Sean Kristl's Posts

Today the team begins their actual climb of Mt. Elbrus. Through a combination of ski lifts and hiking they arrived at The Barrels, cozy mountain huts at 12,300′ / 3750m on Elbrus. To ensure they stay well fed and healthy, they have a Russian cook with them at the huts preparing mountain food and making the stay more comfortable.

Lead guide, Zeb, reported that the food continues to be awesome. After their hike they had BBQ chicken kebabs, fresh tomato and cucumber salad, homemade bread and the local specialty: ice cold 5642 beer (the summit of Elbrus in meters). Also the team continues to enjoy good(but hot) weather. Tomorrow they will…

From Lake Titicaca, the team will attempt their first peak, Pequeño Alpamayo (17,482′ / 5329m). Like its famous taller neighbor in Peru, Pequeño’s face is beautiful and the climb is technical yet reasonable. It is the ideal place to increase mountaineering skills. The team will be practicing glacier and climbing skills, acclimatizing, climbing sub-peaks, before finally making their first summit bid.

Day 3: Our Bolivia expedition team had a great acclimatization hike on Isla del Sol which is on Lake Titicaca (12,400′ / 3780m)  They were able to see the Royal Mountains Range while hiking. They then visited the town of Copacabana, also on…

Photos: Zeb Blais

Day 3: The team took a short flight to Mineral Voldy and traveled by bus to Terskol in the Baksan Valley. This short flight should gave them excellent views of the Caucasus Mountains and their first peek of Mount Elbrus. The bus ride was 3-4 hours but passed quickly with the stunning views. The hotel in Terskol is next to the ski lifts, and has excellent local and international food. All is good so far!

Day 4: The team did an acclimatization hike up Cheget today, one of many before the they climb Mount Elbrus (18,510′ / 5642m) next…

Photo: Van Wombwell (Alpamayo)

Weather is a huge factor when planning logistics for international expeditions. Fortunately our recent Alpamayo (19,512′ / 5,947m) expedition had the most ideal conditions for their climb! The team reached the summit in full sun and had the mountain to themselves with perfect weather. Join us next summer, the dates for the Alpamayo & Quitaraju expedition are July 1-15, 2018!

In July we also had two private personal trips in Peru for Alpenglow guides/owners, Adrian Ballinger and Logan Talbott. Logan had a great time in Peru and climbed Alpamayo and Artesonraju with his climbing partner, Eric. In…

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.

For more…

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’.

For more information on our…

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…