2025: A Year in Review at Alpenglow Expeditions

As 2025 comes to a close, we have been taking a moment to look back. Not just where we went, but how we showed up, and who we shared it with.

This year reinforced something we believe deeply. Great experiences come from strong relationships, thoughtful preparation, and teams that care about doing things the right way. The mountains reward patience, humility, and good decision-making. 2025 gave us so many moments that reflected that.

Across all of this, one thing stayed consistent. We focused on people first. We prioritized safety, education, and strong relationships. We aimed to deliver experiences that felt personal, well supported, and worth the effort it took to be there.

Thank you for trusting us with your time, your goals, and your dreams. Whether you joined us in the mountains this year, followed along from home, or are thinking about what comes next, we are grateful to have you as part of the Alpenglow community

We are already looking ahead to 2026, carrying a lot of what 2025 taught us.

Aconcagua Rapid Ascent – January 2025

Experience Matters

We had an incredible season on South America’s tallest peak. Success there came from a high standard of preparation, clear communication, and guides who know when to push and when to hold back. Our teams moved well at altitude, trusted the process, and stayed focused on the experience as much as the outcome. It was a reminder that good logistics and experienced leadership create an environment where people can perform at their best.

“Technical abilities, organization, and pacing were excellent. I appreciated the nightly team meeting, reviewing the timeline for the next day, planned route/hike, packing for the porters, etc. Gaspar was spot-on with packing and clothing recommendations.”

Allison M., USA

Ecuador Climbing School – February, April, June, November, and December 2025

Inclusive Culture and Community

Ecuador continues to be our second home, a place where relationships are built, and confidence grows. The climbing school remains one of the best examples of what education-driven guiding can look like. Smaller teams, patient instruction, and guides who are dedicated teachers create an environment where people feel supported and challenged at the same time. The result is real progression and a strong sense of community that lasts beyond the trip.

“I can’t say enough positive things about our guides! Jaime, Nacho, Fernando & Felipe were all so attentive, engaged, and helpful with making us feel confident in the mountains. I spent the most time with Jaime and Nacho over the two weeks; their unique personalities complemented each other so well. We had a lot of laughs and great conversations along the way. They all really brought 100% of their energy, and were a highlight of the experience for me.”

Mary T., USA

Japan Backcountry Ski – January/February 2025

Human Connection

Japan once again delivered deep snow and excellent skiing, but what stood out most was the sense of connection within each group. Long days in the mountains, small teams, and shared meals created an environment where people slowed down and settled in. These trips continue to remind us that high-quality experiences do not need to be complicated. They need to be intentional, well-guided, and human.

“Syd and Isaac were empathetic, knowledgeable, and highly skilled as guides. They have a great synergy together, and it’s clear they put a lot of work into getting ready for us as a group.”

Bill B., USA

Everest Base Camp – March 2025

Personal, Transformational Journeys

This year, we ran two private Everest Base Camp trips for families. Sharing the Khumbu with parents, children, and grandparents brought a unique sense of discovery to the experience. These trips highlighted the importance of customization, care, and thoughtful pacing. Watching families experience the Himalaya together reminded us that exploration is not one size fits all, and that meaningful experiences can take many forms.

“Every detail was well considered, and everything from the food we ate to the specific stops at tea houses along the trek was top shelf. However, the real standout for excellence was all the people involved in the planning and execution of our trip. They truly love what they do, and they know what they are doing. This ain’t their first yak rodeo, and that is abundantly clear! Thank you for providing Evan and me with yet another amazing Alpenglow experience in the mountains. We now have over ten years of amazing mountain memories with your firm and look forward to more in the future.”

Mark M., USA

Mt. Everest – April/May 2025

Leading By Example

Everest 2025 proved the power of our Rapid Ascent approach. By arriving fit, acclimatized, and flexible, we were able to wait longer than nearly every other team on the mountain. That patience was rewarded. When we moved, conditions were exceptional. Adrian described it as the best summit day he has seen in more than a decade on Everest. Clear skies, warm temperatures, and calm weather gave our team a quiet summit all to ourselves. These outcomes come from experience, strong logistics, and the discipline to wait for the right moment.

“Chad was excellent in every way. He was perfect for the open enrollment team and the mix of personalities. Rock star guide. Mike Pond – WOW! He brought the heat for his first 8,000-meter peak. He is an emerging rock star for AEX.”

Andrew D., USA

A Dream Realized on Everest’s North Face – September/October 2025

A Commitment to Exploration

One of the most meaningful moments of the year followed a less-than-traditional path, to say the least. Our guides were proud to support Jim Morrison and his team as Jim completed a multi-year project to ski the North Face of Everest. This was a serious and complex objective that required trust, technical skill, and years of preparation. Supporting a goal like this reflects what we value most. We are here to help people pursue meaningful objectives with care, competence, and respect for the mountain.

“Alpenglow’s Topo Mena and his climbing partner, Roberto “Tico” Morales, led the fixing team up through the Hornbein Couloir, reaching the summit at 12:45 p.m. “Only about five people have ever climbed the Japanese Couloir into the Hornbein, and we had twelve on the summit,” says Morrison.”

Grayson Schaffer, National Geographic