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.
Read the storyAdrian 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.
Read the storyInterview 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.
Read the storySpring 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.
Read the storyThe 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.
Read the story“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.”
Read the storyA 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.
Read the storyFive 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.
Read the storyThe 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.
Read the storyExploring 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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