Three Teams Summit Rainier Via Three Routes

May 25, 2017

Today was a great day on Mt. Rainier!  Three teams summited via three different routes in some tough weather conditions.

First on top today was the Disappointment Cleaver team led by IMG Senior Guide Eric Remza.  They’re the Disappointment Cleaver team in name only because they actually climbed the Ingraham Direct route, an early season option to the standard DC route.

The second team to the summit this morning was the Kautz team led by IMG Senior Guide Andy Polloczek. The cloud cap almost turned them around above the Kautz Ice Chute, but they cautiously inched uphill and were rewarded with a summit. They’re back down the chute and at camp for the night.

Last but not least is our Liberty Ridge team led by IMG Senior Guides Justin Merle and Austin Shannon. They left Thumb Rock a little later than planned, and like the Kautz and DC Team, made their way up the route while keeping an eye on the somewhat tumultuous weather.  The weather didn’t worsen so they were also able to push on to the top. They’ve since crossed the crater and are descending the DC route to Camp Muir.

While views weren’t readily available today, all three teams were able to summit. The experience of all the guides was called into play today. Radio chatter throughout the morning was a great sign. All the guides put their heads together in the best interest of all the IMG Teams on the mountain.

Job well done to all!

Tye Chapman