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Day 10: CUMBRE! Our 2017 expedition team summited Alpamayo (19,512′ / 5947m) at 9am (7am PST). They had great views and the mountain to themselves! They are back at Col Camp (18,000′ / 5486m), everyone is happy and tired. Mañana is a rest day! CHEERS to a strong team and a successful summit!!

Alpamayo is known as the gem of the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Ever since it was first climbed in 1951, alpinists have been flocking to attempt its fluted Southwest Face. Many fledgling high altitude climbers consider this peak a culmination of their early climbing careers.

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Photos: Ben Mitchell
Successful SUMMIT for our Elbrus expedition team!! Everything went smooth for the climb and everyone summited. The team is psyched and safely back down at the hotel, showered and relaxing. CHEERS to a strong team!

Mount Elbrus is a dormant double-coned volcano, rises to 18,510′ / 5642m. Its double peaks tower over the stunning western Caucasus Region of Russia, near the border of Georgia. Elbrus is the highest point in all of Europe (& Russia), making this climb one of the renowned ‘Seven Summits’.

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Text: Esteban “Topo” Mena

“Day 8: We moved to Moraine Camp (16,000′ / 4,877m) today. Team is strong and stoked. Tomorrow will move to Col Camp.

Day 9: Got to Col Camp(18,000′ / 5,486m) couple hours ago. Team is settled in tents, already had lunch and working on water now. All is good, Dan & Van are stoked. Alpamayo summit tomorrow! Yesss!”

For more information on our Alpamayo and Quitaraju expedition, or any of our other international expeditions check out our website. For questions email  info@alpenglowexpeditions.com or call our office at 877-873-5376. We hope to climb…

Text & Photos: Ben Mitchell

“Day 9: Had a good day today. Weather was clear, a bit windy at our high point. A fair number of climbers on the route today. High winds up high kept the summit numbers around 50%. The team climbed to 4800 meters at the top of Pushnakov rocks. Everyone felt good on the hike and moved well. We are taking a full rest day tomorrow and planning to climb the following morning!

Day 10: Great rest day. We took the gondola down and went to the sauna for a quick soak…

Text & Photos: Ben Mitchell
“Day 5: Good hike today. We went up Cheget. Rode two chairlifts and hiked to 3400 meters to acclimatize. Then we had lunch at the mid station and the clouds cleared. We got our first views of Elbrus. Beautiful hike and awesome valleys. Everyone did great.

Day 6: Went on a great acclimatization hike to 4340 m. We are moved into the Barrels Camp here at 3840 meters. The weather is socking in here and moderate to strong winds and snow. Planning a rest and training day tomorrow and possibly moving summit day up…

Day 7: After stashing their gear yesterday the team returned to Base Camp (13,500′ / 4115m) for the night. Today is a rest day in Base Camp. The team will use the day to review advanced rope skills, organize gear and food for the climb, and eat great meals prepared by Alfredo.

Tomorrow they will move up to Moraine Camp at 16,000′ / 4,877m and take it all in. The team is strong and stoked!

Follow along on our social channels (Instagram and Facebook) for additional updates and photos.

For more information on our Alpamayo and Quitaraju expedition, or any of our other international expeditions check…

Update from lead guide, Esteban “Topo” Mena for the Alpenglow expedition team on Alpamayo: “We are in Base Camp, tomorrow we carry on to Moraine Camp. All is good.”

Day 5: Today the team continued trekking past the Santa Cruz Lakes and turned up into the hanging valley that sits beneath Alpamayo. They established Base Camp at treeline, approximately 13,500′ /4,115 m. Tomorrow the team will carry equipment to Moraine Camp (16,000 feet/4,877 meters), at the edge of the glacier. After stashing their gear they will return to Base Camp for one of Alfredo’s famous feasts.

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Donner Summit (located near Truckee, California) has some of the best climbing that California has to offer! There is an incredible range of options and challenges for all levels of climbers. Alpenglow offers full day and half day private rock climbing. The best part about booking a private day of climbing is that you choose your group, your location, and your dates.

We also guide private rock climbing in the High Sierra (off hwy 395 near Bishop) as well as Lover’s Leap (off hwy 50 near South Lake Tahoe), which are also great locations but not…

Text & Photos: Esteban “Topo” Mena

“Day 2: Yesterday we went to Antacocha, climbed a 5 pitch 5.10-route called Noches de Adrenalina (13,451′ / 4100m) First summit of the trip!

We are having second breakfast at Cafe California. The plan is to leave Huaraz today, 3hr drive to the trailhead (Cashapampa), and tonight we sleep in Llamacorral.

Day 3: We got to Llamacorral in 4hr from Cashapampa. Team is feeling good. Tomorrow base camp! Yesss!”

For more information on our Alpamayo and Quitaraju expedition, or any of our other international expeditions check out our website. For any questions call our office…

Text & Photos: Ben Mitchell

“Day 2: Fun day here. Went on a tour of the city this morning. Focused on the Kremlin and Red Square then drove around looking at greater Moscow. This city is amazing for the history, excellent infrastructure, and beautiful modern section as well. We have been blown away at every turn by what Moscow has to offer.

We sampled the metro by traveling across town in an effort to get tickets to the confederations cup soccer match, only to end up watching in a local bar. However, I…