Kili climbers reach Karanga Camp

June 22nd, 2024

: The entire team near Karanga Camp (Phunuru)

: Looking up from Karanga (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team had another spectacular day with perfect weather. They left Barranco early to get up the Barranco Wall ahead of other groups, as this is the steepest section of the trek. The team was rewarded with great views of the Southern Glaciers as they traversed to Karanga Camp (about 13,000 ft), arriving in time for lunch. They had a nice rest this afternoon and everyone is doing well. Tomorrow, they will move to Barafu Camp (15,000 ft), positioning themselves for the summit bid!

Great day on Kilimanjaro

June 21, 2024

IMG Team at lava Tower (Phunuru)

Barranco Camp with the Breach Wall and Icicle above (Eric Simonson)

Porters approaching the Barranco Camp with the giant groundsel plants (Eric Simonson)

After yesterdays rainstorm, the weather cleared and today was gorgeous for the team. The old adage for acclimatization is “climb high, sleep low” and the team’s hike today fits that bill perfectly, climbing to a high point at Lava Tower (4600m/15000ft) before descending back to 13000 ft at the Barranco Camp. From the Barranco Camp the team has a great view of the Breach Wall and Icicle, and their first objective tomorrow, the steep climb out of the Barranco camp as they continue their trek to the Karanga Camp.

Rainier & Baker Summits!

June 20, 2024

Sunset on Mt. Baker (photo: Charles Peterson)

It’s full on climbing season down here in the Cascades and summer weather is finally come to fruition. Here’s a recap of this week’s summits!

June 18 – Mt. Baker via the North Ridge led by Justin Sackett

June 19 – Mt. Baker via the Coleman-Deming led by Tyler Nachand

June 20 – Mt. Rainier via the Kautz Glacier led by Stu Johnson

We also currently have a DC team in the field and teams leaving for the DC, the Emmons Glacier, the Fuhrer Finger, and Mt. Baker in the next day.

Good job teams!!

Rainy day on Kili!

June 19, 2024

Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Wet day at Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru called to say that the team were safe and sound up at Machame Camp (nearly 10K, at treeline) after a good dinner and under clearing skies. Earlier today was quite wet for their trip up from Moshi, through the forest. It was a good reminder for why we take the time to do the gear checks before starting, so we have the right gear to stay comfortable and have fun, even in challenging weather. Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to a good sleep tonight.

Back to Kilimanjaro

June 18th, 2024

Southside of Kilimanjaro from the airplane (Phunuru)

Phunuru had a couple days between his June Kilimanjaro climbs so he took a quick jaunt over to Zanzibar to check out the beaches on the Indian Ocean, and was happy to get a great view of Kilimanjaro from the airplane!

The team is now all together and doing well in Moshi. Phunuru and our head Chagga guide, Kassim, helped everyone get packed and duffel bags weighed before taking a pleasant trip into Moshi town to visit the local market and see the sights. They are all set for an 8am departure tomorrow morning, heading to the Machame Gate for the first day on the trail up to Machame Camp at treeline. All’s well in Tanzania!

Denali Team 6 Summits!

June 16, 2024

The last few steps to the summit of Denali in 2019 (Eric Simonson)

Last night at around 6 PM PST, we got the call from Timm Phillips that Team 6 was standing on the summit of Denali! After the team had a safe and successful descent back to 17K Camp, we’re able to share the news. Timm and team spent the night and are packing up their camp, starting their descent to 14K camp and beyond today.

Team 7 is right on their heels, taking a rest day yesterday and are looking to make their move to 17K and beyond soon.

Almost to the finish line with our Alaska season!

Denali Teams 6 & 7 At 14K Camp

June 13, 2024

IMGD climbers breaking above Windy Corner (Audrey Simonson)

IMG Denali Teams 6 and 7 led by Timm and Porter are at 14K Camp today! Team 6 is resting and will make their final move to 17K Camp when the time is right, hopefully in the next few days. Team 7 made it to 14K camp yesterday and today made a back carry to 13K to pick up their cache.

All’s well in Alaska!

Summits on Rainier

June 12, 2024

: The view from near the top of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

: Looking down from near the summit of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

: The team on top of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

IMG Lead Guide Riley Gilson reported spectacular clear weather and beautiful views from the summit of Rainier this morning. The team spent the first two days of their 3.5 Day Summit Climb in moderate winds but persevered to IMG’s Ingraham Flats Camp yesterday to be in the best possible position for a summit attempt this morning. The team woke up to calm winds and made it to the top as the sun was rising. Congratulations team!

Kilimanjaro Summits!

June 12, 2024

: Snow on the crater rim heading for Uhuru Peak (Phunuru)

: Looking out at Mawenzi at dawn (Phunuru)

: On top of Uhuru (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team had a nice climb today to Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro. They departed Barafu Camp about 1am as planned, reaching the Crater Rim at dawn. It’s good to see some snow up on the summit, which made everything looks very alpine for their traverse around the Crater to Uhuru Peak, the true summit. Their descent went smoothly and now everyone is back down in the Mweka Camp at treeline for the night. Tomorrow they will be up early for the final part of the descent to the Mweka Gate and then back to Moshi. Well done!!

Kilimanjaro Climbers Going for the Summit

June 11, 2024

: On the way to Barafu Camp (Phunuru)

: The team at Barafu Camp (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team made it up to the Barafu Camp today in time for some well-deserved rest this afternoon. After getting packed for tomorrow and an early dinner, they all bedded down for a short sleep, with the plan to be up at midnight and walking at 1am. This should put them near the summit in time for the sunrise! The spectacular weather has been holding for the team, though it has been a bit windy at times. We’ll wish the team the best for the climb and look forward to hearing from them later today.