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Stories: Guides

Mountain adventures create the best stories, and we want to share some of ours with you. Dive into Alpenglow Stories to stay up to date on expeditions in the field, read blogs, and get tips and tricks from guides.

The Duffel Shuffle: A Mountain Podcast from Alpenglow Expeditions

Did you know that the Duffel Shuffle Podcast is your go-to source for behind-the-scenes stories from the world of adventure travel and high-altitude expeditions? Hosted by Adrian Ballinger and Sam Kieckhefer, this podcast dives into the unique perspectives of climbers, skiers, and adventurers who push the limits in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
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Adrian Ballinger Featured on The Rich Roll Podcast

In the world of high-altitude mountaineering, few names carry as much weight as Adrian Ballinger. As the founder of Alpenglow Expeditions and a professional mountaineer with over two decades of experience, Adrian has carved out a niche at the intersection of extreme adventure, meticulous preparation, and socio-environmental ethics. Recently, he had the opportunity to share his journey and insights with a broader audience by appearing on The Rich Roll Podcast.
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A selfie of a mountain guide on a peak at sunrise.

Interview with Christian Llivicura, IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide

Christian Llivicura, 24, is originally from Cuenca, Ecuador and now lives in Quito. He began guiding in 2018 and joined Alpenglow Expeditions in 2019. Christian received his IFMGA/ASEGUIM certification in June 2024. Alpenglow Staff Robert Kyte connected with Christian to talk about his journey toward certification.
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A climber practices self arrest on a slope during an intro to mountaineering course in Tahoe.

Spring Mountaineering Courses in Tahoe

Alpenglow Expeditions offers two essential courses for aspiring mountaineers that complement each other perfectly: the Intro to Mountaineering course and the Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course. These courses, both located in the stunning surroundings of Lake Tahoe, provide vital skills and knowledge for anyone looking to take on more challenging high-altitude expeditions.
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Clients skiing down during a private backcountry ski guiding in lake tahoe with professional mountain guides

The Art of Timing: Guiding The Spring Skiing Capital

When it comes to spring skiing in Tahoe, timing is everything. As the sun rises higher in the sky and temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, the snow conditions on the mountain can change dramatically. Understanding these fluctuations and knowing when to hit the slopes is crucial for maximizing your skiing experience. That’s where going with a guide can make all the difference.
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Esteban 'Topo' Mena coiling a rope while guiding a Cotopaxi Expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

“Give Yourself the Time”: Graduating from Trekking to Climbing with Topo Mena

While ‘walking’ may sound trivial, a number of big mountains involve a lot of walking, albeit in extreme places. To talk about the journey, we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena about graduating from trekking to climbing. For beginners, he had this advice to offer: “At first, it’s important to give yourself the time to walk in the mountains and appreciate the land and the opportunity to just be there.”
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The North Side of Mount Everest

A Guide’s Perspective: Roberto ‘Tico’ Morales Looks Ahead to Everest’s North Col

For Tico, this opportunity is more than just another expedition; it’s a rendezvous with the world’s highest peak. Mincing no words, he muses: “Everest is Everest.” It hardly needs further explanation. Despite not aiming for the summit, he recognizes the significance of the North Col.
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Five Expeditions Before Climbing Everest with Topo Mena

Now that Everest season is in full swing, this week we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena to talk about five expeditions that are perfect for building the experience necessary to climb the tallest mountain in the world.
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Ski guide Isaac Laredo stands in front of a tent on Mount Shasta

The Shasta Effect with Isaac Laredo

This week I connected with Alpenglow guide Isaac Laredo to talk about Mt. Shasta. With experience guiding in Northern California, the Eastern Sierra, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Japan, Mt. Shasta represents the place where his guiding career began in earnest.
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Acclimatizing on a hike near a lake in the mountains of Bolivia.

Exploring Bolivia: A Unique and Ideal Intermediate Mountaineering Destination

Bolivia is the intermediate mountaineer’s hidden gem, offering a unique blend of adventure, challenge, and cultural richness. Nestled in the Southern Andes, Bolivia’s diverse landscapes and towering peaks make it an ideal destination for growing climbers seeking to expand their skills on Pequeño Alpamayo (17,482’/5,329m), Huayna Potosi (19,975’/6,088m), and Illimani (21,125′/6439m).
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