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Adrian Ballinger is one of the USA’s premier high-altitude mountain guides, and the only American guide to have both AMGA/IFMGA guide’s certification (one of roughly 150 in the USA) and more than a fifteen summits of 8,000 meter peaks (17 total, including 8 summits of Mt. Everest, 1 without supplemental oxygen, as well as an ascent of K2 without supplemental oxygen). As founder of Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian has been guiding full-time for over twenty years and has led over 130 international climbing expeditions on 6 continents.

In 2011 he, along with 2 Sherpa partners, became the first people to summit three…

Adrian Ballinger's favorite blend, Alpenglow Expedition's signature Summit Blend from Pacific Crest Coffee Co. in Truckee, CA is a light medium roast to fuel you for the high mountains. Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico Varietal: Typica Pluma Top notes: Caramel, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts

The 2023 climbing season on Aconcagua has been nothing short of challenging. High winds, heavy snows, and bitter cold have hindered many summit attempts on the mountain throughout the season, a reminder that it is ultimately the mountain that decides whether or not we reach the top. Nonetheless, Alpenglow owner and founder Adrian Ballinger has often reflected on his most challenging expeditions, and even his failures, as his most enriching experiences in the mountains. While a journey into the mountains offers no guarantee of success, it remains an opportunity for growth and mindful reflection. This was the case for…

Written by Robert Kyte

On October 7th, in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Tahoe Via Ferrata, Alpenglow hosted a Locals’ Day on the Via, offering free climbing excursions all the way to Tower 1 atop Tram Face here in Palisades Tahoe. With over 100 climbers ascending the route, we were thrilled at this opportunity to give back to our local community and allow everyone to experience the joy of the Tahoe Via. 

Seven years ago, we had a question: how can we provide accessible climbing experiences to the local community, as well as…

Written by Robert Kyte

In just five seasons, the Tahoe Via Ferrata has become a staple on the list of must-do summer activities in the Lake Tahoe area. We’re proud to share that we’ve had another momentous season of climbing on the beloved Tram Face here at Palisades Tahoe! (And it’s not over yet — the Via season will extend into the fall). Nonetheless, we’re here to revel in the stoke and share some of our favorite moments from the Summer ‘22 season on the Tahoe Via Ferrata:

This year, we had the pleasure…