Entries By tyler reid
With Sergio's 4x4 driving skills playing a crucial role, yesterday our Hyundai van plowed through the 20 cm blanket of new snow over the road to Las Araucarias, a ski area at the base of Volcan Llaima. It felt like full blown winter leaving the parking lot - snow falling from the sky... We decided to take the optimistic approach and see if we could potentially climb out of the clouds. After an hour or so we were at the top of the ski area, with no reference points above. We were able to fit five of us in a tiny unused lift shack, and I did what I usually so when times are uncertain: put on some reggae. With my iPhone as the sound system and Chronixx filling the air, it was the ideal "out-chill the situation" maintenance break. Properly fueled and motivated, we ascended into the whiteness above. Hours later we found ourselves in the parking lot, this time Sergio's Hyundai as the sound system, Protoje filling the air, cervezas in hand, smiles on our faces... Llaima (and the weather) said no yesterday, but what a positive day in the mountains it was.
Yesterday evening we drove to another mountain, the Hyundai taking us up and up and up a steep lava rock road in 4LO, into a mysterious and remote mountain jungle. Out of the mist appeared Sollipulli Lodge, a place that inspires your childlike imagination. "Eco lodge" is probably the best term to describe this place - each room is its own incredible yurt-like pod situated on a lagoon, with other beautiful alternative structures connected by boardwalks. Mountain jungle living, combined with incredible comfort, and incredibly gracious hosts - the father and son duo Christian and Robert.
Sollipulli is a volcano with an expansive crater that similar to Crater Lake in Oregon and was once much taller before collapsing inward on itself. This morning we had a beautiful ascent to the summit, using a variety of ski mountaineering skills along the way. The weather was in and out, but eventually we found ourselves back in the "viento blanco" - low visibility, annoyingly windy, snowing...
I learned a new tactic on Sollipulli for terrain reference in whiteout conditions. When you're in the lead, it can be hard to know what sort of terrain you are on, or about to walk into, and guides will use various tricks in these conditions to ensure they're not leading the group off a cornice or into a crevasse. These are low tech solutions like throwing snowballs, casting a piece of cord tied to your ski pole like a fishing rod...or bringing along a pack of three golden retrievers who follow you all the way to the summit, clearly loving every minute of it, while also providing valuable terrain reference. These Sollipulli dogs were amazing, and also very competent in the winter alpine environment.
Our Sollipulli descent ended in a wood-fired hot tub next to a crystal clear river, an ideal place to relax in the late afternoon rain.
RMI Guide Tyler Reid
After an adventurous summit on Lonquimay, the last couple days have been focused on simply ski touring in the beautiful terrain this region offers.
Yesterday we drove through the longest tunnel in South America to the Las Mellizas range, touring from the base of an abandoned ski area called Los Arenales. We had lunch on a mini summit called Mirador de Los Volcans and our ski descent dropped us into our first close encounter with Araucarias (monkey puzzle trees).
With 15 cm of new snow and a bit of a break in the weather, today we skied beautiful long laps from another mini summit adjacent to Volcan Lonquimay - warm, smooth powder, definitely the best snow of the trip.
As I type, Sergio is preparing a traditional Chilean asado (barbeque)...an eating experience I have been thinking about for the last year. I have no doubt it will be our best meal of the trip (and the bar has been set high).
RMI Guide Tyler Reid
September 22, 2015
Posted by: Tyler Reid
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Chile Ski
Elevation: 9,400'
Greetings from the Suiz Andina in Malalcahuello! Today was our first day with skis on our feet and it was a beautiful one. We rode the lifts at Corralco, a ski area on the lower flanks of Volcan Lonquimay, a training ground for the U.S. Ski Team. Spring snow conditions and the sun shining through ominous clouds made for an ideal day of remembering how to ski. The vibes are super positive in our crew and we're psyched for what's to come. Stay tuned...
Update 8:25 pm PT
Setting out into uncertain weather today with Volcan Lonquimay as our optimistic feeling objective, I wasn't convinced we were going to see the top. After three thousand feet of skinning we transitioned to climbing mode, and as cool as it feels to have skis on your back, whippet in hand, crampons on your boots...those skis make great sails in a gusty north wind. We climbed the direct route on Lonquimay and despite having to battle the elements on the way up - wind, diminishing visibility, pelting snow and rime ice coating us head to toe... with a take-it-one-step-at-a-time mentality we managed to ski from the cumbre (summit). It was sort of the opposite of a carefree descent requiring precision whiteout navigation and a few other guide tricks, but before we knew it we were back in Malalcahuello sipping on the legendary pisco sours at the Suiz Andina...well earned. Thanks Lonquimay!
RMI Guide Tyler Reid
Greetings,
Just a quick note that our whole Chile Ski Team is here with all of their gear. Sergio picks us up in 10 min and we'll be headed out for our first day on skis at the base of Lonquimay. Will try to check in later with more of a dispatch...
Cheers,
RMI Guide Tyler Reid
The Four-Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Tyler Reid were unable to reach the summit due to strong winds. The team has safely returned to Camp Muir. They will descend from Camp Muir to Paradise this morning. We look forward to seeing the team in Ashford later this morning.
Sorry to hear that you couldn’t make it….maybe next spring?
Posted by: Edward Waddell on 9/13/2015 at 9:37 am
August 24, 2015
Posted by: Tyler Reid, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer & Tyler Reid radioed from the crater rim of Mt. Rainier at 7:04 am. Their Four Day Summit Climb Teams were going to start their descent shortly after. Tyler reported nice weather with winds from the SW and a cloud deck at approximately 8,000'. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climbers!
Great job everyone!
Posted by: Troy Harrington on 8/25/2015 at 5:46 pm
Congratulation Pete + team…How many Rainier summits now - Gadzillion !...Regards from cornfields of IN amigo…Waltero
Posted by: Waltero Glover on 8/25/2015 at 1:37 am
August 20, 2015
Posted by: Tyler Reid, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Tyler Reid and Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Pete reported clear skies, a light breeze, and warm temps. The teams began their descent from the summit at 8:25 am. We look forward to welcoming them in Ashford this afternoon.
Congratulations!
Janet and Bett you are both amazing! I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Posted by: Mary on 8/21/2015 at 6:28 pm
Way to gooooo!!!Congratulations!
Posted by: Patti Thomas on 8/21/2015 at 2:20 pm
August 4, 2015
Posted by: Tyler Reid
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Tyler Reid and the Four Day Summit Climb August 1 - 4, 2015 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Tyler reported light winds from the North and a beautiful day to be on the mountain. The team began their descent from the crater rim at 7:25 am PST. They will return to Camp Muir for a quick break and to repack gear before continuing down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp later today.
Congratulations to the team!
WOW!! Impressive! Congratulations Michael and to all the team.
Posted by: christine on 8/4/2015 at 9:19 pm
July 28, 2015
Posted by: Tyler Reid, Mike Walter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Tyler Reid reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. While on the summit, the team enjoyed pretty nice weather including moderate winds from the North and warming temperatures. The team has started their descent back to Camp Muir where they will rest and repack before continuing down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing back at BaseCamp in Ashford later this afternoon.
On the Emmons Glacier route of Mt. Rainier, RMI Guide Mike Walter led the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons to the summit as well. Mike and the team will spend their final night on the mountain at Camp Schurman before descending and returning to Ashford tomorrow.
Congratulations!
July 24, 2015
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Tyler Reid, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Summit!
The Mount Rainier Summit Climb teams, led by Dave Hahn and Tyler Reid, were leaving the crater rim at 7:30 this morning. Dave reported great conditions: clear and sunny, with light winds.
Mike King and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons are returning to Base Camp today after a successful summit via the Emmons Glacier.
it was a real priviledge to get to know, sweat, hike, and rope together. Thank you Emmons team and expecially guides for making it worth it! allen (contact me any time)
Posted by: allen musil on 7/26/2015 at 11:10 am
Congratulations!!! Must have been an awesome sight at the top of the mountain!
Posted by: Wanda Ritter on 7/24/2015 at 10:40 am
The journey and people are usually the best part. And better to be back safely than not at all.
Posted by: Keith on 9/21/2015 at 2:22 pm
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