does not look good. one has to wonder just why people who ought to know better seem to get themselves killed as often as those who are less skilled and knowledgeable.

Being an expert is no guarantee of safety, because of just random chance, if no other factor. But statistically, day in and day out, inexperience is moe likely to get you killed.

I suppose that being expert may induce a person to cut the margin a little closer. That doesn't alwyas owrk out well.

I still don't get why people seem so eager to climb Ranier in the dead of winter. Why not wait for spring (or april-ish if you're worried about crevasses)?

Crevasses are just as much a problem in the spring as they are in winter. The general rule is that you should rope up and be ready to deal with crevasse rescue any time you are on a glacier.

In my one extensive glacier experience, we were continually roped (three to a rope) and did not get together when we were taking breaks. That was a June trip on Denali.

Lots of stories about what happened when you violated the principle....

Life is an exercise in risk management.

Being skilled and prepared just stacks the odds a little more into one's favor; Let's one take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. But there is never a guarantee.

Sometimes the conditions overwhelm even the most skilled and equipped.

This doesn't look good and my thoughts go out to their families.

Rainier anytime is a hardcore mountain.
Their route of choice is one of the least technical, that makes me wonder if their choice indicates a lack of technical climbing experience since they picked the "easy way". Many more experienced climbers may have considered Disappointment Clever to be a little bland even in winter.
Winter on Rainier can be sick. Its proximity to the ocean gives it huge storm and snowfall potential.
Sorry to hear they are in trouble I hope the rescuers all get off safe either way.

They could have been doing a relatively easy route in winter as training for trips in the Andes, Alaska, or Himalayas - but that is just speculation.....

Hikemor, I speculated the same thing. From my exp. of growing up in Seattle area, a lot of groups getting ready for the Himalayas will do Mt. Rainer in the winter as the conditions are nearly the same.