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WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES COME CLIMB WITH US!

RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

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Four over four decades RMI guides have been climbing and guiding on all seven continents, pursuing great mountaineering adventures. Our programs represent a collection of our favorites and offer something for everyone, from treks to high altitude climbs and from week-long adventures to multi-month expeditions

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Page 1: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES

COME CLIMB WITH US!

Page 2: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

For over four decades RMI guides have been climbing and guiding on all seven continents, pursuing great mountaineering adventures. Our programs represent a collection of our favorites and offer something for everyone: from treks to high altitude climbs and from week-long adventures to multi-month expeditions. Explore our trips and start planning your next adventure!

RMI Guide Dave Hahn at sunrise on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Linden Mallory

Page 3: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Mt. Rainier

Alaska Range

North Cascades

Colorado Ice

Mexico’s Volcanoes

Ecuador’s Volcanoes

Machu Picchu

Aconcagua

Vinson Massif

Himalaya

Kilimanjaro CarstenszPyramid

Mt. Elbrus

Cordillera Blanca

Chile’s Volcanoes

RMI’S ADVENTURES...

Page 4: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

RMI’s LEGACYTwins Lou and Jim Whittaker began guiding on Mt. Rainier in the early 1950’s and quickly made a name for themselves as eminent Northwest climbers. Jim went on to become the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963 and Lou, building upon his years of guiding experience, founded RMI in 1969. RMI introduced a new era of mountain guiding with a high emphasis on safety, instruction, and exceptional customer service. Lou’s son Peter started guiding in 1975, operated his own international guide service for fourteen years, and followed his uncle’s footsteps to the reach the summit of Mt. Everest. With Peter now at the helm and continuing the family legacy, RMI builds on its firmly established reputation as a world leader in mountain guiding services.

THE RMI DIFFERENCEOur expeditions are led by top RMI guides who bring years of climbing experience on all seven continents to your adventure. As you reach higher elevations and test your limits, the value of an accomplished and highly trained RMI guide cannot be understated. Over the years we have developed relationships with fantastic outfitting partners worldwide; these close partnerships offer our expeditions the support needed to ensure a seamless experience and are a major factor behind the success of our trips.

RMI’s adventures are thoroughly comprehensive, providing the expedition organization, personal climber support, team preparation, pre-trip and post-trip planning, and the leadership of each trip’s professional guides. We are fully committed to serving as your guides throughout your adventures.

SAFETYSafety is RMI’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. RMI’s experienced team of guides are certified in wilderness medicine and emergency response and focus on leading a fun and successful climb built around safety. Careful planning, precise ascent profiles, flexibility in our itineraries, weather forecasts, and diligent attention to detail define our programs as we venture to high altitudes. Comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and state of the art radio and communication equipment are carried with teams throughout our trips.

RESPONSIBLE CLIMBINGRMI is committed to climbing responsibly. We serve as ambassadors to the wild and rugged landscapes through which we journey while introducing fellow climbers to spectacular new lands, mountains, and cultures. We follow strict and progressive Leave No Trace practices and ensure that our trips are properly equipped and educated to leave minimal impact. From using recycled materials in our home office, to working closely with local organizations to promote educational and medical support for local communities where we climb, we are committed to caring for these places through environmental stewardship and social outreach.

Learn more about RMI’s History, Philosophy, and Responsible Climbing at www.rmiguides.com

Page 5: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Jake Norton / FA RMI Guides Peter Whittaker, Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, and Ed Viesturs acclimatize on their way to Everest Base Camp.

Page 6: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. RAINIER WASHINGTON • 14,410’

RMI CollectionSunrise on Mt. Rainier.

Page 7: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Mt. Rainier is the most extensively glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States and rises 14,410 feet above the nearby Pacific Ocean, offering limitless mountaineering possibilities. The combination of high altitude and unpredictable Northwest weather makes climbing Mt. Rainier a true mountaineering experience and unforgettable climbing adventure. With a history of over forty-five years of professional guiding on the mountain, RMI is the most experienced and trusted guide service on Mt. Rainier.

We offer a variety of program and route choices for climbers of all abilities on Mt. Rainier: Summit Climbs of the mountain’s classic routes, Expedition Skills Seminars that teach core mountaineering skills, specialized skills clinics, ski adventures, and winter ascents.

Jon Mancuso

Page 8: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. RAINIER: CLIMBS

RMI leads climbs of Mt. Rainier’s classic routes, including the Disappointment Cleaver, Ingraham Direct, Kautz Glacier, Emmons Glacier, and Liberty Ridge. Our Rainier climbs include introductory mountaineering training to prepare climbers and spend between two to four days on the mountain.

Jon Mancuso

Peter Whittaker leads a rope team on Mt. Rainier.Jon Mancuso

Page 9: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Our Expedition Skills Seminars have equipped generations of aspiring climbers with the skills and experience needed to venture into the mountains. Seminars teach the foundational mountaineering skills and techniques before making a summit attempt on Mt. Rainier. We offer six-day seminar programs on several different routes.

MT. RAINIER: SEMINARS

Levi KepselEric FrankEric Frank

Camp on Mt. Rainier’s Kautz Glacier Route.Eric Frank

Page 10: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. RAINIER: SCHOOLS & SKI

Mt. Rainier’s huge vertical relief, record snowfalls, and a wide variety of terrain provide us with one of the world’s premier locations for our introductory backcountry skiing and advanced ski mountaineering programs as well as intensive programs providing basic mountaineering and crevasse rescue instruction.

Jon MancusoPete Van DeventerCourtesy Eric Oishi

Ski touring on Mt. Rainier. Jake Beren

Page 11: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Above Mexico’s central valleys stand several of the highest summits in North America: El Pico de Orizaba, the third highest at 18,701’, and its neighbor Ixtaccihuatl, the seventh highest at 17,340’. RMI’s Mexico’s Volcanoes climb travels through colorful towns to glacier-capped peaks and is ideal for climbers looking to venture to high altitudes.

MEXICOEL PICO DE ORIZABA 18,701’

IXTACCIHUATL 17,340’

JJ JustmanCourtesy Chris VillarJon Mancuso

Mexico’s El Pico de Orizaba. RMI Collection

Page 12: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

The greatest concentration of volcanoes in the world rises above Ecuador’s coastal beaches and rainforests. The spectacular glaciated peaks of Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana offer exciting, accessible, and challenging high altitude mountaineering. RMI’s Ecuador trips combine Ecuadorian culture and climbing into one unforgettable adventure.

ECUADORCOTOPAXI 19,348’ • CAYAMBE 18,997’ • ANTISANA 18,891’

Adam KnoffRMI CollectionGarrett Stevens

RMI CollectionEcuador’s Cotopaxi.

Page 13: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. ELBRUS RUSSIA • 18,510’

Mt. Elbrus is a stunning volcanic peak located in Russia’s Caucasus Mountains, Europe’s highest mountain, and one of the world’s Seven Summits. RMI offers climbs on both the classic South Side and the more remote North Side of Elbrus. Each program spends time exploring the sites and history of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

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The South Side of Russia’s Mt. Elbrus.

Page 14: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. McKINLEY ALASKA • 20,320’

RMI CollectionMt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.

Page 15: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

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Mt. McKinley, also known as Denali, is the highest mountain in North America and an unforgettable mountaineering endeavor. Our McKinley expeditions are structured for success with no pre-determined end dates and guide-to-climber ratios that provide the support warranted by Alaska’s rugged conditions. RMI offers multiple expeditions every season, including the classic West Buttress Route, the Upper West Rib Route, and custom expeditions.

RMI’s guides have been climbing and guiding in the Alaska Range for over half a century. RMI Founder Lou Whittaker first climbed Mt. McKinley in 1960, making the twelfth ascent of the mountain. In 1975, RMI Owner Joe Horiskey led RMI’s first guided ascent of Mt. McKinley. Since then RMI has led over 450 expeditions on the mountain. Linden Mallory

Page 16: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

ALASKA SEMINARS

The Alaska Range’s jagged peaks and rolling glaciers provide superb terrain to teach the skills and techniques of expedition and alpine climbing. Our Expedition and Alpine Seminars explore the beauty of Denali National Park while climbing and training on the lower slopes, and neighboring peaks, of Mt. McKinley.

Kel RossiterKel RossiterLeon Davis

A rope team climbs the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier.Kel Rossiter

Page 17: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

CHILE SKI MOUNTAINEERING

The volcanoes of Southern Chile’s Araucania Region are fantastic ski mountaineering objectives. Our ski mountaineering expedition attempts ski descents from the summits of Volcán Villarica (9,341’), Volcán Lonquimay (9,400’), Sierra Nevada (8,379’), and Volcán Llaima (10,253’).

Katy ReidTyler ReidKaty Reid

RMI Guide Tyler Reid nearing the summit of Lonquimay.Katy Reid

Page 18: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

ACONCAGUA ARGENTINA • 22,841’

Rising high above the surrounding Andes, Aconcagua is South America’s tallest peak. The expedition begins with a trek through the lower valleys to approach the mountain and culminates on a spectacular ridge leading to the summit. Although the terrain is non-technical, Aconcagua is a challenging endeavor and provides great high-altitude expedition experience.

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Jake Norton / FA Alex Barber

RMI Collection

James KaySunrise on Aconcagua’s east face.

Page 19: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Located only a few hundred miles from the South Pole, the Vinson Massif is the highest peak in Antarctica and a strikingly spectacular climb that visits a landscape virtually untouched by humans. RMI’s Vinson Massif expeditions are led by Dave Hahn, who holds the record for the most Vinson summits.

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VINSON MASSIF ANTARCTICA • 16,067’

Peter WhittakerDave HahnPeter Whittaker

Dave HahnThe Vinson Massif.

Page 20: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

NORTH CASCADES WASHINGTON

RMI CollectionMt. Shuksan, North Cascades.

Page 21: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

The North Cascades of Washington, affectionately known as the “American Alps,” offer a wide range of climbs for the beginner and expert alike. The North Cascades truly have it all: long alpine rock climbs, complex glaciated peaks, and breathtaking alpine basins with numerous classic routes. RMI’s climbs are the perfect way to gain skills and confidence in alpine terrain on some of the Northwest’s most classic peaks.

MT. SHUKSAN 9,127’

Sulphide GlacierMt. Shuksan’s Sulphide Glacier, on the mountain’s eastern side, is ideal for climbers seeking an approachable and enjoyable climb while gaining mountaineering training.

Fisher ChimneysThe three-day Fisher Chimneys route on Mt. Shuksan is an adventurous and engaging climb with moderate rock and glacier climbing. The route’s longer and more advanced climbing is ideal for those already familiar with basic climbing techniques.

SAHALE MOUNTAIN 8,680’

Quien Sabe GlacierSahale is well suited for the novice climber who wants to learn solid climbing skills. The Quien Sabe Glacier route follows a beautiful line and finishes with three hundred feet of spectacular fourth class rock to one of the most scenic summits in all of Washington.

FORBIDDEN PEAK 8,630’ West RidgeRenowned for its exciting and classic alpine terrain, the West Ridge of Forbidden is a tremendously rewarding climb that has earned its place as one of the “Fifty Classic Climbs in North America.” The four-day climb reaches Boston Basin and ascends a small glacier below the South Face to follow an exposed ridge of 5.0 to 5.6 rock climbing to the summit.

Paul MaierKel Rossiter

Page 22: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Standing at 19,512’ in the heart of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, Alpamayo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The climbing on Alpamayo is world class, offering an exciting blend of expedition and alpine climbing with multiple pitches of steep névé to reach the summit.

ALPAMAYO PERU • 19,512’

Elías de Andrés Martos

RMI CollectionEvening light on Peru’s Alpamayo.

Page 23: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

The spectacular high peaks of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca offer phenomenal climbing and ideal opportunities for mountaineering training. RMI’s Peru Seminar provides comprehensive mountaineering training while tackling the peaks of Nevado Urus (17,800’), Tocllaraju (19,796’) and Ishinca (18,143’).

PERU SEMINAR

RMI CollectionElías de Andrés MartosRobby Young

Tocllaraju in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. RMI Collection

Page 24: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

KILIMANJARO AFRICA • 19,340’

RMI Collection Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

Page 25: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

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Climbing Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, from the low, lush rainforests to the glacier-capped “Roof of Africa,” is an unforgettable experience. RMI’s Kilimanjaro climb takes advantage of a carefully planned acclimatization schedule while traversing the southern side of the mountain to provide a full experience on the mountain and properly prepare climbers for summit day. The expert leadership of our guides and RMI’s phenomenal local partners ensure that our teams benefit from fresh food, comfortable camps, and carry only light day packs throughout the climb.

After the climb, a luxury wildlife safari through some of Tanzania’s greatest National Parks completes our adventure.

Jon Mancuso

Page 26: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Trek through Nepal’s rugged Khumbu Valley to stand at the foot of Mt. Everest. RMI’s Everest Base Camp Trek is a complete lodge-to-lodge journey into the heart of the Himalaya and through one of the most legendary landscapes on earth. For those looking to turn this trek into a climbing adventure, we offer a climb of Island Peak during the spring.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK NEPAL • 17,575’

Linden MalloryRMI CollectionRMI Collection

Jake Norton / FA

RMI Guides Seth Waterfall and Melissa Arnot trek through the Khumbu Valley.

Page 27: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Our journey begins in the streets of Cusco and follows ancient winding Incan footpaths to arrive at the legendary city of Machu Picchu, perched high in the rugged Peruvian Andes. Traveling the Salkatany Trek route, a remote and beautiful variation to reach the ancient city, RMI’s trek is the perfect blend of Peruvian cultural experience and mountain adventure.

MACHU PICCHU PERU • 7,972’

RMI Collection

Machu Picchu at sunrise. RMI Collection

Page 28: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

MT. EVEREST NEPAL • 29,035’

RMI CollectionThe full moon rises over Mt. Everest.

Page 29: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

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Mt. Everest, jutting almost five and a half miles into the sky, pierces the jet stream with its iconic summit. Climbing Mt. Everest is a demanding and challenging endeavor and deserves the backing of the best guides and mountain staff in the world.

We choose to keep our Everest Team small to provide our climbers the best support possible on the world’s tallest mountain. This individual attention provides flexibility in tailoring climbing schedules and enhances the experience of taking part in a major Himalayan expedition. Our Everest Expedition is led by RMI’s most experienced guides and Himalayan veterans and we climb with some of the most talented and experienced Sherpas in Nepal.

Jake Norton / FA

Page 30: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Shishapangma is the fourteenth highest mountain in the world, although not climbed as often as its taller neighbors. RMI’s expert leadership, small teams, comprehensive support, and direct route choice of the mountain’s Northwest Ridge make Shishapangma an ideal introduction to high-altitude Himalayan mountaineering before tackling Mt. Everest.

SHISHAPANGMA TIBET • 26,289’

Leon DavisLeon DavisJake Beren

RMI CollectionThe full moon rising over the ridge line of Shishapangma.

Page 31: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Cho Oyu, Tibet’s Turquoise Goddess, is the sixth highest mountain on earth. Cho Oyu is regarded as one of the most approachable climbs of the world’s fourteen 8,000 meter peaks. RMI’s small climbing team is built around individual attention, providing flexibility and strength to climb one of the world’s highest peaks.

CHO OYU TIBET • 26,906’

Alex BarberAlex BarberRMI Collection

Cho Oyu standing above the Tibetan Plateau. RMI Collection

Page 32: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

CARSTENSZ PYRAMID INDONESIA • 16,023’

Rising above the rainforests on the island of New Guinea stands Carstensz Pyramid, the tallest peak in Oceania. Our adventure takes us from the beaches of Bali through the Papuan jungles to reach Carstensz’s rocky summit. The climb is mostly rock scrambling and fixed line travel up to 5.6 in difficulty on spectacularly airy faces and arétes.

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RMI Collection

Climbers traversing Carstensz’s Summit Ridge.

Page 33: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

The San Juan Range of southwestern Colorado contains some of the best ice climbing terrain in North America. All-day ice climbs deep in the mountains and the dedicated “Ice Park” outside of Ouray provide climbs for all abilities from beginner to advanced, including custom climbs on some of the area’s most legendary routes.

ICE CLIMBING COLORADO

RMI CollectionPaul MaierRMI Collection

Ice climbing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.RMI Collection

Page 34: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

Read more testimonials from RMI’s climbers at www.rmiguides.com

“RMI is a world class organization. It was really fun being immersed in an environment where you can rub elbows with some of the world’s most

renowned climbers.” - Michael Q.

“Not sure any other organization can compete with the level of expertise and support offered at RMI.”

- Thomas B.

“RMI has the BEST reputation, which I can now confirm from my experience.”

- Pete W.

“If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing a mountain, check out the folks at RMI Expeditions. They will not only take you to the greatest places on earth, but they will show you what you are truly made of.

Great company - exceptional people!” - Brent W.

“RMI is fantastic. It is a well run company and I enjoyed my experience from start to finish.”

- Megan H.

“RMI was hands down the safest and smartest team on the mountain. The care and passion for the team and environment surpasses any other

experience I’ve had through a guided trip.”- David K.

RMI CLIMBER TESTIMONIALS

An RMI rope team on Mt. Rainier. Eric Frank

Page 35: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

RESOURCES AND CONTACT

Please feel free to call our office where you can always speak with a guide.

Telephone: 1.888.89.CLIMB (1.888.892.5462)Local: 360.569.2227Fax: 360.569.2982

Email: [email protected]

Mail: RMI Expeditions | Post Office Box QAshford, WA | 98304

Location: 30027 SR 706 East | Ashford, WA | 98304

Training Resources: Be sure to read our Mountaineering Fitness and Training Resources and sign up for RMI’s Weekly Training Emails at www.rmiguides.com

Gear Guides: Take a look through our comprehensive Gear Guides to understand all of the gear you need for your adventure at www.rmiguides.com/gear-guides

Trip Updates: Keep an eye on the RMI Blog for the latest RMI trip reports from climbs and expeditions around the world: www.rmiguides.com/blog

RMI Collection

Page 36: RMI Expeditions Program Catalog 2014 / 2015

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