Entries By henry coppolillo
May 12, 2022
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 9,650'
Thursday, May 12, 2022 - 7:10 pm PT
Today was nearly a mirror image of yesterday's weather: mostly sunny, then partly cloudy, then mostly cloudy. It made for great travel as we ascended Ski Hill. As we gained the 9500' plateau, mostly cloudy changed to light snow and moderate winds coming through Kahiltna Pass. We had another good day, and decided to cache at ~9650' rather than press further into deteriorating weather. After leaving our gear deep in the hole we dug, we descended back down Ski Hill to camp in time for a little siesta. We'll hope for good weather tomorrow so we can bump camp up to 11,200'. We'll let you know how it goes.
May 12, 2022
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 7,600'
May 12, 2022 - 10:08 am PT
We had great weather yesterday and were able to fly in to Kahiltna Base Camp. We hit the ground running and took advantage of the weather to move to the base of Ski Hill. Light cloud cover kept temperatures perfect for climbing, and the Kahiltna Glacier was in remarkably good condition, which made for a pleasant day in the mountains. Our packs and sleds were heavy, but our team did great getting to camp and establishing camp. This morning the good weather is continuing, and we're getting ready to head off on a carry, establishing a cache up above Ski Hill. We'll be in touch and let you know how it goes.
Best of luck to the entire team! I play Pickleball in southern Florida with John Corona. I just returned from Seattle with beautiful views of the mountainous area in Washington. Can’t imagine your strength and courage to climb! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers that the weather continues good and you have a magnificient climb! Peace to all! Mary
Posted by: Mary Cormier on 5/15/2022 at 6:01 am
Hey !!!! Best of luck on the climb Mike! This grey-bearded old man is headed to Rainier this week and will be ready for you to lead me to 20,310’ in May ‘23! Be safe. Godspeed & Good Weather. If you have any questions about the weather, ask your rock.
Posted by: Tim Morris on 5/12/2022 at 3:50 pm
May 11, 2022
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 348'
RMI’s Denali climbing season is kicking off. Out team spent yesterday in Talkeetna packing and prepping for our expedition. Spreading our gear out in one of K2 Aviation’s hangars, we went through all of our clothing, food, and climbing equipment to fine-tune everything and be sure our checklists were complete. Everything was weighed and labeled for the airplanes. This morning we’ll touch base with K2 to see what the flying conditions are like. Our hope is to fly in to Kahiltna Basecamp today. Located on the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier, this glacier runway will be our approach to the West Buttress of Denali.
Our team looks well prepared, and everyone is eager to embark on this multi-week expedition. We’ll keep you up to date along the way as we slowly progress higher on Denali’s slopes. I’ll be in touch with flying conditions and our status.
Sending the best vibes your way!
Posted by: Abby P on 5/12/2022 at 6:40 am
Stay safe and have fun !!!
Posted by: Don West on 5/11/2022 at 9:42 pm
September 1, 2021
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Dominic Cifelli, Chase Halbert, Henry Coppolillo, Axel Ryd, David Shuer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Four Day Climb August 29 - 1 September was unable to reach the summit today due to route conditions. RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer and Dominic Cifelli lead their teams to Ingraham Flats at 11, 200', they enjoyed the views as the sun came up. The team is now back at Camp Muir and will begin their descent to Paradise later this morning.
August 29, 2021
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Jack Delaney, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford, Axel Ryd, David Shuer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Mt. Rainier summit! The teams led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Jack Delaney reached the top at 7:13 a.m. They reported clear skies, a light breeze, and smoke to the East. After spending some time at the crater rim marveling in the sights from the highest point in Washington, the team began their descent.
Congrats Dr.Xue!
Posted by: tom on 8/30/2021 at 9:48 am
So exciting, congratulations Galen, Morgan, Paul & Richard!!!!
Posted by: Lori on 8/29/2021 at 9:13 am
August 15, 2021
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Walter Hailes, Henry Coppolillo, Daniel May, David Shuer, Keeley Rideout
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
Today's Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams, led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer and Walter Hailes, turned due to hazardous route conditions. The teams ascended to Ingraham Flats to watch the sunrise before descending back to Camp Muir where they had breakfast. They left Camp Muir around 9:45 a.m. and are working their way back to Paradise.
August 13, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Taylor Bickford, Henry Coppolillo, Cal Smith, Axel Ryd, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
Due to overhead hazards, the Mt. Rainier Summit Climb, led by RMI Guides Mike King and Taylor Bickford, turned at Ingraham Flats. They reported smoky skies and a busy route. After packing up at Camp Muir, the team began their descent to Paradise at 9:00 a.m.
August 10, 2021
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello, Jack Delaney, Henry Coppolillo, Liam Weed, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 7 - 10 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Avery Parrinello reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 6:30 am PT. The team enjoyed a light breeze and good visibility under an overcast sky. They spent time crossing the crater to reach Columbia Crest, the highest point on Mt. Rainier and in Washington. After taking all the photos and enjoying the views, the team left the crater rim just after 8 am PT. They will travel 4.5 miles and 4,500' retracing their steps from early this morning to return to Camp Muir. Once they have removed their glacier travel gear and repacked their backpacks, they will continue another 4.5 miles and 4,500' back to Paradise.
Nice work today team! Congratulations!
Way to go team! My son Nick was part of this group and everyone is glad they reached the summit safely.
Great work guides!
Posted by: Mike Vovakes on 8/10/2021 at 10:15 am
August 4, 2021
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Henry Coppolillo, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
The Mt. Shuksan - Sulphide Glacier August 2 - 5 team reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan today led by RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Henry Coppolillo and Seth Burns.
Hannah reported that the team was having a great day on the mountain with very few climbers on the route and fairly clear skies. The team will return to camp for their final night on the mountain and walk out to the trailhead tomorrow to conclude their programs.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
July 30, 2021
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Henry Coppolillo, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli led the Paradise Seminar team through training and to the top of Mt. Rainier this week! Various mountaineering skills were taught in order to arm these mountaineers with bigger mountains goals as well as feeling more comfortable in their climbing abilities.
The team is currently on their descent from the Mt. Rainier summit and will finish their program with a celebration back in Ashford.
Thanks for the posts. It is fun to keep up-to-date with the climb!!
Posted by: Deb Beaudway on 5/13/2022 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for updates. Basic weather forecast looks very good starting Saturday.
Posted by: Paul Kent on 5/13/2022 at 11:16 am
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