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.
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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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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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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“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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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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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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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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Why Hire an IFMGA-Certified Guide for Climbing 8000-Meter Peaks?
In high altitude environments, having a skilled and experienced guide is not just beneficial: it’s crucial for ensuring safety and success. This is where the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) certification comes into play, providing assurance and expertise to stack every card in your favor while climbing at 8,000 meters.
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Discover the Heart of the Andes: Alpenglow Expeditions’ Peru Climbing School
The Peru Climbing School is Alpenglow’s most immersive introductory expedition—anyone can join us to climb Yanapaccha (17,913’/5,460m) and Pisco (18,871’/5,752m). We chose the Cordillera Blanca because its allure lies in its diversity, from gentle slopes offering stunning vistas to challenging, unforgiving climbs that test the limits of even the most seasoned adventurers.
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