Blog

What do you do to support our international expeditions? 

I plan logistics for our international trips and make sure our guides and clients are well prepared and feel supported for their expeditions. Booking guides, flights, hotels, packing gear, arranging Hypoxico setups, scheduling & running zoom meetings, gathering client data, fielding all questions, confirming visa/entry requirements, addressing special needs/requests and generally supporting all aspects of planning.

Seeing the photos & videos of our clients smiling on the summit fires me up. It’s the culmination of a lot…

After a bold ascent of the Messner Route on the South Face of Aconcagua, more than 250 summits of Ecuadorian volcanoes, multiple Grade VI Himalayan first ascents, summits of K2, Makalu, Manaslu, Gasherbrum II, Cho Oyu, and being the youngest non-Sherpa (23) to summit Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen—not to mention IFMGA mountain guide certification—it’s hard to believe that if it weren’t for his poor behavior in the classroom, Esteban “Topo” Mena might have been an actor, or a chef.

Then again, success in any of these requires hard work, dedication to the craft, perseverance, and…

Written by Will Halpin, Alpenglow Expeditions Group Coordinator

Lake Tahoe is known for its picturesque mountains and crystal-clear waters, making it a prime location for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing. However, there’s one adventure that’s rapidly gaining popularity as a group activity for families and friends; the Tahoe Via Ferrata.

Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) is a climbing route made up of a system of steel cable and metal rungs that are anchored to a mountain or rock face. It’s a unique way to experience the mountains, giving climbers the opportunity…

After a recent announcement that China will be opening its borders to tourism, we are thrilled to share that Alpenglow is returning to Cho Oyu in 2023 and the North Side of Mt. Everest in Spring 2024. As one of the most experienced operators on 8000-meter peaks, Alpenglow is excited to return to the Tibetan Himalaya to provide profound mountain experiences for those with their eyes set on climbing two of the tallest mountains in the world. —

So, why climb with Alpenglow? Read below to see how we are providing unique, efficient, and ethical climbing experiences in…

Keeping mountains clean is not hard, it just takes commitment

The mountains that we guide on are some of the most spectacular and beautiful mountains on the planet. The inherent beauty of all of these mountains is something that, as recreators and explorers, we need to protect. We are is committed to practicing leave no trace principles to the best of our ability on all of our expeditions and is committed to creating 0 waste on our North Side Everest Expeditions.

Alpenglow team carrying trash and gear back down to base camp

When it comes to managing trash…

The rise in High-altitude mountaineering’s popularity has caused a massive annual increase in the number of people attempting to climb Mt. Everest. To be clear, we do not see this as a bad thing, and we are excited to see the growth of our sport. However, the South Side of Everest has become overcrowded with inexperienced team members and unqualified guides.

Line of climbers on South Side of Everest

There are 454 climbing permits issued for the 2023 spring Everest season, comprising 30 or 40 teams on the mountain. The largest team is made…

As mountain guides, our job is to manage and reduce risk as our teams climb. Mountains are inherently dangerous, and there is no such thing as a “safe” 8,000m peak. But, through education, experience, and sound decision-making, our certified mountain guides can reduce the risk of a climb to an acceptable level. When the mountain or route presents a hazard that we cannot mitigate with informed decision-making, such as the Khumbu Icefall and the overcrowding on the south side of Everest, it makes it so that we cannot do our jobs effectively. We pride ourselves on our performance…

It’s not because we don’t guide climbers on Mt. Everest. We do, and we’ve spent nearly two decades developing a unique approach to climbing the world’s tallest mountain. There are two main reasons you won’t see Alpenglow on Everest this season. 

For the safety of our Sherpa, guides, and clients, we only guide Mt. Everest from the North Side in Tibet. After an avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall killed 16 Sherpa in 2014, Alpenglow leadership decided to no longer offer expeditions to the South Side of Everest. Keep Reading...

You asked, and we delivered. We are selling our backcountry ski rental fleet!

Here are the basics:

– Our fleet is made up of Blizzard Zero G skis with Dynafit Rotation bindings on demo tracks. We have skis at lengths of 156cm, 164cm, 172cm, and 188cm. All skis are 105mm underfoot.
– Purchases include skis with bindings and matching skins.
– We will not be shipping any skis. In-person pick up only.
– Skis are first-come first-served and are not sold until payment is received. We cannot hold skis until we receive payment. You may pay for the…

Our Ecuador Climbing School is underway, and we’ve connected with Alpenglow guide Gaspar Navarrete for an update on how the expedition is going.

On April 14th, the team summited Volcán Cayambe (18,996’/5,790m) in just 6.5 hours. With perfect snow conditions, the team was feeling strong and made a successful summit push. After descending, they headed back to Pinsaquí for rest and recovery before exploring the famous Saturday Market in Otavalo, where hundreds of vendors gather each weekend to sell handmade goods and crafts.
A few days later, the team made an attempt on Volcán…

Thinking of climbing an 8000-meter peak and wondering what to put in your pack? When you’re above 8000-meters, it’s important that you have carefully considered, planned, and organized everything that you bring with you. Here’s what Adrian Ballinger, owner and founder of Alpenglow Expeditions, has carried with him to 18 successful summits on 8000-meter peaks.

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While training for general fitness can be accomplished in a variety of ways, training for the mountains—and even a specific mountain—requires a thoughtful, intentional approach to boost your odds of a summit and safe return. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we rely on clear, honest communication about goals and abilities before sending climbers into the field. Often, a significant portion of these conversations revolve around how to train and prepare for big mountains. 

From Lynette Talbott, Alpenglow’s recommended personal trainer and owner of Billy Goat Swift, come five basic training tips for the…