Ed Viesturs Signs Exclusivity Agreement with RMI

Rainier Mountaineering Inc.(RMI), North America’s largest and most respected mountaineering company, announced today that it has signed an exclusivity agreement with world-renowned high-altitude mountaineer, Ed Viesturs who made history last May by becoming the first American to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. This new agreement guarantees that Viesturs will guide exclusively for RMI on Mt. Rainier, Mt. McKinley and other international climbs. As part of the agreement, Viesturs will also consult for Whittaker Mountaineering by offering product recommendations and dispatches from his travels.

Viesturs’ relationship with the Whittaker family traces back several decades with his first successful 8,000 meter climb up Kanchenjunga (world’s 3rd highest peak) in 1989, which was led by RMI co-owner Lou Whittaker. The following year, he summitted Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, led by legendary mountaineer, Jim Whittaker and twin brother of Lou. In 2003, Viesturs partnered with Lou’s son, Peter to establish what has become known as the Viesturs/Whittaker Climbs, a program that guides outdoor enthusiasts up Rainier and other remote mountains around the world.

Viesturs’ affiliation with RMI goes back to his first season guiding Mt. Rainier in the summer of 1982. Since then, he has logged over 190 successful ascents of Rainier.

“My family’s relationship with Ed has been strong for many years, but in a more informal manner,” commented Peter Whittaker, co-owner of RMI. “The purpose of this agreement is to solidify the relationship that we have and set the stage for the direction that RMI plans to take over the next decade.”

Based in Ashford, Wash., Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is a professional mountain guiding service that surpasses industry-recognized standards in providing guests with the safest, most enjoyable climbing experiences. For more information, log onto www.rmiguides.com or call (888) 892-5462.