Stories: International
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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Updates from the Field: Alpamayo 2024
Alpamayo is truly the mountaineer’s mountain. It’s big, it’s remote, it’s technical, and it is aesthetically stunning. A massive white, fluted pyramid makes up the main portion of climbing on the peak, and the views of the Cordillera Blanca from High Camp are unmatched. Our team is currently set to go for a staggered summit push, with some team members going up tonight (July 8th) and others tomorrow (July 9th).
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Skiing Peak Lenin: Updates from the Field
It is commonly accepted that Peak Lenin is the most popular 7,000-meter peak, and for good reason: it’s beautiful, it’s tall, it’s accessible, and it’s not highly technical. Nonetheless, our Peak Lenin Rapid Ascent expedition the perfect training for bigger peaks in the 8,000m range, such as Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest.
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Peru Climbing School June 2024 Recap
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? Join us for the Peru Climbing School, where we immerse ourselves in the beautiful Cordillera Blanca to learn basic climbing and expedition skills while tackling two big peaks, Yanapaccha and Pisco.
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From Climbing Schools to the Seven Summits: Why Aconcagua is the Next Step for Intermediate Climbers
Aconcagua, standing at 22,837 feet, is an excellent progression for climbers who have completed one or more of Alpenglow’s climbing schools in Ecuador, Peru, or Mexico. Here’s why the Aconcagua Rapid Ascent Expedition makes sense:
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From Backcountry Skier to Ski Mountaineer on Ecuador’s Ring of Fire
If you’re looking to delve into the world of ski mountaineering, the Ecuador Ring of Fire Ski Expedition is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills while perfecting familiar ones in a unique high altitude environment. This expedition offers hands-on experience on some of Ecuador’s most spectacular volcanoes: Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo.
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Breaking Down Alpenglow’s Backcountry Ski Expeditions
We offer three distinct backcountry ski & ride expeditions to cater to a wide variety of backcountry enthusiasts. Below, we’ll break down the three expeditions: the Ecuador Ring of Fire, the Japan Backcountry Ski, and the Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition.
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“The Best Snow in the World”: Ski Japan with Isaac Laredo
“There’s a common myth that Utah boasts the best snow in the world. I don’t think those people have been to Japan.” Alpenglow’s AMGA-certified Ski Guide Isaac Laredo thinks that Japan might just offer the best comprehensive skiing experience in the world. So, we connected with him to chat about his time spent in Hokkaido, home to Alpenglow’s newest expedition, the Japan Backcountry Ski.
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From Tahoe to Hokkaido: Why Japan is the Next Step for Local Backcountry Skiers
For skiers seasoned on the slopes of Lake Tahoe and beyond in the United States, Japan presents an alluring challenge and a fresh powder paradise, making it an ideal destination for those looking to elevate their skiing from local to international levels. Here’s why American backcountry skiers should consider Japan for their next big adventure:
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Why is the Skiing in Japan So Good?
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is celebrated for offering some of the best skiing conditions in the world. The secret lies primarily in its snow quality and snowpack, which are ideal for both avid skiers and those new to the sport. For over 100 years, skiing has been quietly growing in Japan until becoming what it is today: a central hub for powderhounds and backcountry athletes.
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