December 5, 2016
Looking up towards the summit of Vinson
It’s been seriously windy at all camps on Vinson. That was especially true of the last 6-8 hours. Mike called at 4 pm, Seattle time, and relayed that it’s calming now and clearing and that tomorrow looks like a possible summit shot. Signs say – yes.   The team is ready and in position so now we just need mother nature to do her part.
We’ll let you know.
Phil Ershler
December 5, 2016
2016 IMG Holiday Party
This last Friday night, IMG Partners Eric, George, Phil, and Paul continued the tradition of the Annual IMG Holiday Party. Every year they treat the office staff to dinner at a nice restaurant far away from IMG Headquarters. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the unsung heroes of IMG together in order to celebrate another safe and successful year.  This year the party was held at the Melting Pot in Tacoma. Between the partners, office employees, spouses, and of course little Jack Chapman, there were 21 people in attendance. Having been there myself, I can say it was a great time.
Thanks again Eric, George, Phil, and Paul!
Josh McDowell
Phil Ershler guiding on upper Vinson (photo: Jason Tanguay)
December 4, 2016
Guess that’s why they call them ‘forecasts’. Weather didn’t want to cooperate yesterday. Mike and team headed up, but it soon became obvious that discretion was the better part of valor. They made a 180 degree turn and got back to get tucked in at high camp and wait.
‘Forecast’ calls for a break soon, so now it’s a matter of being patient and ready to go when the break comes.
Mike called in at 12 noon, Seattle time on Sunday. No one is moving anywhere today. Winds are high and snow is blowing. The team is fine and dug in at high camp with plenty of food and fuel. Forecasts still call for clearing soon. Tomorrow would be just fine.
We’ll let you know when we know.
Phil Ershler
December 3, 2016
Mt. Shinn, Antarctica
Received an exciting call last evening from Mike Hamill and team from HIGH CAMP on Vinson. Mike said the team performed well on this big move day. That’s a big deal. Weather was very good and the forecast now appears good for today. If that holds true, the team should be making their summit attempt right now. IMG’s team was and is the only group to make it to high camp yesterday.  There are a couple of ALE staff with them currently at high camp. They are the first guided team to be making a summit attempt this season.
Wish them luck. It’s game time.
Phil Ershler
December 1, 2016
That’s Ice – As Far As The Eye Can See
Spoke with Mike Hamill Wednesday afternoon. Another positive day. The team made a carry up just short of high camped and cached there. Positioning the extra supplies there allows them to move right to high camp when they’re ready for their summit push. Weather was again quite good. Mike relayed that they may see some deterioration in the weather today but it’s forecasted to be short lived. If that forecast holds true, the team’s in exactly the right position.
Today’s a rest day down at C1. We’ll see if the weather looks ‘right’ tomorrow for a move up to high camp. All’s well down on the Ice.
Phil Ershler
November, 30 2016
Jackson Visitor Center (JVC) at Paradise
The National Park Service has opened a public comment process on a proposal to install a cellular antenna in the Jackson Visitor Center (JVC) at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. After considering the pros and cons to having increased communication around Paradise, we at IMG support the plan to add cell coverage capabilities within the Park. The comment period ends 12/12/2016. According to the Park:
“The National Park Service has received two right-of-way permit applications from wireless telecommunications providers to install and co-locate wireless communications facilities within Mount Rainier National Park. The proposed location is in the Paradise area, within the National Historic Landmark District, and would not require the construction or use of a tower…. The proposed action would allow installation of telecommunications support equipment in the attics of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Antennas would be mounted on the interior of the east and west gable ends of the non-historic building, behind a special fiberglass panel designed to match the existing exterior wood siding.â€
As a guiding company on Rainier, and as professional mountain guides around the world, we are often called upon to assist with rescues of independent climbers. Many accidents are preventable with increased communication, or could be initiated in a timelier manner, thus lessening the overall harm and complexity should a rescue be necessary.
We know many recreationalists head into the park specifically to get away from connectivity and distractions. In fact we often recommend our climbers keep their phones on ‘Airplane Mode’ to fully enjoy their climb. However, we feel the increased safety that comes with communication options far outweighs the negatives. As long as phones still have ‘Airplane Mode’ and individuals want to get away, finding the joys of the wilderness is still possible at Mount Rainier!
Please visit the NPS Project Planning Page listed below and give your voice to the discussion. The National Parks belong to all of us!
NPS Project Planning, 2016 Paradise Cellular Installation
Robert Jantzen
November 30, 2016
Warm Weather at C1 on a Previous Trip
The ‘good start’ on Vinson continues. Mike called yesterday afternoon and confirmed not only had the team done well on their first carry to C1 the day before but that, yesterday, they made the move and were putting finishing touches on that camp. He said it was the nicest day he could remember at that camp at this time of year. Remember, it’s still earlier in the season and they’re camped around 10,000 ft. Clear skies and no wind allows for lots of radiant heating. You got to love it.
The plan is to ‘bite the bullet’ today and make a carry at least to the top of the fixed ropes above C1 and maybe higher. Mike wants to get everything ready for the move to C2 (high camp) during this good weather. Then, take a break back at C1 and when ‘signs say yes’, move quickly to high camp and summit. That’s the plan.
Phil Ershler
November 29, 2016
Are you looking for a real adventure this winter? Do you only have week of availability? Then the Denali Prep Seminar on Mount Rainier might be the perfect fit.  Every other week during the months of February, March, and April, IMG offers this one of a kind program.
The Denali Prep Seminar is a 6.5 day program that offers everything from winter camping skills, navigation training, sled hauling, anchor building, crevasse rescue training, fixed line work, avalanche science/rescue, and a whole lot more. All of this takes place on one of the premier high altitude training mountains…Mount Rainier.
This program provides the opportunity to test what you are really made of. During the six days on the mountain, you will experiencing many different weather systems. Anything from heavy snow, wind, sun, and everything else you can think of. This program offers the type of weather that climbers experience on Denali, as well as the other great mountains of the world. If Denali is on your radar, you don’t want to miss this course.
If Denali is not in your sights, no worries. The Denali Prep Seminar is a great fit for anyone who you want to see what winter mountaineering is all about. It is also the perfect program for anyone who wants to expand their mountaineering skills toolbox.
Although this is not a “summit climb,†if weather allows and the avalanche conditions are suitable, we will give the summit a shot. This is an added bonus to an already outstanding program!
If this sounds like something you are interested in, you can read more about it here:Â Â http://www.mountainguides.com/rnr-denali.shtml
Hope to see you this winter!
Josh McDowell
November 29, 2016
Charging the IMG Everest batteries at Gorak Shep, November 2016.
Ang Jangbu checked in from Kathmandu a couple of days ago to let us know that Ang Pasang and Nuru Gyalzen trekked up the valley to our gear storage room in Gorakshep to give our big batteries a charge. They fired up a couple of our Honda generators to top up the dozen plus 12V batteries we use at Base Camp with our solar panels, communications, and lighting. This will ensure that these batteries are in good shape for the upcoming 2017 Everest expedition.
That’s right, it is just after Thanksgiving and time will really move fast now. We have a great group of guides, climbers and trekkers on board for this spring and I am looking forward to leading the expedition again. Before long, I will be standing on the roof of our hotel in Kathmandu giving the briefing to everyone before we head to EBC!
On our agenda for the near future is shipping our oxygen tanks back to Nepal, shopping for food, and packing more tents and gear for the spring. In Nepal, the Sherpa Team is already taking stock of the gear and supplies that we will be sending up to Khumbu over the coming months. The next exciting news will come when we claim our Everest Base Camp site on the glacier!
Greg Vernovage
November 28, 2016
Twin Otter at Vinson base camp
Quick update this morning from “the Iceâ€. Mike Hamill got on the sat phone last evening to let me know that the flight in, on the IL 76, went smoothly and that the team was able to transfer over to Vinson base camp soon thereafter. The IL lands at the Union Glacier, about 80 degrees South. The team then grabbed all the gear we leave on the Ice over the winter, had a great, hot meal served by the staff of ALE and then flew in one of the Twin Otters over to Vinson base camp – about 7,000 ft and about 79 degrees South.
I have no doubt they slept well last night after such a long day and getting their tents set up and camp established. Mike said forecast looks favorable for a couple of days and that he’s planning on having the team make a carry to C1 today. ‘When the fish are running, it’s time to go fishing’.
Nice start to the trip.
Phil Ershler
