaining. Mike is a born teacher and leader with a genuine desire to inspire not just a love for climbing, but for individuals to dig deep within themselves and achieve something ultimately more satisfying than one could likely achieve on ones own. Chris is well on his way to filling those boots as well. I simply cant say enough about what a pleasure it was to climb with them and I owe my success on the mountain in large part to them. They are an asset to your organization and my group and I are already planning our next adventure with the hope of enlisting their guidance again. Please consider this a testimonial to the quality of the RMI experience. We look forward to climbing with you again very soon. P.S. If possible we would love to have their email and contact info.Our thanks again for a terrific experience, Mark D. MerkelDirectorSenior Foreign Exchange SpecialistWells Fargo - FX Solutions Group Wells Fargo Bank NA | 550 S. Tryon St., 5th Floor | Charlotte NC 28202MAC D1086-051Tel 704-410-3791 | Cell 704-775-5970 [email protected]
Mark M.

06/15/2015
The hiking.
Joshua K.

06/15/2015
The guides were great and the bar/grill was awesome.
Scott Z.

06/15/2015
I have already recommended RMI for friends who asked about our trip. I enjoyed getting to know the guides and learning from them every step of the way. The view from the TOP was pretty spectacular too!
Bridget M.

06/15/2015
The beauty of this mountain is incredible. I loved the challenge and the camaraderie. In addition to being accomplished as guides, they were also great company
Jeffrey T.

06/14/2015
The friendly staff and the fact that safety was always on top
Felipe S.

06/13/2015
Everything about the climb and RMI was top notch. I can't wait to climb with RMI again!
Rick B.

06/12/2015
A totally new experience for me to see a bottomless crevasse-I could only describe it as awesome and frightening at the same time. Blood red moon during the summit day. 150 degree blazing orange sunrise. I was completely mesmerized by the string of headlamps during the pitch black ascent-can't grab the right words for the feeling of being on a spectacular mountain, pushing the body, being with the other team members, the specialness...all hit you when you see that neckless of lights. Maybe our 9 clients were unique (but unlikely), but I think they were all terrific. Likely long term friends to converse with on social media and maybe even hook up again for a climb.I have never seen the ice blocks, snow and glacier topography and photos just can't capture them for me. Spectacular!Clearly for a rookie, the comfort of pros doing all the worrying was so very much appreciated.
Dave G.

06/12/2015
Summiting! (Obviously.) It was a truly great family experience, and the guides were perfectly respectful and responsible throughout what for us was a major experience.
Chris R.

06/11/2015
Sharing the experience with my son was the best thing, really. The RMI guides allowed this to happen and helped us to have a good experience together.
Jim L.

06/11/2015
Our team was tight. We had a great team mentality and bond that kept everyone motivated to finish together. Mostly, though, I enjoyed how everything was coordinated and tightly packaged so we knew we were getting a safe summit attempt. RMI is a top tier company.
Mac S.

06/10/2015
The beauty of the area.
Joris M.

06/10/2015
Logistics are very well organized. Website, reminders and lists are very helpful. Really appreciate all the details that RMI covers.
James R.

06/08/2015
all the members of the team loved what they were doing, so willing to share with us their love for the mountain, couldn't ask for more
Dan R.

06/06/2015
I enjoyed many things about my trip. I think the RMI and Whittaker Basecamp is amazing. Everything you need in one place with the best in the business. Store hours and rental office accommodate any last minute changes in your gear. All the guides I encountered oozed trust, confidence and knowledge. Very inspiring when you are new to climbing.
Andrew H.

06/06/2015
being on the mountain
Brian H.

06/05/2015
The whole experience. The guides and the freedom of being on the mountain.
Derek P.

06/01/2015
The company and meeting people. Just learning basic skills which I could have never learnt!
Pamela M.

05/31/2015
Getting to know my fellow climbers and obviously the climb itself. The last 2 hours to the summit were definitely some that I will never forget.
Kirby C.

05/26/2015
The camaraderie between the guides and the team made the trip even more amazing than I expected.
Sierra R.

05/25/2015
I felt the program was very well organized from the sign up process to the actual climb. The thing I enjoyed the most was interacting with and getting to know the guides. I felt that the guides had our best interest in both safety and success and really made an effort to get to know everyone on the team.
Tristan M.

05/23/2015
The process. LIfe's not a destination but a journey. Summiting Rainier was that in a nutshell.
Trever G.

05/19/2015
The knowledge of the guides, Seth's leadership with the other guides and the team, and the entire experience with the whole RMI and Whittaker's!
Aaron A.

05/17/2015
I most enjoyed meeting the incredible RMI guide team as well as the other climbers. What a great bunch of guys!!
Jason S.

01/26/2015
The people in my group. The guides.
Stephanie A.

01/06/2015
The feeling of comradery amongst the climbing team and the guides, both on and off the mountain, which has to lasting friendships. The feeling of being among friends in the mountains, appreciating the beauty, and accepting the trials of climbing is by far, the greatest of all feelings.
Steve C.

11/25/2014
The crater. Staging from the bunkhouse and the midnight start. The incredible daybreak as we summited. The skills/training day in the snowfield. Having Dave Hahn as a guide.
Dan H.

10/14/2014
The guides
Dave H.

10/09/2014
Learning from the guides about climbing techniques and equipment. The whole experience was great and reaching the summit was a highlight.
Victor A.

10/09/2014
Everything about climb was awesome!
Chris S.

10/06/2014
I enjoyed the challenge of attempting the summit for the fist time - a wonderfull adventure.
John M.

10/06/2014
The guides' professionalism was candid about safety (ensuring focus) while also calm, knowledgeable and clear (providing confidence). I had serious doubts that I would be able to do this, but the steady, consistent approach to the summit enabled success.
Nelson O.

10/05/2014
I have hiked my whole life, but I have not done much climbing. It is a dangerous sport, but the guides made me feel comfortable and ultimately led us to a successful summit. Although summiting was the most fulfilling part of the trip, the training day was the most enjoyable.
Matt J.

10/05/2014
Overall an excellent experience. I felt all the guides were very professional and helpful. Casey took a special interest in getting to know the climbers a bit. Keep up the good work!
Hal M.

10/04/2014
We had a great group that really meshed well together, guides and participants.
Dawn G.

09/30/2014
Wow... Where do I start? - The mountain is breathtaking. - The Guides were AWESOME.- The terrain was challenging.- RMI is the best overall guiding service I've experienced to date
Ken C.

09/29/2014
In a single word "Clarity"!! Knowing what is expected and how to do it...very powerful.I've climbed Shasta, Hood and Fuji with other guide services and the RMI team far exceeded my expectations. Geoff, Katrina, and Christina were friendly, and stern. They put safety first and the push us beyond our comfort zone (and understood my/our abilities).Thank you for a wonderful experience :))))
Fred D.

09/29/2014
I enjoyed meeting everyone and getting to know them. Making the Summit was cool but wasn't the highlight.I really enjoy learning new skills and being able to put them into practice.
Corey N.

09/29/2014
Being on the mountain!
Rhonda N.

09/28/2014
The friendly Team environment. Making it to the summit.
Jo W.

09/28/2014
It was a very unique as rewarding experience.
Tripp H.

09/27/2014
Our guides. They taught us new skills in climbing and ensured our safety. THEY made the climb one of the best and most fun experiences in my life!
Jon H.

09/26/2014
Comradery
Matt O.

09/26/2014
The entire experience was awesome! Training day, the hike to Camp Muir and of course the summit! The attention to safety, the communication by the lead guides telling us what to expect was also fantastic.
Seung L.

09/25/2014
Top notch guides - safety first but combined with great personalities that made the trip a hell of a memory and a lot of fun.
Bill K.

09/24/2014
I enjoyed learning about the basics of mountain climbing and snow climbing. I enjoyed the climb and hospitality of the guides.
Rohan S.

09/22/2014
It was exactly as it was described. I feel I had a genuinely fulfilling experience thanks in no small part to the guides we were lucky enough to have.
Tom L.

09/21/2014
I enjoyed the team the most, everyone worked well together and the guides further enhanced that teamwork
Kyle S.

09/21/2014
Training, great staff, felt fairly safe considering the environment.
John S.

09/21/2014
the professionalism with RMI is unparalleled. we have climbed with other operators and the guides are extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy, which are two of the biggest things I look for when climbing.
Wei-jen Y.

09/20/2014
Professional guides and a program that is very well dialed.
Robin L.

09/20/2014
This was one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I have ever done, and I am so happy that I did it. RMI was the perfect guide service for this experience with highly competent and amiable guides, all of which I would highly recommend to friends (I already am!).
Jeff Z.

09/19/2014
Being on a climbing trip and NOT having to make water! Talk about being spoiled! : )The trip was excellent. It was everything I expected. Enjoyable and a great way to get to know Rainier.
Jon M.

09/19/2014
Spending time on the Mt., and connecting with other climbers.
Jason F.

09/18/2014
The whole trip was well laid out. Every step was planned accordingly and our safety was the number one priority.
Mong L.

09/18/2014
Not sure what I enjoyed most, but I will say that I've climbed twice with RMI (one failed ascent, one successful) and both were as good an experience as I could have hoped for. I have not climbed with any other organizations, but it is hard for me to imagine a better run group. From the gear list to calls/interaction with the office in advance of the climb to the actual training/climb itself, RMI has been professional, organized, and exhibited excellent customer service. As noted, Garrett is my archetype of a guide, and his support guides made a great team together.
Royce K.

09/17/2014
The guides and the organization.
Craig W.

09/16/2014
The trip was very organized, efficient and well managed. Loved getting to know our guides and the rest of the group. Amazing trip!
Mitch L.

09/15/2014
The challenge and the mountain of course.
Ted (Theodore) S.

09/15/2014
Rigor. Time with a star like JJ. Rainier itself. RMI professionalism.
Daniel M.

09/15/2014
The trip was challenging and professionally organised. Mount Rainier itself is outstanding, and the views were amazing. I also leaned techniques that I hope to be able to use on future climbs. I felt like the program was aimed at climbers who were skilled and very fit. I felt I performed strongly, and so for me this was a good thing, but I'm not sure if some of the others would have wanted a more relaxed schedule or an easier summit day.
Brett R.

09/14/2014
Rainier summit was my goal and achieving this was the high point, but every part of the preparation and trip was enjoyable.
Dennis S.

09/13/2014
Love it although there were moments of complete terror!
Brooke C.

09/12/2014
Hitting the summit when we almost had to turn around because of the wind! Best part of the trip was standing on crater rim.
Justin R.

09/12/2014
I came away, after a successful summit attempt, with a great sense of accomplishment, and a newfound appreciation for life. The magnitude of climbing Rainier, from the standpoint of the risks to be mitigated and the effort to be expended, was something that I only began to appreciate after I was on my way home. I am very thankful to have experienced this with Katie, Mike & Leah.Thank you, everyone, at RMI.
Corbin C.

09/12/2014
This trip was life-changing and a great amazing adventure!!
James G.

09/12/2014
My favorite part was just getting up close and personal with the terrain on the upper mountain. I've done a lot of hikes around Washington and nothing comes close to what I experienced on Mt. Rainier. It gave me the opportunity to see things I had only ever seen in pictures, and it was way beyond my expectations
Bryan L.

09/11/2014
Climbing!!
Steve H.

09/11/2014
I really enjoyed learning the new experience.
Stephanie D.

09/11/2014
There are so many things I enjoyed.......and our guides were the bomb. They were tough, fun, anal retentive to a person on all the important things to insure we were successful, outgoing and incredibly well trained. Being outside climbing was amazing, walking over the crevasses with the ladders, being with the team and climbing together, being on an adventure as I have never done any mountain climbing. Being on the summit was very cool as well as climbing under a starlit night was amazing.
Barrett P.

09/09/2014
I enjoyed the challenge of the climb. We had a particularly difficult climb, but I was constantly being encouraged, mentored, and reassured by Katrina. Perfect balance of attention to safety and attention to the goal of summit-ing.
Anna H.

09/09/2014
Absolutely impressed by the professionalism, dedication, obvious love of the mountain, and safety ethos of our RMI guides. Given that many of our guides were even younger than us, what was incredible was the purposefulness and maturity that they brought to our climb. Their resumes barely convey the sheer experience they have (our lead guide has climbed Everest, and Ranier ~183 times). I appreciated that safety was above all the number one priority, and that our guide team kept this in focus while making the climb superbly enjoyable, educational, and exhilarating!
Janet L.

09/09/2014
Sunrise, sunset, having the toilet at camp muir, hot water and cold water ready to go.
Jay M.

09/09/2014
Getting to the summit with our friends and guides, surprisingly awesome weather on summit day, and climbing with our RMI team!
Amy W.

09/09/2014
The trip was extremely organized and the guides were very knowledgeable. I never felt like my safety was in question or that my enjoyment and learning wasn't a priority.
Rebecca S.

09/08/2014
I work in the tourist/thrill field and I never felt as though I was just a so called wealthy tourist being sucked up to for tips. I was treated as part of a team and the whole experience made me want to do more climbs and pursue higher elevation.
Cordell T.

09/08/2014
The summit climb itself was absolutely the best part. I felt prepared, surrounded by talented guides, and inspired to summit the mountain I've been staring at for years now.
Zack H.

09/08/2014
Perfect combination of a physical and mental challenge led by an experienced team that was very well prepared.
Tom N.

09/08/2014
At the age of 27 I made my summit up Rainer. 27 years later I relived this experience. The professinalism of the group was outstanding. The training was excellent. Overall the experience was fantastic.
Alan H.

09/07/2014
I liked the guides and the experiences and knowledge that they shared. I wanted to learn more on this hike and that is exactly what they helped me do. They also helped me get to the top of Rainier which was an added bonus!
Adam D.

09/07/2014
As a novice I enjoyed the training and gear checks. I also appreciated any tips and/or advice I was given.
Shane R.

09/07/2014
I learned a lot, the guides were professional, and experienced but also fun. I was excited to get gluten free pizza at whittakers
Anouska N.

09/06/2014
The education and gaining some mountaineering experience.
Josiah R.

09/06/2014
With the help of the guides and the various climbing techniques, my ability to keep pushing myself one step at a time to get to the top of the summit.
Prashant C.

09/06/2014
RMI does a fantastic job at reducing risk and communicating with the team members each step of the way. I never felt lost or confused from the moment I stepped into camp in Ashford, WA. Dave, Mike & Robby were fantastic guides, climbers and people.
Kyle M.

09/06/2014
Every part of it... Easy and hard pieces equally.
Brett D.

09/05/2014
Dave Hahn
Tom S.

09/05/2014
Making it to the summit! Great time on the return with our guide, Andy, who made the whole trip more enjoyable. He takes a personal interest in his clients, offering to take pictures and exchange stories, etc.
Jarrett A.

09/04/2014
Being able to make it to the summit and meeting and climbing with new friends
Wayne G.

09/03/2014
I thought training and preparation were excellent, and the website with customer service leading up to the climb were very inviting and encouraging. I felt encouraged along the way, felt safe with RMI. The level of experience of the guides and setting in Ashford are very inviting and well organized. It was a well-executed, highly planned mission with clear objectives and (more or less) my personal goals were met. I would recommend it, and I might consider doing it again myself.
Ted H.

09/02/2014
being able to spend time with my son and his girlfriend
Steve L.

09/02/2014
The challenge! And the personability of the guides. I have used other guide Co's and your guys are the best.
John C.

09/01/2014
personal challenge
Joe L.

08/31/2014
The views of beauty from various places on the mountain. Getting to know the guides and climbers. Everyone was corgil and respectful
Will C.

08/29/2014
This was a great trip for me and my third with RMI. I really have no complaints or suggestions I can think of currently. My son greatly enjoyed the experience as well and I am very thankful that RMI gave him permission to come on the trip. It will be something that he and I share forever.
Grayson S.

08/27/2014
The great weather provided stunning beauty. The pacing of the trip allowed me to summit without getting exhausted.
Walter B.

08/27/2014
The challenge and the intense adventure of mountaineering, plus the scenery, were the highlights. I am an experienced backpacker of more than 55 years but had never done glacier travel before under the conditions of a volcanic mountain. It was like another dimension entirely from all my other experiences. Also bonding with people I barely knew at the beginning was fun.
Robert J.

08/26/2014
The people turn this very demanding claim into a lifetime memory. Great guide team!
Darek J.

08/26/2014
Awesome experience all around. I definitely felt safe and well briefed and taught the proper skills to be successful. I think the best thing was the guide to client ratio. On summit day it was pretty much 1:3. That made it feel like you were really getting one on one attention.
Mark H.

08/26/2014
Truly a professional approach to the whole trip - great staff led by Jake. Although I did not make it to the summit, I enjoyed every part of the experience. And, I was fortunate to share the many activities with my family and the outstanding guides.
Jonathan G.

08/26/2014
The summit was great but the best part was interacting with the other clients and the guides, and learning more about mountaineering.
Justin H.

08/26/2014
Well planned and executed very smoothly which is amazing given the nature of the activity and unpredictability. I think the communicaiton to the climbers by the guides was focused and efficient as well as compreshesive.
Pierre C.

08/26/2014
Just the exposure to this type of climbing which is not available in Colorado. I was a great experience and your staff was great.
David O.

08/26/2014
I enjoy that your team gives each climber credit for what he or she has done.
Amanda T.

08/26/2014
The team atmosphere, the weather, and the staff.
Kurt S.

08/25/2014
RMI clearly has this program wired. The facilities at Ashford were great. The rental staff was great, bacon cheese burgers were great, you could not have done better. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Brian P.

08/25/2014
Bringing my daughter on the trip I wanted to expose her to mountaineering in a way that was as safe as possible. Mission accomplished. The team was outstanding -- I felt they were 100% committed to our safety rather than "a summit at all costs." They inspired confidence throughout the team in a way that was not only impressive but effective.
Scott F.

08/24/2014
The best part about the trip for me was setting a personal goal and accomplishing it. The guides made sure I did that safely and successfully.
Patrick D.

08/24/2014
Making the summit!My own preparation was key and having the physical training guidelines on the website provided a cheap way for me to make a training program happen.
Don B.

08/24/2014
Brent was terrific as were Sean and Zach. I felt prepared by the day of training and I felt encouraged, but safe along the way to the top.
Augustine W.

08/23/2014
I enjoyed learning about mountaineering, which was something I didn't know anything about. Even though I didn't make it to the summit, I did enjoy the trip.
Chris M.

08/23/2014
meeting the other people with similar interests.
Jeff G.

08/22/2014
This is my 5th trip up Rainier (4th with RMI). I can't say enough about the great experiences I have had. Keep up the great work.
Tom H.

08/21/2014
There are so many things I enjoyed about the trip, it would be impossible to narrow it down, although making it to the summit would probably be number one. I really enjoyed working as a team and very much enjoyed getting to know our guides.
Sharon P.

08/21/2014
The professionalism of the guides was amazing to me. This was the realization of a goal I set as a young man before life got in the way. I was grateful I was finally able to get to the top.
Tom H.

08/21/2014
It was an overall great experience to share with my group.
Matt S.

08/21/2014
RMI has a terrific reputation for a reason. Our guides were outstanding, and the trip was unforgettable. I have and will continue to recommend RMI to others.
Robynne P.

08/21/2014
I really appreciated the safety consciousness of all the guides. That is of foremost importance in my mind. I also liked how professional they were. The great transportation to and from the mountain was nice.
Cheryl H.

08/21/2014
The women's climb was a truly unique experience. I was so glad to be a part of such a neat group. The guides did a great job of taking a group of individuals and making us a cohesive unit.
Annie D.

08/20/2014
Making it to the summit, the high level of organisation involved in the trip.
Matt G.

08/20/2014
The camaraderie and the challenge!
Colette K.

08/20/2014
Sights and sounds starting at Muir and above.
Matt S.

08/20/2014
Guides friendliness and helpfulness; comradeship atmosphere; good overall planning
Sergey K.

08/20/2014
Learning mountaineering skills and glissading!
Linda C.

08/20/2014
The training session was outstanding, learning everything I needed to know for the climb. Then I was able to actually use what I learned in class on the climb. The guides were very determined to summit and were very attentive to our safety. I appreciated the no nonsense attitude the guides showed, if members of the team were too slow or were a hazard to the team they were sent back.
Bruce S.

08/20/2014
The three female guides rocked on the Rainier Women's climb. It was a fun event climbing with females only. I will look into participating again next year.
Fatima W.

08/19/2014
Being outside.
Suzanne P.

08/19/2014
Getting to the top.
Rienne M.

08/19/2014
The relationship with my friends, the team and the guides.
Tommy B.

08/19/2014
The morning on the upper mountain
Brian F.

08/18/2014
The overall feeling with the group was great. The trip was clearly people doing what they loved to do (guides) and people that were prepared and looking for adventure (clients). I had a great time.
David P.

08/18/2014
I most enjoyed learning that I could go further than I knew I could.
Kip B.

08/18/2014
The group (team) feel of the climb. Mountain climbing school, and learning the right way to climb. The guides did a good job to have everyone feel like one big team on the climb.
Benjamin S.

08/17/2014
The scenery and the challenge of getting up the mountain.
Bret D.

08/17/2014
A diverse group of climbers, quickly molded into a team, all supporting each other's efforts to achieve the summit!
Scott S.

08/15/2014
Working with and learning from the guide team was great. That was the most valuable part of this trip.
Sam W.

08/14/2014
Geoff, Zach and Christine were awesome as individuals and terrific as a team during the climb.
John S.

08/13/2014
well the summit was definitely impressive. I really enjoyed taking it all in. From the very beginning with climbing school
Joel F.

08/12/2014
I had to turn on the summit bid at 12000'due to leg cramping however I had just as enjoyable trip as when I made the summit 2 years ago. Your whole group of guides and staff made that possible. Thanks
Stephen A.

08/11/2014
Everything about snow school and the climb was enjoyable. The guides took very good care of us and the weather was fantastic.
Jerry T.

08/11/2014
I can't point to one single thing, the entire experience -- a first for me -- was fantastic.
Todd M.

08/10/2014
I enjoyed the company of the guides. They are exceptional citizens and stewards of the mountains. Their knowledge and passion for the outdoors and mountains are unsurpassed.
Wolfgang H.

08/09/2014
Fantastic guides and great team mates. Was a rare treat to have Muir shack to ourselves.
Kelsey A.

08/09/2014
Climbing the back side of Muir Peak. Got a chance to set running belays, run couple multi-pitches and do mix climbing (snow/ice/rock).
Kim B.

08/08/2014
our goal was to find a physically challenging trip that my two boys and I could do together - and succeed. As we found out, the journey was the measure, not the summit.
Peter A.

08/07/2014
The professionalism and attitude of the guides. They were totally committed.
John B.

08/07/2014
The climb itself.
Wes M.

08/07/2014
Building the relationships and working with others
Jeff S.

08/07/2014
RMI's commitment to climber safety, and their enthusiastic love of the Mountain and its surrounding environment make them an obvious choice for anyone wishing to climb Mount Rainier - or any other mountain that is fortunate enough to be on RMI's itinerary.
Doug W.

08/07/2014
The whole experience was great, but the time on the upper mountain (above Camp Muir) together with the fellow climbers was something really special.
Jonny H.

08/07/2014
Meeting the other climbers
Greg J.

08/06/2014
My favorite part was the comradery and support, and of course the beautiful scenery. Getting to know the other people in our group, and taking time to enjoy the climb and surroundings was unforgettable. I mean, getting to the summit was by far the most challenging thing emotionally and physically that I've ever done, but the guides were really great about reinforcing the importance of enjoying each step along the way. However...making it to the summit was a huge life goal of mine, so that of course is ranked high on the 'best part' of the trip scale.
Chelsea L.

08/05/2014
The well organized program.
Derek V.

08/05/2014
Summitting.
Jeremy A.

08/05/2014
I enjoyed how helpful, professional, and instructive each of the guides were, not only for our team, but those of other teams as well. The entire RMI staff seemed eager and able to help their clients, and others on the mountain who were independent. They seemed to define the standard for professional guide service on Mt Rainier, and I can only assume they are the same for other expeditions. Oh yea, the views of the mountain and area were amazing too!
Nick V.

08/03/2014
Seth is amazing. Enough said.
Mark T.

08/03/2014
The professionalism of the guides. I couldn't have asked for anyone better.
Wendy J.

08/03/2014
This was my second experience and it was even more enjoyable than the first. Great guides and fellow climbers. I knew I was in safe hands and felt like I learned a lot of basic mountaineering skills. Very thorough and well organized program.
Sachi B.

08/02/2014
Although getting to the summit was the highlight of my trip I also enjoyed getting to know the guides, where they came from and what makes them tick. Just an awesome experience overall. I have already recommended RMI to others and will continue do so in the future.
Joel M.

08/02/2014
The summit! The views were amazing and I was proud to have made it there.
Alex W.

08/01/2014
I learned an great amount during this trip. The guides were forthcoming with advice and were thorough in their explanations.
Bryce M.

07/31/2014
Starting the climb right at the stroke of midnight and having those several hours before dawn to just enjoy being on the mountain.
Gentry J.

07/31/2014
During the orientation, going over equipment was very helpfulDuring the first hike day, learning ice axe techniques, crampon techniques and roping techniques were great
Nicholas T.

07/29/2014
I enjoyed the entire experience from start to finish. I learned something new, Challenged myself physically and mentally and had a great time ! I look forward to climbing with RMI again!
Zach D.

07/29/2014
The guidance and camaraderie.
Greg J.

07/28/2014
The guides and the people in my group were all great people and were really helpful in remaining positive despite the impeccably terrible timing of weather and inability to summit. They were pretty much the only enjoyable part of my miserably wet and cold experience.
Alex N.

07/28/2014
Climbing the mountain was immensely rewarding, but learning from the guides and experiencing alongside other climbers was also a highlight. I think a primary goal was to learn from the guides and learn more about what it is like to be a guide, and both of these goals were exceeded.
Jordan C.

07/28/2014
I enjoyed the accomplishment of summitting Mt. Rainier as much as I enjoyed the experience of sharing it with a team and our amazing guides. I couldn't have made it to the summit without the guides -- just incredible, incredible knowledge, incredible strength and determination, incredible people. I will remember them warmly and hold the experience close to my heart for the rest of my life.
Myrna G.

07/28/2014
The guides
Diana S.

07/27/2014
the climb itself
Patrick E.

07/26/2014
organized, punctual, friendly, experienced guides who were committed to helping us reach the summit. Good food and beer at fare price at your cafe/bar.
Bill E.

07/25/2014
I trust RMI.
Michael G.

07/25/2014
1. The support and passion for climbing from the guides. These three guides are in my top five. I really hope to climb with them again and will request them in my future climbs. 2. There wasn't a single jerk in the climbers group; usually there is always at least one jerk. 3. Having the Camp Muir hut to ourselves!
James W.

07/25/2014
The overall/ attitude changing experience that I will always keep with me.
Ben S.

07/23/2014
Overall I thought RMI did a great job and Seth was an excellent lead guide.
Nick S.

07/23/2014
The guides and the energy/demeanor they brought with them. It was infectious, and I felt calm and positive and yet exciting and very engaged.
Emily O.

07/23/2014
Reaching the summit, obviously, after 3 failed atttempts. Actually, its the whole experience with the Guides and the other climbers. Just enjoyed the whole process.
Robert H.

07/21/2014
Not only the guides, but the small community we were able to build as participants and climbers on the trip. I felt comfortable and in good hands with every person involved with the climb.
Tom Q.

07/21/2014
I really enjoyed everything. I couldn't have asked for a better team or a better trip.
Megan H.

07/21/2014
Just being on the mountain and having faith in the guides to get us back OK.Learning some mountaineering skills and being able to use them to reach a goal.Reaching the summit with my brother.
Mark F.

07/20/2014
Felt very fortunate to join a trip led by Win Whitaker. Wonderful teammates and a great lot of fun. Lucky to meet Lou Whitaker and Skip Yoell.
Les J.

07/20/2014
It is really hard to choose something separate from this complete package.
Oleg B.

07/20/2014
I enjoyed the positive attitude of the guides, which kept the entire team's heads held high through some adverse situations, and having the opportunity to climb with my sister at RMI's expense was gift beyond what I could ever dream.
Kevin M.

07/20/2014
Making the summit safely. Learning some mountaineering skills.
Robert H.

07/20/2014
Enjoyed everything about the trip from start to finish. The organization and professionalism and planning of everyone involved is top notch and worth every penny. RMI made my dream of summitting come true and I would definitely use them again if I do another climb. My 3 guides were the best and made it that much better. Thanks RMI for everything!
Jason M.

07/20/2014
Everything. Just wish I was a better mountaineer. Hope I did not hold up the team too much on the descent. Great thanks to Mike for protecting and pushing me the whole way.
Scott J.

07/18/2014
The trip was incredible. The guides were excellent!
Lance F.

07/18/2014
Professionalism and camaraderie.
Sid S.

07/18/2014
I cannot emphasize enough how great JJ, Bridget, and Tanner were! Their leadership, personalities, and skill are what truly made this trip the amazing experience that it was!
Paul A.

07/16/2014
It's always been a distant dream to attempt something like this until I improved my health and lost 60 lbs 3 years ago. This was an epic adventure that wouldn't have been possible without the guidance of RMI. I enjoyed the satisfaction of completing an enormous milestone the most.
Jason P.

07/16/2014
The guides were absolutely great! Best part of the trip hands down. They were very understanding and helpful.
Daryl T.

07/16/2014
This is my 4th climb with RMI and I would be coming back if I wasn't impressed. Keep pup the good work!!
Martin W.

07/16/2014
The challenge and reward of the summit.The guides.The wonderful woman who provided us with lemonade and watermelon at the end!
David D.

07/15/2014
The people, guides, professionalism and epic journey to the top. Also got to meet Lou Whittaker- and was star struck!
Kristen S.

07/15/2014
Learning the skills and making the climb
Bret K.

07/14/2014
My experience with all three guides and the entire team was completely perfect. I really enjoyed the mountaineering school portion of the trip; it was great to have plenty of time to practice skills that would prove to be essential during the climb. And it goes without saying that making it to the summit for sunrise was pretty spectacular!
Rhiannon B.

07/14/2014
Overall, being a part of a highly organized and well trained group like RMI was a great introduction to mountain climbing for me.
Rich S.

07/14/2014
I most enjoyed summiting and getting back down safely. I most appreciated the guide-to- client ration and the level of guide experience and commitment to a good experience for all climbers. I was impressed that the standard route on Rainier still uses very experienced guides who have climbed much bigger and more difficult mountains all over the world.
Doug R.

07/14/2014
The climb to summit itself. We had a great trip with great weather and great guides.
Jay B.

07/13/2014
Since reading Into Thin Air, I've wanted to see the big mountain features in person. I enjoyed seeing the ice cliffs, crossing the crevasses, walking in crampons, rope work, arrest practice on training day. I even thought the rock fall was cool after it was over and everyone was okay. I was able to enjoy these things more because I knew I had taken precautions. I trained and packed per RMI guidance, and we had three great RMI guides to help us on the way. They did a great job warning us of dangers and telling us how to be safe about them. RMI made it easy to enjoy the big mountain feel.
William W.

07/12/2014
Something I completely underestimated was the views while we were making out final push for the ascent. Wish we had a little more time on the side of the face to pull out cameras, but I completely understand the risks involved.
Ryan D.

07/09/2014
Our guides.
Derek S.

07/09/2014
Hands down my guide Seth Waterfall. I learned so much from him. He made the trip fun and exciting. He is very knowledgeable and reassuring!!
Kristen F.

07/09/2014
Learning a new skill setthe view front the top was pretty amazing as well
Aaron M.

07/09/2014
The views were amazing. The guides were all very professional, skilled and organized.
Ben S.

07/08/2014
Well, the scenery of course! The overall sense of preparedness (day school, equipment list, etc.) allowed me to enjoy my trip every step of the way.
Nick R.

07/08/2014
It's hard to pick what I enjoyed most because the entire trip was completely amazing. I think the RMI guides are the best and they really made this a wonderful experience while all while teaching so many great mountaineering skills.
Nicole R.

07/08/2014
- excellent emails prior to trip covering training, gear, mental preparation were all excellent. - all round excellent work - especially from junior guide Pepper. - rentals and sales staff were all excellent - great work!
Dave T.

07/08/2014
Making the summit. But the entire RMI experience was outstanding. Every aspect of the trip was planned and explained to the group, From the Meet & Greet to the attention to detail in our day training on the slopes. The excellent guides made this adventure as safe as possible. At no time was I concerned for my safety. Again the guides especially Casey were outstanding.
Richard F.

07/08/2014
Another Summit with a great RMI team!
David A.

07/08/2014
I'm not sure there is just one part I could single out. The overwhelming beauty of the Rainier can not be captured in words, it must be experienced in person.
Jody M.

07/08/2014
The strange beauty of the upper mountain will stay with me. It's an alien world and I just love it up there.
Bill F.

07/08/2014
The Guides - Casey, Alex and Pepper did a super job. A good guide makes all the difference. And, having climbed with RMI four times, I can say that I've never had anything other than an EXCELLENT guide.Thanks for another great trip.
Larry S.

07/07/2014
Good itinerary for a 4 day trip. Pace up to Camp Muir was quite relaxed. Guides were excellent. The beauty of the mountain was spectacular.
Tim M.

07/07/2014
An awesome experience from beginning to end - from the excellent website information, the training e-mails, the interaction with office staff to the guides and the climbing experience itself. It was first class all the way. I hope to climb with RMI again!
Dave S.

07/07/2014
Our team. It was such an honor to be with JJ, Mike and Billy. They added so much to the experience. I learned a ton and will use the experience to repeat with RMI. I did not reach the summit this round but hopefully will make it before the end of this climbing season.
Richard W.

07/07/2014
Even though we couldn't make it to the top of Rainier I had just an awesome time. And besides, at the end of it I felt like I got so much more than I had expected in terms of education, adventure and fun.
Chris P.

07/07/2014
The mountaineering training on Day 2 was very worthwhile and well run. During the climb, JJ effectively explained everything in advance so we had no surprises.
Mike K.

07/07/2014
I can definitely see why RMI was rated #1 by Outside magazine. This is truly a world class company and I can't wait to plan more trips through you guys. I had such a blast on this trip and learned so much. It was difficult, but the end reward was well worth it. The guides in my group were fantastic and definitely deserve recognition for their hard work. Everything about this trip was amazing, fun, rewarding, and most of all, safe. Thank you guys for providing such quality trips like this.
Rue C.

07/06/2014
The facilities were fine, the staff excellent, the weather was great except for the day of the climb. However, I can always say that I attempted the climb in the worst weather for June in a long time. That was an experience I will not soon forget. Even though I did not make it to Muir with the rest of the team I had a great experience and was not disappointed in the least. Even though part of the training day was in the rain I learned a lot about mountaineering I did not know. Bryan and Geoff were excellent trainers. The climb to Muir was very difficult at my age (69) in the weather conditions we encountered and I was disappointed I did not make it to Muir. But I was satisfied with what I was able to accomplish. I think we got close to 9000 feet and was within striking distance of Muir but it seemed impractical to continue in the extreme weather. Bryan was very helpful in getting me down. He and Geoff are excellent guides and representatives for RMI. If I decided to do another program with RMI and they were involved it would be a positive. All in all I had a great time and would tell anyone thinking about climbing Mt. Rainier, RMI is the only guide service to consider.
James L.

07/04/2014
Time with family and friends climbing together and RMI focus on safety and the care of the mountain, always top notch!
Bill M.

07/04/2014
The best thing was, of course, climbing. Besides that, was how great the guides were. Particularly, climbing with Seth Waterfall was an awesome experience. He transmits safety and experience, has great interpersonal skills and leadership.
Carlos C.

07/04/2014
Attention to detail during the one day mountaineering school.Camaraderie and the mix of the group.The fact that almost all of us summitted :-)Professionalism of the guides and the heavy emphasis on safety vs. making it to the summit at all costs.
Klaus K.

07/03/2014
Enjoyed this second climb with RMI. Once again, the weather was perfect and the summit views incredible. Wouldn't change a thing.
Mike J.

07/03/2014
-Learning about mountaineering from extremely qualified teachers.
Mike N.

07/03/2014
We had a great group, great weather, and excellent guides
Stephen J.

07/03/2014
On my own, Mount Rainier would appear an extremely daunting, if not impossible, climb. What I enjoyed most was the feeling that I wasn't intimidated by the mountain because of the guides, others in my group and so forth.
Michael H.

07/01/2014
RMI is a top rate organization. As a small business owner I have great respect for their professionalism and the way they managed our expedition. They also clearly have an exceptional hiring and training program. Every person we interacted with was knowledgeable, well trained and very personable.
Tom C.

07/01/2014
I enjoyed the personal challenge the most.
Doug E.

06/30/2014
The RMI difference was apparent from the moment I signed up. Interpersonal communications, Whittaker purchases, personal assistance were timely and positive every step of the way. The Guides were consistenly supportive, highly skilled with unsurpassed Moutaineering IQ, all eager with focused intent, ready to lead us to an experience of a lifetime! They are amazing! The on-line Biographies were really nice to read in advance. Your meal package is extremely convenient. very thought-out.
Karen N.

06/29/2014
The whole experience. Especially the certificate presentation.
John P.

06/29/2014
Climb to summit. The best experience ever. Just suggestion to stop each hour, during climb. Longer hike can be more difficult for most of people. Even 5-7 beak help a lot.
Oleg B.

06/29/2014
Our guides knew when to be serious and when to be laid-back and funny. I felt very confident in their knowledge and ability and never felt like I was in real danger. It was a great experience climbing with a legend like Brent and felt like I was surrounded by mountaineering greats. The guides told us when to eat, drink, breathe, sleep, etc., and how to do those things--I was very worried about the effects the altitude would have on me but experienced no ill effects, which I've attributed mostly to the guidance they gave me.
Ainsley M.

06/28/2014
Great guides! Great Mountain!
Mike S.

06/27/2014
The guides were amazing. Very professional. Funny. Awesome.
Sean O.

06/27/2014
I greatly appreciate the time, attention, and patience of each guide on the trip. It was a wonderful experience. They demonstrated a sincere interest in every climber, as a climber and as a person. The program is GREATLY improved from 15 years ago (I climbed in July 2000) - back when the trip was a death march, the climber/guide ratio higher, and climbers were pretty much a widget to get to the top and back down as soon as possible. Prices are higher now, but the improved experience is well worth the premium.The web site and the gear rental are working great. Good information and content on the site, and the gear rental was pretty easy to navigate. I like the gear lists and guide picks.
Jeff H.

06/27/2014
I enjoyed everything about the trip - it was amazing! A huge thank you to RMI and all of my guides for helping me to fulfill my dream of climbing Mt. Rainier in style!
Jeff H.

06/26/2014
I was surprised by the beauty of the mountain. The environment was even more unique than I expected. I felt are in my presented this environment well and safely.
Geoff B.

06/26/2014
Climbing with experienced guides allowed me to not worry about the big picture safety concerns. I just shut up, climbed, and listened to my guide. I had absolute confidence in my guides, which made it much easier to summit. Getting to the summit was the goal and what I enjoyed most about the trip, and having experienced guides allowed me to get there.
Brian T.

06/26/2014
Meeting my fellow climbers, spending time in such a beautiful place.
Nelson E.

06/26/2014
The view of Adams etc below the cloud. The achievement (at my decrepit state) of getting up. The company - we were very lucky in our group too. (You and apply Quality assurance to the guides, but not the other climbers
Richard W.

06/26/2014
After being home for only a few days, I am already wondering what my next trip will be! Definitely great fun, and a great adventure. Felt safe the entire time. Will use RMI again if I am climbing something that they guide.
William D.

06/26/2014
Get to know all our guides, other climber and the beautiful mountain.
Steve B.

06/26/2014
I enjoyed a number of facets of this trip. Other than the climbing experience I wanted to tell you all how impressed I was when I met Leif Whitaker. I am a fairly shy person when I meet someone I hold in high regard such as the Whitakers. He was very polite and esay to speak with and even indulged my brother and I in the opportunity to take a photo with him. To me this shows the foundation of the organization that you all have built and it speaks to the values and beliefs that run deep within the organization. I must say that the experience is when that will never be forgotten and one in which I have learned innumerous life lessons from.Sincerely,Brian Cox
Brian C.

06/25/2014
We were extremely fortunate with the weather. A sunny training day; a cool cloudy day for the ascent to Muir until the sun came out as we arrived and then perfect weather for the climb. The top was spectacular and it was nice to spend an hour in the crater and on the rim enjoying the views and just being there. I did realize that had it been sweltering on the way up to Muir followed by high winds and very cold temperatures on the summit day, it would have been much harder although I would have enjoyed more challenging conditions too in a different way.Obviously this is a pretty routine trip for the guides but I never got the impression that they were doing anything other than enjoying it themselves. The guides all seemed to get along and made a great team.
William W.

06/24/2014
Aside from the obvious accomplishment of reaching the summit, I sincerely enjoyed the team environment that existed. JJ and Josh were both great, they kept us engaged, laughing and focused. There was a great sense of camaraderie between both teams (JJ and Lindsay M.) that I think stemmed from the professionalism of all involved (JJ, Josh, Lindsay, Ben, etc...) It didn't feel like a business at all, it felt like a group of family and friends going out for a climb.
Nick B.

06/23/2014
I thought learning how to mountaineer was a great experience. I enjoyed climbing with everyone in our group and thought the trip was very well organized. I felt I was getting the best experience with top-notch guides who made sure we learned how to climb and feel safe while doing so.
Alan U.

06/23/2014
The comradery, the challenge, the beauty.
Jim D.

06/23/2014
Totally different world than day hiking I do on trips.
Bruce F.

06/23/2014
Everything...the challenge, the laughs, the instruction, the guides, the other climbers just a great time with tons of great memories.
Jon S.

06/23/2014
A wonderful father-daughter experience that we will never forget.
Ken W.

06/22/2014
The thing I enjoyed most about the trip was the camaraderie that was built among our whole team/guides. All of us were in good spirits pretty much the entire time. The guides seemed to really care about getting us to the top and doing it safely and I was lucky to have fellow climbers with good attitudes and proper training. Getting to the summit was absolutely amazing! I can't look at that mountain without smiling!
Lisa K.

06/22/2014
I enjoyed all aspects of the trip!
Maxwell Z.

06/22/2014
Mountaineering school was great. I really enjoyed talking with the guides about other trips and past and future adventures.
Alex G.

06/22/2014
Meeting people, learning mountain skills.
Amanda F.

06/22/2014
tried something I'll probably never do again - my bag was heavy and I'm tiny!
Amy N.

06/21/2014
The comradery with friends, fellow climnbers, and guides.
Darryl J.

06/20/2014
Everything... Really the whole experience of it was what was great. The Summit was obviously great. The views..... but just the whole trip is what I remember... not a specific scene in the trip
Kirk M.

06/20/2014
The service that RMI provided made this summit successful. On my own I doubt I would have had this type of success.
Steve M.

06/20/2014
Learning how to self-arrest with an ice axe.
Seth B.

06/20/2014
Summiting and the views
Joe B.

06/19/2014
I learned a great deal from the guides, they really brought our 'team' together. Bridget was a major standout. So much to enjoy from this experience, I am grateful!
Mark D.

06/18/2014
The chance to get a taste of high mountain adventure.
Steve M.

06/18/2014
I enjoyed the camraderie with the guides and other climbers. I appreciate the guides' commitment to safe climbing, and I was thrilled we had excellent weather for the ascent and some of the descent.
Andy C.

06/18/2014
Leaving at 2:00 a.m. in the dark and enjoying the extreme solitude despite the fact that there were 18 of us actually climbing. it was just all so surreal. Also got a great group of guys to travel with and overall it was a terrific experience.
Grant L.

06/18/2014
Obviously, making the summit and getting back down safely made the trip extra special. The guides were fantastic, and I felt extremely lucky to be able to climb with Lindsay, Alex, and Adam. They were not only extremely knowledgeable, but had every climbers safety and best interest in mind, and were extremely supportive and positive the entire trip.
Matthew P.

06/18/2014
Being on the mountain, hiking into a storm, looking out over huge expanses of land, the quietude, quality time with friends.Awesome experience.
Andrew K.

06/18/2014
Very enjoyable trip. Will likely climb with RMI again the future.
Daniel J.

06/18/2014
The fun and challenge of the climb
Michael S.

06/18/2014
The level of focus that I needed to use climbing up Disappointment Clever was great.
Charles P.

06/17/2014
Dawn patrol, upper mountain, disappointment Cleaver, witnessing the intensity of the crevasses during early morning light conditions, bonding with old buddies.
Chris S.

06/17/2014
The personable engagement and education of the guides.Reaching the summit.
Iqbal A.

06/17/2014
The experience on the mountain was amazing. The guides were terrific. They taught me a lot and still I had the opportunity to just enjoy the experience.
Jason S.

06/16/2014
Making the summit despite less than ideal conditions.Finally getting to see what lies beyond Camp Muir.
Marcus H.

06/16/2014
our guides.. encouraging, helpful, fun, knowledgeable.. super great people.
Mike G.

06/16/2014
new experience, excellent guides, accomplishment of getting to the crater, my training (thanks to fit to climb series), the challenge,
Scott P.

06/14/2014
I made it to high break on one of the top five worst days JJ had seen. I felt like that was pretty good for my first time mountaineering.
Derrick H.

06/13/2014
Guides, great weather and the bonding with my son. RMI is the best.
George D.

06/13/2014
Reaching the top! And the guides, actually. RMI has guides that are both great with people and technically proficient (as far as a novice can tell). These guys and girls are walking sales people and really get buy-in from everyone.
Grant H.

06/12/2014
Climbing withmy sons.
Mark T.

06/12/2014
the views from the mountain.
Kim O.

06/09/2014
Bonding with others through the challenge of climbing a beautiful mountain.
John S.

06/09/2014
Moving quickly thru the Gib Ledges with Elias and Walter
Bobby B.

06/08/2014
Met some wonderful people in the group. A lot of interesting back stories.
Erik G.

06/07/2014
The hike down from the summit. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (so lucky) and we could see forever. Sean was helpful at pointing at all of the important mountain peaks we were seeing and I just loved it.
Jared P.

06/05/2014
Location and the guides
Ken P.

06/05/2014
The experience, the challenge.
Chris C.

06/04/2014
Being able to summit after 3rd attempt. And stars in the evening...
Akin U.

06/03/2014
The entire RMI team is amazing. All of the guides are exceptional and make it possible for us to experience a successful summit safely.
Kimberly Z.

06/02/2014
With no mountaineering experience, it was a great trip to learn the basics and see what mountaineering is all about.
Ryan P.

06/01/2014
The overall experience was great. My son & I both felt like we had a great experience even w/o summiting.RMI came highly recommended as the best guide service, and there's no doubt that's true. The setup at Rainier base camp is convenient and made for a better trip.The staff at the grill (Chris, & a woman who's name I don't remember) were pleasant.Shannon in the Whittaker Mountaineering store was very nice.
John P.

05/31/2014
Everything
Marcin M.

05/27/2014
Bonding with my son and interesting hikers and guides.
Dan L.

05/27/2014
The process and the education.
Christina O.

05/27/2014
Even though the weather did push us back down the mountain is also created the most adventuresome days that I have had up high. I definetly feel like I got my moneys worth and a new found respect for mountain weather.
Lowell S.

05/24/2014
I enjoyed learning the steps from packing properly to safety to planning, those building blocks served me well on the mountain and will hopefully serve as the foundation for future trips. I enjoyed the people more than I thought I would. For my team, 8 individuals who all had a intersting mix of personalities and stories, it was good to get to know them all. RMI was a top notch service from the facilities, to the guides, to the high camp facilities.
Mark S.

05/24/2014
Accomplishment of a goal with safety first and guides that took time to teach.
Sebastian B.

05/23/2014
The trip was very well organized; the guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and were there at all times to ask questions and provide guidance. The team members were cool people and it was a great disconnect from the sedentary life that I have!
Aramazd I.

01/23/2014
Meeting the guides, learning their stories, and seeing the beauty of the national park.
Richard K.

01/14/2014
The experience. Nothing like it.
Molly J.

12/27/2013
Not being stressed
Justin S.

11/22/2013
How well organized and efficient RMI is.
Ted C.

11/07/2013
I took it all in and appreciated the nature and the climb
Angel G.

10/29/2013
Good weather. Getting up high on the mountain for good views. Basic mountaineering instruction. Guides were awesome and did a great job being motivational yet also clearly making sure people knew without question who was leading and was in charge.
Eric C.

10/09/2013
Climbing and the comrodary(SP?)
Chris K.

10/08/2013
The awe inspiring, amazing views and the physical challenge of climbing Rainier itself were my favorite parts. Unfortunately, we summited before day break so I would have enjoyed spending more time at summit and watching the sun rise. As it were, the sun rose as we descended providing breath taking view of the Cascade range.
Jody M.

10/08/2013
Aside from the amazing scenery and the summit(!), the guides and learning from them are what both my husband and I enjoyed most. Whatever these guys are getting paid, it should be more. They worked really hard with a smile on their face and an awesome attitude. It's clear these guys know what they're talking about and what they're doing. They were all excellent teachers and were both patient and encouraging at the same time with everyone in our group, especially with a wide variety of skill and fitness levels among us. Not to mention, these guys were just fun to hang out with!
Jessica M.

10/07/2013
It was all pretty fantastic for one reason or another. The guides were great, the team was great, the weather was in our favor.
Bob G.

10/02/2013
It was an amazing experience and will be coming back again next year to try it again.
Christy P.

10/01/2013
Being able to be well guided into some of the most beautiful scenery in the lower 48. Learning from the guides and hearing their stories, as well as meeting others who are trying to reach the same physically and mentally challenging goal as myself. A great test of physical stamina.
Scott A.

09/30/2013
Achieving my goal of making it to the top.
Gareth M.

09/27/2013
local hikes
Beth B.

09/27/2013
I feel like I learned a lot, and the guides were really awesome to talk to and ask questions. I never felt like I was annoying them with my questions, no matter how many times they've probably been asked the exact same things.
Daryl T.

09/27/2013
The views and pushing myself.
Ryan R.

09/26/2013
Seeing the beauty of the mountain and interacting with the guides
Josh C.

09/26/2013
Getting the chance to cross off an item from my "bucket list" while meeting some nice folks and getting some good pictures.
Michael D.

09/26/2013
I was pleasantly surprised that with cruddy weather in Paradise, we still had near perfect climbing conditions up above Camp Muir. Our group was very happy to make the summit when we somewhat expected bad weather to cut our summit bid short. We liked the food, beer and nice service staff at "base camp". We ate there basically 3 out of the 4 nights!
Sean R.

09/26/2013
sharing it with my family; pushing my body to its limits
Angie G.

09/24/2013
I really did not know how good of shape I needed to be in. This climb opened my eyes. It really kicked my ass and gave me a new perspective and appreciation for the people who do this for a living. Physically the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Well worth the experience even though we did not make the top.
Gary J.

09/23/2013
The whole experience was simply amazing for a novice like me; I felt secure and supported 110%; with this kind of assistance I feel really confident that almost anybody with a decent fitness have a good chance of summit Mt. Rainier!!!
Ricardo M.

09/22/2013
1. Getting to know people who share the same passion2. Learning that I can push myself in non-ideal situations if I really need to3. Sense of setting a goal and accomplishing it
Kripal K.

09/19/2013
Catching up w/ friend from out of town.Meeting David Hahn. Didn't know who he was until after the trip.
Scott L.

09/18/2013
Hike to Camp Muir.
Greg M.

09/18/2013
The glimpses of the sunrise and the views from up there. Breathtaking. Only wish it wasnt a whiteout at the summit. Now, I have to climb Mt Rainier again just to check out the crater!
Parvati P.

09/16/2013
The trip was a lot of fun until bad weather came in. We were able to make it to Camp Muir and see beautiful views, but were unable to put any of our technical training to use.
Cristy W.

09/16/2013
The Guides. Hanging out with the guides and the other clients for a few days was great! Also spending time on Rainier was special and Ill definitely be back for more! Its always revitalizing to be in the mountains.
Mitch B.

09/16/2013
Getting on the mountain, the beauty and hiking at night
Ken L.

09/16/2013
The sunrise walk.
Jeff M.

09/16/2013
The professionalism & the confidence I had with the guiding team.
Daniel P.

09/15/2013
the climb to the summit and the speeches of the guides which were helpfull in considering the situation the patience of the guide and their help , their kindness .
Miguel O.

09/11/2013
Climbing/ hiking to camp muir. If we could have summited I am sure that would have been the highlight.
Rod O.

09/10/2013
The mountains
Yorav K.

09/10/2013
Learned new skills and did something that I have never done before - successfully made a technical climb. We did not make summit, but we did make it through what most consider the most challenging section of the climb.
Aaron M.

09/09/2013
The actual climb, and the guidance.
Michelle W.

09/09/2013
Crossing the glacier. Steep climbing. The route up the Disappointment Cleaver.
Izabela G.

09/09/2013
The view from the top and the satisfaction of making it the second time.
Kalin M.

09/09/2013
The summit, and the celebration at the diner once we got back down and received our certificates.
Thomas F.

09/08/2013
I did the trip with three friends and it was a great opportunity for us to spend time together while doing something exciting and challenging. Even though we didn't summit due to icy conditions, it was an incredible experience.
Alex P.

09/08/2013
The guides.
Mandy S.

09/08/2013
the scenery was beyond description
Steven P.

09/08/2013
The entire experience was outstanding. While everyone at RMI has been great, the guides -- Ben, Mike and Eric -- were the standouts. I know you have a lot of guides, but I either got incredibly lucky or you know how to hire excellence. Even though I only got to know my team for a few days, they were all tremendous people as well.
Doug J.

09/08/2013
The fact that I summited and that it didn't feel nearly as hard as when I tried 2 years ago
Barbora V.

09/08/2013
Learning skills and pushing my limits
Paige R.

09/08/2013
Making it to the Summit was pretty incredible. I was really nervous and unsure of whether I would be able to make it to the top of the mountain and back down (physically and mentally). Being able to do that and share that experience with friends was pretty incredible.
Elizabeth B.

09/08/2013
Working with a world class organization, including the guides, and the comradery amongst the group. The education I received and of course summiting Rainier.
Chris L.

09/08/2013
Mentally and physically challenging. The more technical parts of the climb were the most exciting.
Zachary W.

09/08/2013
Scenaries and being with friends
Bala S.

09/07/2013
The training, the technical challenge and persevering through the weather.
Austin M.

09/07/2013
It probably was the epic nature of our effort. An easy walk to the top on a sunny day would have been nice, but too easy.
Bob G.

09/07/2013
Beautiful Views and getting to know other climbers
Darrell H.

09/06/2013
The people, hands down. When you're working toward a shared goal with a group of strangers, the line between teammate and friend is short. Throw in some high winds, heavy precipitation and low visibility and you feel like you're part of a family. Through my work, I've had the honor of facilitating these connections, but I've never had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand. Now, I've got friends all over Washington and the U.S. that I'll definitely stay in touch with.
Mollie T.

09/06/2013
The interaction of our climbing group and how we connected with our guides.
Brian W.

09/06/2013
Everything.
Stuart V.

09/06/2013
Summit
Ross M.

09/05/2013
The guide's professionalism. Top notch. Second was the team, we were lucky that there were not any bad apples.
Rick K.

09/05/2013
Learning new skills, being in the nature
Katharina S.

09/05/2013
The guides were fantastic! They were very professional, positive, and very safety conscious. They set a great pace, clearly defined what was expected from us, and kept us moving on schedule while being considerate of individual climbers' needs.
Olya S.

09/05/2013
Meeting some wonderful people and having the opportunity to climb Mt Rainier with my brothers, even though I didn't make it to the summit.
Andrew K.

09/05/2013
the bonding between everyone
Debbie A.

09/05/2013
The pure outdoor experience and getting away from the everyday routine
Edward O.

09/05/2013
Just being in the mountains. Learning new skills. The challenge.
Jim K.

09/05/2013
Training day was just fantastic. I learned things necessary to be successful on the mountain and had a lot of fun doing it. Weather was the challenge the rest of the trip.
Keith B.

09/04/2013
Guides and services were excellent. Extremely knowledgeable about the mountain and safety. In addition, really nice and fun to hang out with.
Mike D.

09/04/2013
Sunrise high on the mountain. My second favorite part was actually the sketchy ladder section of the route. That was great.
Isaac H.

09/04/2013
The teamwork and camaraderie.
Roger A.

09/04/2013
Learning new skills.
Keith A.

09/03/2013
It was the most challenging experience of my life - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Pushing my body and mind to the limit made reaching the summit that much more of an accomplishment! Amazing experience overall. So nice to reach a lifelong goal!
Laura F.

09/03/2013
Meeting Ed and Pete. The group was very friendly and we had a great time meeting them all. The lecture from Ed is great as always! The accommodations were nice.
Shelley J.

09/03/2013
Everything about being on Mt. Rainier. I feel what I learned in the day school alone sets me on course for what I need to train and prepare for moving towards future ascents.
Brandon C.

09/03/2013
The sense of accomplishment when crossing over the volcanic rim into the crater. It was a tough fought battle with high winds on the upper mountain - a rush of emotions hit me & for a minute there was no other care in the world other than I/we did it.
Eric S.

09/02/2013
Honestly... the boot skiing on the way down. I failed to summit, but got some amazing veiws on the way down. Leah took care of use on the way down.
Mike M.

09/02/2013
This trip was an amazing experience that we have been planning/training for for almost a year. It exceeded our expectations both in how difficult it would be and how rewarding it would be. We appreciated how the guides helped to make sure the team had a successful experience, even though that meant turning other climbers back who would hamper our attempt at the summit. Since we had prepared so hard, that was important to us.
Chris L.

09/02/2013
The quality of RMI's guiding service and other climbers we met on the way.
Leena S.

09/02/2013
I enjoyed meeting my climbing partners-I was a solo climber so didn't know anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my guides and learned a lot from them. Even though I don't know if I will attempt the mountain again, they gave me encouragement that I could do it.
Pam S.

09/01/2013
Raising money for an organization like BCM and seeing my daughter accomplish something that few friends of hers ever have. It gave her confidence in herself and me, a tremendous boost.
David H.

09/01/2013
The sunrise on Ingraham glacier.
Enrique C.

09/01/2013
Everything above Muir.
Jeff M.

09/01/2013
The guide team was so great--they were encouraging, enthusiastic, and so knowledgable. It helped me learn as much as I could in the 4 day trip and made me confident that we were in good hands.
Jordan C.

09/01/2013
Getting engaged at the top of Mt. Rainier!
Claire K.

08/31/2013
Summited with my wife and daughter.The "Chutes and Ladders" section
Bob S.

08/31/2013
The summit :)
Michael C.

08/31/2013
Your guides were great. Were able to relate to a diverse group and were very sensitive to climbers who didn't summit. Scenery was awesome.
Joe D.

08/31/2013
Learning new skills and techniques. Summiting Rainier was an obvious highlight!
Erika A.

08/31/2013
The people
William H.

08/29/2013
The climb from Muir to the summit and back.
Fintan M.

08/28/2013
The climb of course, being 72 it was the most physical experience I can remember. The scenery is just breathtaking. You can't put in words nor pictures to someone that hasn't has made the climb, how physical and beautiful it is. Also, the people you meet and the guides. Briefly getting to know the guides and the other climbers. We are from all walks of life and backgrounds. From all over the United States, its very interesting. Our group was as young as 18 to my 72, and all ages in between.
Sidney C.

08/28/2013
The view, the team comradery, learning, the overall adventure, and being on the mountain with people who enjoy the same passions.
Brian M.

08/28/2013
The people and climbing for the summit through the night - summiting at dawn!
Andrew C.

08/26/2013
The guides and the people in our group were great. Pushing ourselves to the summit.
Aeron M.

08/25/2013
The Mountain, the guides, friendly staff
Jeff R.

08/24/2013
The challenge of climbing with like minded people. The guides provided encouragement and made the experience even better.
Wendell W.

08/23/2013
The Whittaker/RMI employees. The young people in the store were helpful and really nice. I purchased several items from the store.The rental attendants were extremely helpful and courteous. I had rented gear for a separate climb (Mt. Adams) as well as the Muir Summit Climb. In all cases, the attendants were really helpful and applied rental fees I had paid toward purchases I made. Even at the local brew pub and dining for breakfast the workers were accommodating and courteous.And a safe summit. My wife really liked the daily blog that gave our status, and the list of names that summitted. She was in touch with all my family so they could share in the climb. That was really cool.
Steve F.

08/22/2013
Being with my son
Steve B.

08/22/2013
Guides were awesome!
Jason S.

08/22/2013
The spectacular scenery.
Gareth D.

08/21/2013
I thought the guides were excellent at building rapport and camaraderie within the groups.
Annie D.

08/21/2013
LOVED the more challenging conditions (than my summit climb in 2011)and the experience of the Ice Step and the ladder bridge.
Jim C.

08/21/2013
I really have no complaints at all (I know that is probably not possible but it is true). Everything worked perfectly, group, guides, preparation, weather...ect.
David J.

08/19/2013
The guides and there advice and experience
Alan H.

08/19/2013
Learning techniques to get up the mountain safely and efficiently...and making it to the top!
Anthony T.

08/19/2013
Everything...it was my first time doing something like this and you guys made it for me to really enjoy it at large...even though I did not made it to the summit!!Look foward to come back next year and make it to the top...We had a great bunch of people in our team aswell...
Javier M.

08/19/2013
mountain scenery, conversations with fellow climbers, guides.
Udo S.

08/19/2013
I tried to really be in the moment but the altitude started to get to me; now, looking at my trip through the camera lens, I'm seeing it in a whole new light. I'm proud of my accomplishment and the physical and mental challenge it gave me. It's giving me the impetus to train correctly and try mountaineering again.
Amy D.

08/19/2013
the chemistry between our group and then with the guides.
Gene W.

08/17/2013
Getting to know all the other people in the trip. It was amazing how we went from 9 strangers to a well-oiled climbing machine in just a couple of days! And making it to the summit of course!
Eric B.

08/14/2013
Reaching the Summit on my second attempt since I am 68 years old.
Terry S.

08/14/2013
THe overall experience was great. I cannot say enough about the guides - they really were fantastic.I would climb w them again without hesitation.
Ryan H.

08/14/2013
The professionalism and friendliness of the guides! I felt right at home.
Matthew S.

08/14/2013
The experience of climbing on snow & ice. Your guides and support staff.
Michael E.

08/13/2013
The entire ascent from Muir to the summit.
Dave H.

08/13/2013
the amazing views
George H.

08/12/2013
making it to the summit this time
Ryan W.

08/12/2013
I got the best advice/directions ever (relax, breathe, rest step, eat candy, etc.) I didn't have to think so I could stay focused! 2. The people - our climbing group (members and guides) had great personalities that were generally full of good attitudes, mental toughness, and respect.
Glenn C.

08/12/2013
hiking at night- was a freeing experience to not look up or down and just climb.
Therese C.

08/12/2013
Everything was great. The guides were fantastic, thorough and professional. I would recommend RMI to anyone looking to climb mt. rainier.
Lauren D.

08/12/2013
I really enjoyed the training/ skills day.But the thing that really stood out was the morning ascent.With the lack of sleep and lose of appetite, the early ascent was more challenging than I expected (and I love a good challenge).I was placed on the end of Pauls rope, which I enjoyed immensely, but was a bit spooked with the team mate in front of me floundering around, tripping over their own feet. In the dark it seemed to amplify and make for a slightly nerve-racking ascent up the cleaver.Come to find out not long after, that team member was unwillingly suffering from alt. sickness. After loosing two members from our rope and gaining one new, our trip up smoothed out. Crossing the crevasses and using the vertical ladder was awesome too! The thing I found most surprising was the lack of O2, I'd been nearly as high in Colorado but never experienced the same lack of O2 feeling.All this adds up to a killer life experience what I would do again. I really value the experiences where I'm challenged mentally and physically, and this was one of them! Big thanks to Paul for his quite confident ascent and to Solveig for an overall amazing climb!!Really enjoyed talking to Solveig and Chase, they were open and friendly, a real pleasure to be around.
Dan P.

08/12/2013
The climb, friendliness of the guides, atmosphere.
Ben D.

08/12/2013
The climb itself and the teamwork involved.
Michael L.

08/12/2013
The goals I accomplished each day during the training. The beauty of the area - WOW! The climbers in our group were good people. Overall an amazing, challenging experience that I am so grateful that I tried.
Beth R.

08/12/2013
I really enjoyed getting a lead guide, Tyler, who made us feel like we were "part of the club" . What a difference it made in our experience to be treated as if we belonged as opposed to being a trespasser who wrote a check. To me, that made all the difference. Thanks again Tyler, Bryan, and Josh for making our experience unforgettable!
Ryan W.

08/11/2013
the excitement of learning new skills to kickstart my intro into mountaineering!!
Curt H.

08/11/2013
The successful summit! Guides were great too!
Brian B.

08/10/2013
Standing on top of a mountain I've looked at since my youth.
Nick B.

08/10/2013
Challenging and something outside my skill set and comfort zone- just what I was hoping for.
Fran G.

08/09/2013
Doing something I have never done before. It was so exhilarating yet fatiguing!!The camaraderie that our group developed was very special.Just one more thing that Jason and I love to do together... that always helps a relationship !!
Daniela M.

08/09/2013
The support and camaraderie of our team.
Alejandra V.

08/09/2013
The fact that I pushed myself to the limits of my comfort zone, got to cross a glacier and crevasse on the upper slopes of Mt. Rainier, navigated very difficult terrain in the dead of night with a headlamp, faced danger up close and personal, climbed about 6,000 ft. in 24 hours, got an understanding of the skills and requirements of mountaineering and met some terrific people.
Linda M.

08/09/2013
The nature of the way 11 mostly strangers came together as a team and established some camaraderie on the mountain. The guides were collectively outstanding and patient. The summit climb at night will be an experience that I will never forget and it was easier than I anticipated because of the way the pace and breaks are set up.
Kevin H.

08/09/2013
The mountain and making the summit was the high point... A very close second was the camaraderie of everyone on my climbing team including the guides.
John L.

08/09/2013
Aside from the satisfaction of achieving the summit, the best part was gaining an understanding and appreciation of what goes into a well planned professional climb.
Michael D.

08/07/2013
Companionship with fellow climbers and the guides.
Marcus C.

08/07/2013
The experience created a memory that will last a lifetime.
Jacob L.

08/07/2013
Climbing Mt. Rainier was an amazing experience! I was fortunate to be climbing with 8 of my best friends and we were lucky to be climbing in calm conditions. It will be difficult to top the sense of satisfaction and pride I felt when summiting the mountain and entering the crater. I am extremely grateful for RMIs assistance from start to finish I felt properly conditioned, equipped and trained for the adventure. I would highly recommend RMI to anyone considering a Rainier summit attempt.
Chris B.

08/07/2013
The RMI people - always outgoing, friendly, and family like atmosphere.
James W.

08/06/2013
Coming down from the summit as the sun rose. We did it!Our group bonded really well and enjoyed just hanging out with them as well throughout the trip.
Riley S.

08/06/2013
I most enjoyed not having to worry about any of the logistical details. From renting all of my equipment to purchasing the meal plan to having the guides lead us every step of the way, it was nice to keep my focus on the experience itself.
Nathan Y.

08/06/2013
The entire RMI staff
Michael S.

08/06/2013
Being there, because I could
Alan M.

08/05/2013
The challenge and accomplishment.
Ted M.

08/05/2013
The view from the top!
Kyle J.

08/05/2013
Learning from and interacting with the guides and other climbers.
Adam M.

08/05/2013
The challenge, the thrill of doing something different with some danger, allbeit it minor, and the scenery
Greg V.

08/04/2013
A successful summit, great weather, excellent guides and a good group of climbers. All unknowns at the start, but it worked out well.
Jeff C.

08/04/2013
Learning techniques, getting confidence from guides, learning about their accomplishments.
Matthew B.

08/04/2013
learned a lot about glacier travel
Chris L.

08/03/2013
Physical challenge and making it to the summit.
Shane S.

08/02/2013
the challenge, the comaraderie
John M.

08/02/2013
walking up from High break in excellent weather and feeling strong in a good rope team. That moment when you know you are going to reach the summit!
Andreas E.

08/02/2013
climbing on the cleaver
Dave F.

07/31/2013
Sense of achievement, not just in summiting but in learning new skills and challenging myself. I also enjoyed the banter with the guides. All very smart, enthusiastic and friendly people.
Gareth P.

07/31/2013
Being back in the Rainier National Park and enjoying the region's many outdoor activities, especially hiking and climbing. My wife Karen was able to accompany me on some local hikes and attended some team activities before and after the climb.
Art H.

07/31/2013
The scary parts - the ladders - the fact that we did them in the dark initially and could appreciate what we had accomplished in daylight. Glad to have done them but they scared the hell out of me. credit to JJ, Andy and Chase to get us over them.
Charlie P.

07/30/2013
The camaraderie. Going into the trip I did not know what to expect for the size of our group, whether it'd be just my two friends or 30 strangers. I was genuinely happy for the bond and respect that I saw grow so quickly amongst 9 strangers that would later return from a climb as friends. This left a greater impression of the experience than even the personal accomplishment.
Greg E.

07/30/2013
Excellent staff. Very professional.
John Scott C.

07/29/2013
Hard question. I enjoyed the clear experience and knowledge the guides had, the well-organized flow of everything, and the integration of RMI with Whittaker.
Emily O.

07/29/2013
The weather couldnt have been better and the people in my group were great. However, getting an opportunity to be trained and lead by Garrett Stevens was what I enjoyed most about my 4 day summit climb.
Jason P.

07/28/2013
Training, guides, the thrill of the ascent
Michael W.

07/28/2013
Reaching the summit!!!
Clint E.

07/24/2013
I am always intrigued by the beauty Mt. Rainier and its surroundings have to offer. What a treat! I feel extremely lucky to have been in such good hands with Brent and Lance.
Monika P.

07/24/2013
the mountain, Ed, Melissa
John F.

07/24/2013
The guides
Bryce O.

07/23/2013
My expectations of the challenge and remoteness were exceeded. I thought we might be on a route with a lot of other teams/ people, but that wasn't the case. I was surprised at how well the whole team got along. That made the experience better.
Shane M.

07/23/2013
The climb and the fact that it had it all. Elements of fun, challenge, and risk. Moutaineering really brings together the whole concept of leadership and teamwork in that all become equal when roped 20' apart on a mountain. Even with the different skill levels success was gained by a focus from the team and guides. I think the self reflection that comes with a climb is the best take away - summit or not a whole lot of personal growth happens with each climb.
Daniel R.

07/22/2013
The journey with my friends (including the guides).
Greg S.

07/22/2013
I liked the people in my group, the mountain was beautiful, and it was a challenge. I always felt safe and like there was a plan for what we were doing. When we got up for the summit push it was a perfectly clear night with a new moon. I've never seen so many stars! I never get over the great feeling of watching the sun rise over the mountains.
Jeff W.

07/22/2013
The positive encouragement of the guides, and the people we climbed with. Reaching the top was a great accomplishment, but the beer and stories afterwards were a great experience as well.
Mark K.

07/22/2013
The Mountain View and the new friends met!
Laura S.

07/22/2013
Hanging out with good friends and the elation of reaching the summit.
Kevin L.

07/22/2013
The sense of accomplishment and feeling like we were in more then capable hands.
Jason C.

07/21/2013
Training was good. People were great that we were climbing with. Mt Rainier was absolutely beautiful!!!
Dale T.

07/21/2013
Learning what it was really like to be on a mountain and experience the use of crampons, ice axe and to be roped up.
Bob H.

07/21/2013
I enjoyed the learning mostly, and gaining mountaineering knowledge. I also enjoyed talking with the guides, who were more than willing to answer any random question I asked them, whether it was about the mountain, their experience, their personal preferences, their personal life, etc, etc.
Tracy S.

07/21/2013
Being able to stand on the summit and look out into the world.
Brian L.

07/21/2013
Great weather and getting to the summit
Todd H.

07/21/2013
Spending time with my son, Andrew, enjoying the beauty of Creation and realizing a personal goal.
George S.

07/20/2013
My entire team. The guides were great and the other ppm in my group all welcomed me in. As Tyler put it the summit is for the ego but the climb is what you remember. I couldn't have put it any better.
John P.

07/20/2013
Learning from the guides and having them safely push me to my limit to make it to the summit of Mount Rainier.
Herbert E.

07/20/2013
The fact that I made the summit and descent safely. Together, as a team!!!
Terence C.

07/19/2013
Location, challenge and professionalism of your guides.
Nathan B.

07/17/2013
Meeting new people and challenging myself on the summit attempt.
Ryan J.

07/17/2013
Making it to the top and then back down safely. I also liked the weekly training emails. I followed them very closly and I feel I was properly prepared for the physical aspects of the climb.
Dave B.

07/16/2013
getting to spend 4 days mountaineering/learning/following in the footsteps (literally) of the legends Viesturs, Whittaker, Arnot.
Don C.

07/15/2013
The entire mountaineering experience. RMI's professional approach gave me great confidence. I knew I would be able to succeed with the competent guides we had leading us. They were serious and stuck to business when the situation required it, but they also kept it fun whenever they could.
Craig F.

07/15/2013
I enjoyed reaching the summit and meeting other climbers on the trip.
Nick K.

07/15/2013
The chemistry of our climbing group and guides.
Scott S.

07/15/2013
It was over quickly.
Lee A.

07/15/2013
Our 3 guides and all of their expertise. I probably could have climbed Rainier privately, but I really enjoyed the educational aspect of this trip. And at the end of the day, this was my vacation so I just wanted to have fun. I found our guides to be genuine people who wanted to share their love of the mountains - I never felt that they were condescending to those of us with less experience. Wouldn't have been the same without great guides.
Laura W.

07/15/2013
The guides. The fact that the teams were not too huge (6 climbers). Columbia Crest. The guides.
Geoff M.

07/14/2013
The team approach to climbing under the leadership of the guides.
Chris M.

07/14/2013
Just being out on a mountain - Like Anatoli Boukreev put it,"... it's my sanctuary..."
Phil S.

07/14/2013
Learning about climbing and practicing some of the basic skills.
Bernie D.

07/14/2013
summit !
Donald R.

07/10/2013
summit
Farhad A.

07/09/2013
Summitting.
Mark T.

07/09/2013
climbing Rainer above Muir base camp. a good mountaineering experience and fabulous views on the return.
James R.

07/08/2013
Reaching the summit
Lauren G.

07/07/2013
That we were lucky enough to have amazing weather. I feel blessed that we had clear skies the entire day for our summit climb.
Kevin S.

07/07/2013
The new experience, the guides, being with spouse and friends.
Doug B.

07/07/2013
The whole experience was great. I really liked getting to know the others in the group.
Susan M.

07/06/2013
The guides were friendly and helpful! I also enjoyed getting to hear stories from their past experiences.
Christine A.

07/06/2013
Northern lights. Spending time with family. Knowing I can handle altitude and have the physical ability to make the climb. Learning how to use the gear properly. The descent from Muir.
Mark W.

07/06/2013
Achieving a life long goal and meeting guides such as Robert.
Carolyn D.

07/04/2013
The Mountain, the outdoors and the guides.
Andy A.

07/03/2013
Being on the mountain, learning from the guides
Steven J.

07/03/2013
the views
Jim K.

07/02/2013
The limitless supply of million dollar views. I shot some video while on the mountain and could not believe how many times I used the word beautiful.
Keith B.

07/02/2013
Learning glacier travel skills and climbing above Camp Muir.
Dave H.

07/02/2013
For a guy who spends most of his time in an office, getting to be outside and explore a beautiful mountain like Mt. Rainier...I mean need I say more. Some people asked me leading up to the trip, "Why are you going out to Washington to climb a mountain?" Well for me the simple answer is because of its beauty in so many different ways. If you don't get that answer then you should probably stay home.
George M.

07/01/2013
The guides and the group, being on the summit, handshakes in the Paradise car park, driving back to Seattle
Alvis B.

07/01/2013
we had so much fun when we all nine of us got to the top safe.
Greg S.

07/01/2013
Honestly, the conditions for our summit day were rough. Everything below 12,000ft was soaking wet rain and above 12,000ft was horizontal sleet. It was cold and wet all day and we could only see about 30 yards. We were on Columbia Crest for less than 5 minutes and ready to get back to any place that wasn't cold and wet. When we reached the parking lot at Paradise we were spent from trudging through all the deep wet snow on the way down and all of us including myself said "there is NO way we will ever, ever, ever, ever do that again. Our mountaineering days were over. Yet, literally, the very next morning I was online trying to find when our guides were climbing next year so I could sign-up for the same dates. I can't help but smile as I think about how our guides somehow managed to make the most miserable day on the mountain one of the greatest days of my life. Thanks to JJ, Bridget, and Erik, I am now hooked and can't stop thinking about Mt. Rainier. See ya in 2014.Josh
Joshua K.

07/01/2013
Summitting of course!
Julius B.

06/30/2013
I enjoyed everything about the trip. The scenery was spectacular. The trek toward the summit in the dark was thrilling. Reaching the summit felt like a great accomplishment.
Shawn D.

06/30/2013
All the guides were top notch.
Jonathan P.

06/30/2013
Seeing the full moon at Camp Muir during a midnight pee break.
Jason H.

06/30/2013
Climbing.
Spencer F.

06/30/2013
The people, and watching the sun rise as we moved from the cleaver to high break. Just amazing.
John K.

06/30/2013
The satisfaction of completion. The developed camaraderie with the guides and climbers. The experiential aspect and what is gained from doing something like this.
Matthew J.

06/29/2013
Rainier itself is such an awesome mountain to climb. It is demanding, yet accessible. I like staying in the bunkhouse at Muir. The last time I stayed in a tent. It was dry and out of the elements. The guides were awesome.
Doug S.

06/27/2013
Casey was an excellent guide
Preston S.

06/27/2013
The group, guides included.
George S.

06/27/2013
The overall experience was incredible. Every detail was managed - you guys clearly have a proven system to maximize safety and likelihood of a successful climb - and you force all participants to adhere. I commend that.
Ben P.

06/27/2013
GAINED A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF AND MY TRAINING. I BONKED MISERABLY LAST YEAR 1/2 WAY THRU THE 3RD LEG ON THE WAY UP TO MUIR. LEAH AND BEN HAD TO FINALLY CARRY MY PACK UP TO MUIR. MY KNEES GAVE ME FITS ON THE WAY DOWN FROM MUIR LAST YEAR AND BEN HAD TO CARRY MOST OF MY PACK DOWN. THIS YEAR I WENT UP TO MUIR WITH NO TROUBLE. WENT ON THE BIG DANCE UP TO ING FLATS. WENT DOWN FROM MUIR IN A GOOD TIME WITH NO KNEE PROBLEMS. I'M PSYCHED!
Robert D.

06/26/2013
Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed reaching the summit, and getting safely down. Also, I immensely appreciated the Mountaineering Day School, which will have a positive and lasting impact on how I move on the mountains. I learned safety skills and procedures that are priceless, and I am grateful for the precise instructions given by the guides.
James C.

06/26/2013
Time above the cloud layer.
Sam M.

06/26/2013
This trip was something I had been preparing for for about six months and to finally reach the crater on Friday morning was just amazing. Words cannot describe how awesome it was to step into the crater after climbing for almost 6 hours. The guides were absolutely amazing and I so glad that I picked RMI Guides to climb with.
Juleea P.

06/25/2013
Being able to do the trip with my dad, along with the fun people.
Katherine Q.

06/25/2013
Spectacular viewsLearning new techniques/tricks and meeting new peoplePersonal achievement and advancement of my own skills
Charles W.

06/24/2013
The guides made me feel very prepared for what to expect during training and on the mountain. The summit and enthusiasm they had when we got there were great. Enjoyed the sense of accomplishment as a team.
Charles P.

06/24/2013
Everything
Andy M.

06/24/2013
Guides were all great.
Aneet S.

06/24/2013
hands down, the guides. i could not have left the parking lot with out this team of people. summiting was certainly the high light but would have been unattainble for me without everyone involved.
Eric U.

06/22/2013
Having it behind me, so I can look out my office window at Rainier and know I beat it!
Emily S.

06/22/2013
The experience of being a part of a well-led team overcoming the challenge of getting safely to the summit and back down again. The guides were really fantastic and most certainly made the experience for me. I strongly recommend that all of them be given a special reward for the quality of experience they provided. In speaking to others who were with different guides, I think that the combination of these three was really outstanding and beyond what others experienced.
Charles S.

06/21/2013
I enjoyed the people that I was fortunate to climb with, but the best thing was the challenge and feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
David S.

06/21/2013
The natural setting is truly awe-inspiring. RMI made the climb feel safe and comfortable so I had the best opportunity to soak in the whole experience without worrying.
John B.

06/21/2013
Being with family and learning about the mountain.
Aaron N.

06/21/2013
The feeling of accomplishing a goal safely with the people I came with.
Sarah B.

06/21/2013
Professionalism, enthusiasm and skills of EMI guides.
Jamil K.

06/20/2013
It's gorgeous up there. I can't wait to go back and invite my friends
Eric W.

06/19/2013
The mountain was amazing.The clientele was diverse and interesting. I enjoyed learning and practicing mountaineering skills on the mountain.
Kurt H.

06/19/2013
Summiting, duh.
Lester D.

06/19/2013
Our guides were amazing. They made the trip one that I will remember forever.
Ryan K.

06/18/2013
Tough to say. Stellar from top to bottom.
Eric G.

06/17/2013
Experiencing the grandeur and the soul of this magnificent mountain.
Tom M.

06/17/2013
Having the guides with us, climbing with friends, the scenery
Amy W.

06/17/2013
It was a wonderful experience with my son (he made the summit while I was a bit short of the goal), friendly and knowledgeable guides and great teammates.
Paul G.

06/17/2013
The camaraderie amongst the guides and climbing team.
Adam M.

06/17/2013
I enjoyed having RMI guides be the leaders and attend to all of the climbers.
Richard F.

06/16/2013
The whole experience.
Aaron S.

06/08/2013
Talking with the other climbers and guides and climbing in the middle of the night.
Daniel P.

06/06/2013
The view in the morning of the surrounding area.
Kyle P.

06/05/2013
Although I was bummed we didn't get to summit due to safety concerns because of avalanche conditions I left leaving happy to have made it atop Disappointment Cleaver when a white-out storm came out of nowhere. Although it was a bit scary I felt extremely safe with my teammates & guide Walter as he lead us back to Camp Muir. Climbing back down in the storm made me feel like a real mountaineer even though we didn't make it to summit. I'll be back to try again!!
Kristy L.

06/01/2013
The guides were excellent. Eric, Nick, Alex and JJ constantly went out of their way to be friendly, cater to our needs, provide pertinent information and make the trip an overall success. We were cursed with bad weather and a larg amount of snowfall which made the route unclimbable. So what was essentially a slow walk up a snowfield that I could easily negotiate on my own, they turned into a favorable experience with a beautiful sunrise on Muir Peak. They went out of their way to push the route, assess the conditions to see if there was any way we could continue safely. Althought the eventual call was that we could not (and they admitted it was a conservative decision) I agree with it and totally support it. Bummer as it was, I felt that I had gotten the safety and expertise that I had paid for and developed friendships along the way.
Robert S.

05/30/2013
The kindness, professionalism and friendship of your amazing staff. They brought an already life-changing experience to the next level.
David H.

05/30/2013
Meeting other people on the trip.
Mark A.

05/29/2013
Camaraderie of our team and making the summit!
Josh L.

05/28/2013
The guides.
Rose P.

05/28/2013
The challenge. I need to be pushed around a bit in order to feel alive.
Jake T.

05/27/2013
Enjoying the moment on the summit, watching the amazing landscape in all directions.
Bo S.

05/24/2013
Making it up to the summit
Dan T.

05/24/2013
I really felt as though I was part of a team. Our guides were excellent. They were able to keep a relaxed mood when the situation called for it and kick it into "no BS" listen up mode when they had to. I felt safe with them at all times and was impressed by their quick thinking and knowledge of the mountain. From roping options and belays to getting sick climbers down, they were able to immediately assess situations and make the right call. Everyone was made to feel as though they had achieved their goal, even the climbers who did not make it to the top.
Tom M.

05/21/2013
The part of the climb that I enjoyed most was the guides. They had solutions for every problem and knew just what to say to lift your spirits in times of need. You could tell that they enjoyed teaching you and wanted to see you succeed. I was extremely impressed with the attitude of all the guides, none were stand-offish and all were fun to be around. The guides even took the time to get to know their clients. I was pleasantly surprised when we added our third guide and he knew all of our names within the next 20 minutes. By the end of the climb I felt like I was climbing with friends. I would go climbing with RMI again if just to get a chance to climb with such awesome people.
Taylor B.

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Travel Consultant

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].

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip 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:

  • Read the fine print. Travel Insurance will reimburse you when canceling for a covered reason for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs that you insure. However, there are exclusions, so make sure you understand the "covered reasons."
  • Confirm that your activity is a covered "activity." Not all travel insurance policies will offer coverage for activities such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or trekking adventures. Policies can also exclude coverage for activities due to the gear used (crampons, ice axe), activities that go above specific elevations, or activities in a particular region of the world. If there are exclusions, you may need to add an "Adventure" or "Sports" package to cover your activity.
  • Verify that your state of residence is allowed with the policy that you are purchasing. Not all insurance companies offer policies in all 50 states.
  • Contact your travel protection company directly for any questions you have regarding benefits or coverage.

We have partnered with Travelex Insurance and Harbor Travel Insurance because they offer certain policies specifically designed for adventure travel and offer coverage for remote areas and activities like mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and trekking without any altitude restrictions. 

 

 

For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance Services, Inc.(CA Agency License #0D10209) travel 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. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.

 

Harbor Insurance 

 

 

 

 

Harbor Travel Insurance covers the following critical benefits:

  • Evacuation to a nearest appropriate hospital once hospitalized.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, sporting goods, baggage loss, emergency dental, AD&D, and more.
  • Completely integrated one-stop program with a single contact for emergency services to travel assistance and insurance claims
  • 24/7 access to paramedics, nurses, and military veterans.

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.

Getting There

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, and most climbers traveling to Ashford will want to rent a car. 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.

Seattle Airport Car Service
Phone: 206-375-4000
Email: [email protected]

Ashford Area Accommodations

The Hideaway Tiny House
The Overlook
Whittaker's Motel and Historic Bunkhouse | 360-569-2439
Nisqually Lodge | 360-569-8804
Alexander's Lodge | 360-569-2300
Wellspring Spa & Cabins | 360-569-2514
Guest Services Inc: (Paradise Inn and National Park Inn) | 253-569-2275
Mt. Rainier Visitor Association | 360-569-0910
Camping

You may also go to VisitRainier.com to search for accommodations in the Ashford Area.

Weather

For updated Mt. Rainier weather forecasts, click here.

Please click on the links below to see the Mt. Rainier webcams:

Tipping

Our guides work hard to ensure your well-being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 - 15% of the cost of the program. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.

Facts

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 a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 150 years ago.

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.

Resources

General Information on Mt. Rainier National Park (MRNP) - www.nps.gov/mora

The Mountaineers Book - www.mountaineersbooks.org

Gateway Communities & Activities outside Mt. Rainier National Park - www.visitrainier.com

Recommended Reading

The Challenge of Rainier, by Dee Molenaar

Mt. Rainier - A Climbing Guide, by Mike Gauthier

Mt. Rainier: The Story Behind the Scenery, by Ray Snow

National Geographic Trails Illustrated MRNP topo map

 

Contents
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Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program.

 

Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life And Then Go Climb A Mountain

Create A Fitness And Training Program

 

Physical Fitness Training

Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.

  • Start immediately. Start a rigorous fitness and training program now with the goal of arriving in top physical condition and confident in your skills.
  • Be intentional. Focus on gaining the necessary strength, stamina, and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the climb.
  • Be sport-specific. The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your climbing objective. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the climbing.

For the Four-Day Mt. Rainier Climb, you are preparing for:

  • Hiking with a 35-45 lb load
  • Steep climbing and glacier travel with a 20-25 lb load
  • A 10-14+ hour summit day
  • Mountaineering techniques requiring core strength and flexibility

Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure!

Below are approximate outlines of the program's physical demands that will be helpful in planning your training schedule and goals:

Total Climbing Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 1 — Pre-Trip Orientation in Ashford
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 2 — Mountaineering Day School
2 - 2 ½ hours
Round Trip
Gain = 1,000'
Loss = 1,000'
4 miles
Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs
DAY 3 — Hike from Paradise to Muir
4 - 6 hours
Gain = 4,600'
4.5 miles
40 - 45 lbs
DAY 4 — Summit attempt and descent to Paradise
8 - 12 hours (summit attempt)
+ 2 ½ hours
(Muir to Paradise)
Gain = 4,400'
Loss = 9,000'
12.5 miles
Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs
40 - 45 lbs

Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.

Acclimatization

Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the ascent, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.

While the key to climbing high is proper acclimatization, this climb effectively moves up and down the mountain at a rate that exceeds our body's ability to adjust (acclimate) to the high altitude. This is true whether a program spends 2 days or 5 days on the upper mountain (elevations above 10,000 feet). During our short climb, our bodies simply do not have the time to completely adjust to the altitude, and because of this short stay, our bodies do not typically succumb to altitude's ill effects. In short, climbers generally experience the mild but uncomfortable, yet normal, symptoms of their bodies beginning the adjustment process. While climbers will feel better rested on the slightly longer programs, fitness remains the key factor in a climber's performance.

In addition, physical performance at altitude is often related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are usually key factors in an individual's success on a short-term visit to altitude.

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What You Need to Know

A list of required personal equipment accompanies every RMI program, and the thought processes behind each item are much greater than simply “preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.” The list for your program considers factors such as seasonality, route conditions, weather, elevation, and more. As such, this list is framed within the broadest of contexts and is dynamic by its very nature.

Please follow this equipment list closely so that you will arrive for the gear check with all the required items. If you own the item or have something you think is similar, bring it with you. If the guide feels it is inadequate, you can rent or purchase the necessary piece from Whittaker Mountaineering.

The guides’ recommendation on whether to bring along or leave behind specific item(s) comes during the gear check when the team first meets. If a guide deviates from the list, it is for a good reason. Their recommendation may be related to the weather, route conditions, freezing level, etc. Occasionally this recommendation comes at the expense of having previously purchased an item that may not be needed or the need to buy or rent an additional item.

Ultimately, there will never be a consensus for a “perfect” equipment list for any mountain. It does not exist because of the many variables climbers face throughout the climb. Fine-tuning will occur once you meet with your guides and will continue throughout the program.


  • Whittaker Mountaineering 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 when they use code RMI2024 at checkout. This offer excludes sale items, rentals, meal packages, and Feathered Friends.

Shop Your Equipment List // Rent new equipment for your climb

Equipment List

GUIDE PICK

The Guide Pick is an example of the listed item, giving you an idea of the material and specifications of the item. This exact item does not need to be purchased or used; however, any item you choose must have similar characteristics and performance abilities to the Guide Pick.


Pack & Travel

Image of 65+ LITER BACKPACK
65+ LITER BACKPACK

Your backpack should be large enough to carry all of your personal gear, food, and water. The pack volume you choose depends on your experience and the quality of your gear; if you opt for a smaller pack, practice packing and make sure you can fit all of your gear with room to spare. You will not need a separate summit pack.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Sleeping Bag & Pad

Image of SLEEPING BAG
SLEEPING BAG

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 climbing in April, May, June, or September, or if you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
Guide Pickâ„¢

SLEEPING PAD

Not required for this trip.


Technical Gear

Image of ICE AXE
ICE AXE

The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of CLIMBING HARNESS
CLIMBING HARNESS

We recommend a comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop seat, or adjustable leg loops are convenient for managing your clothing layers over the course of the climb and facilitate going to the bathroom. If you rent a harness, a triple-action carabiner is included.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER
1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER

Used for clipping into the climbing rope. Harness rentals include this carabiner.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of CRAMPONS
CRAMPONS

10-point or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates designed for general mountaineering use.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES
AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES

Transceivers are worn on the upper mountain during your summit attempt. If you rent a transceiver fresh batteries will be provided.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of TREKKING POLES
TREKKING POLES

We recommend lightweight and collapsible poles with snow baskets.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Head

Image of HELMET
HELMET

A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of WARM HAT
WARM HAT

Wool or synthetic. It should provide warmth but also be thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.

Guide Pickâ„¢


Image of BUFF
BUFF

A Buff provides versitile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of HEADLAMP
HEADLAMP

Start with fresh batteries and bring extra set(s) of batteries appropriate to the duration of the trip.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of GLACIER GLASSES
GLACIER GLASSES

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.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of GOGGLES
GOGGLES

Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. On windy days, climbers, especially contact lens wearers, may find photochromatic lenses the most versatile in a variety of light conditions.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of SAFETY GLASSES (OPTIONAL)
SAFETY GLASSES (OPTIONAL)

Helpful in keeping blowing dust out of the eyes at night. If you wear prescription glasses, make sure they can fit over.


Hands

Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.

Image of LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVES
LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVES

Light weight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES
MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES

Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS
HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS

Wind- and water-resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. These also serve as emergency backups if you drop or lose a lighter-weight glove.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Upper Body

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.

Image of LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY
LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY

Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Light weight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.

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Image of LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.

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Image of MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.

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INSULATED PARKA WITH HOOD

Your expedition-style heavy parka must extend below the waist, have an insulated hood, and be able to fit over the rest of your upper body layers. While the parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day, it also serves as an emergency garment if needed. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill.

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SPORTS BRA

We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.

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Lower Body

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.

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1 - 2 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR

Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

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Image of SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS
SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS

Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

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Image of RAIN PANTS WITH FULL-LENGTH SIDE ZIPPERS (HARD SHELL)
RAIN PANTS WITH FULL-LENGTH SIDE ZIPPERS (HARD SHELL)

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.

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Image of LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS  (OPTIONAL)
LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS (OPTIONAL)

A light weight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.

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Feet

SINGLE OR DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

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.

If this is your first time climbing, we highly recommend renting boots from our partner company Whittaker Mountaineering. Mountaineering boots do not break in like normal footwear so there is not much advantage in buying them unless you want to see how they feel on your feet before the climb or plan on doing more mountaineering in the future. If you rent, you can switch between single and double boots the day of your climb.


Image of RAINIER AND 5000 METER SINGLE BOOT TEXT

SINGLE BOOTS: Insulated, full-shank, and crampon-compatible leather or synthetic boots designed for mountaineering. Single boots tend to be lighter and more comfortable than double boots at the expense of warmth.

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Image of RAINIER AND 5000 METER DOUBLE BOOT TEXT

DOUBLE BOOTS: Insulated double boots designed for mountaineering. Plastic-shelled models are acceptable, though modern synthetic models are lighter and more comfortable.

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Image of APPROACH SHOES (RECOMMENDED)
APPROACH SHOES (RECOMMENDED)

We recommend a pair of light running or approach shoes for one to two hours of use on the approach to Camp Muir (after the snow melts, typically by mid-July), and for use as a camp shoe.

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Image of GAITERS
GAITERS

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.

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Image of PAIRS OF SOCKS
2 PAIRS OF SOCKS

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.

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First Aid & Medications

Image of SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

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.

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Personal Items

Image of MEALS & SNACKS
MEALS & SNACKS

You are responsible for providing your own meals and snack food in town and while on Mt. Rainier. See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

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Image of BOWL
BOWL

Packable plastic bowl. Collapsable models can work but must be handled carefully to avoid unintended collapsing. A lid is a great feature.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of INSULATED MUG
INSULATED MUG

Insulated outdoor-style mug. We recommed a model with a removable lid, which helps retain heat and prevent spills. You may also choose to use 0.5L insulated bottle or a 0.5L nalgene.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of SPOON OR SPORK
SPOON OR SPORK

A spoon or spork made of durable plastic or anodized metal. A long-handled spoon can be nice, especially if eating from a freeze-dried meal pouch.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of WATER BOTTLES
2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES

One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic). No hydration systems as they tend to freeze on the upper mountain and be hard to fill. Cold water for drinking is provided.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG
1 GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG

This will be your personal trash bag.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of LARGE GARBAGE BAGS
2 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS

Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a a waterproof pack liner.


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PERSONAL TOILETRIES & BAG

Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.


Image of SUNSCREEN
SUNSCREEN

We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.

Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of TRAVEL SIZE HAND SANITIZER
TRAVEL SIZE HAND SANITIZER
Guide Pickâ„¢

Image of LIP BALM
LIP BALM

We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

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EAR PLUGS

SPARE CONTACT LENSES/ EYEGLASSES (OPTIONAL)

Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.


Image of CAMERA (OPTIONAL)
CAMERA (OPTIONAL)

Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.


Travel Clothes

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TRAVEL CLOTHES

We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, site seeing and dining.  


Pre-Trip Checklist

Purchase travel insurance.


Arrange lodging in Ashford.


Reserve rental equipment.


Arrange transportation to Ashford.


Be in the best shape of your life!



Provided Equipment

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.

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Print all Trip Details Print this Page
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Print all Trip Details Print this Page

What is the Climber-to-Guide Ratio on this program?

Our climber-to-guide ratio is 3:1 on the Disappointment Cleaver and Ingraham Direct routes.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size of any program anywhere on Mt. Rainier is 12 individuals, including guides.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF REACHING THE SUMMIT OF MT RAINIER?

There are three main categories that generally prevent climbers from reaching the summit: weather, route conditions, and individual fitness. 

WEATHER

In an average year, 21% of our climbs do not reach the summit due to weather, route conditions, or both. 
Avalanche hazards, high winds, poor visibility, rain, and snow, can singly or in conjunction with the 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. This can include overhead (icefall and rockfall) and underfoot (crevasses and steep slopes) hazards. As the route becomes more complex and steeper throughout the season, route work can include kicking steps, chopping, shoveling, setting running belays, fixed lines, and ladders. Some changes occur daily on the route and may necessitate a quick fix by your guide team during a climb. A larger reroute may be needed multiple times throughout our season, requiring a guide team to work multiple days to establish a new route. 

Generally speaking, the route is never closed or “out,” and there is usually a way to the top. However, it might not have the appropriate margin of safety needed for our climbers (it might require more advanced mountaineering skills and experience levels).  When this happens, all the guide services on the mountain coordinate resources to establish a new route. Like mountain weather, we manage but can’t control the climbing route, and it is not unheard of for the route to be unclimbable for multiple days. While the route work is being done, we will ascend with our climbers as high as is safely possible and appropriate on the existing route. 

FITNESS

Fitness is the one factor that you have the most control of, and that has the highest impact on your success, safety, and fun. Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor. The length of the climbing route dictates the required fitness for the climb. We do not have fast or slow rope teams – our teams move at a steady pace determined by the duration and complexity of the given route. 

Climbers do have control over their ability to affect their mental fortitude to some extent, and their fitness, to a very large extent. Therefore, you can maximize your chances of a successful summit climb by focusing on individual fitness. Over 50 years of guiding climbers on Mt. Rainier has shown us that the following factors have the largest influence on a climber’s ability to reach the summit. 

Age: We can’t control it; we get older every year. Simply put, the older you are, the more fit you need to be. As we age, our max heart rate decreases, leaving us with a smaller heart rate reserve. Hard efforts feel harder, and we can’t sustain the same intensity efforts for as long. Focusing on your fitness regime is the best way to compensate.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Your BMI is not as significant as your age and is not the best representation of fitness. However, if we use BMI as a corollary for whether an individual is at a healthy weight, slightly overweight, or significantly overweight, then BMI data shows that climbers with a BMI in the normal range (18.5 - 24.9) will have a better chance of reaching the summit than climbers with a higher BMI.

Aerobic Threshold: Our aerobic threshold is the level of intensity (or heart rate) at which your metabolism switches from a sustainable level of effort in which your muscles can replenish their energy stores at the same rate they burn them to one in which they are burning more than they can replenish. Beyond this intensity, our performance is necessarily time limited. Performance in endurance sports is highly reliant on Aerobic Threshold. Your Aerobic Threshold can be changed significantly with training.

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