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Photo: Logan Talbott teaching Intro to Mountaineering on Donner Summit. Students are learning to walk in crampons and how to use an ice axe.

Today, we are beyond excited to announce that we finally have a concrete plan for our first stage of reopening after the threat of COVID-19 forced our small business to close for almost 9 weeks. We are accepting reservations today!

“In partnership with the US Forest Service, we’ve crafted a reopening plan that…

Via Ferrata Alpenglow Expeditions

Alpenglow Expeditions is committed to doing our part in the mitigation of COVID-19, as well as complying with local and state guidelines. Our reopening plan includes many modifications to how we’ll be conducting guiding operations on the Tahoe Via Ferrata in Squaw Valley. Modifications to how we guide rock climbing on Donner Summit, Lovers Leap, and the High Sierra will be very similar to the actions taken below, however here we’ll focus on what we’re doing to get back to climbing the Tahoe Via Ferrata.

Side Note: Our local operations on the Tahoe National…

Opening day is scheduled for May 16, so what’s new for the Tahoe Via in 2020?

With a low snow February, we’ve already been able to get out on the Tram Face and scout out a plan for a new route. Stay tuned for a release of details. The new route will be a 2.5-hour experience and will allow climbers to reach a special spot on Tram Face which had previously been inaccessible,

We have completely rebuilt the safari truck that we use to shuttle climbers up…

While the use for crampons is all the same, not all crampons are created equally.

Some are made from aluminum, others from steel. Some have 8 points, others 14. In general, crampon selection can be best determined based on the terrain that you’re climbing. What we choose for walking on snow while ski mountaineering will be much different than when we head out to climb vertical waterfall ice. Below are some of our favorite activities, and the crampons we choose for each. Most crampons come with different attachment styles, which are dictated by the boots they’ll adhere…

Mountain guides may be the most shoe-obsessed people on the planet. From rock shoes to 8,000m boots, every shoe has an ultra-specific purpose. In this interview, Adrian walks us through his favorite La Sportiva footwear for each climbing discipline. Have you ever wanted to take a peek inside Adrian’s closet? This is your chance!

“There are two reasons I really like this shoe for the 

It’s that peculiar time in Tahoe past Labor Day when everyone seems to be worried about the “end of summer.” There’s a frenzy to squeeze in one more beach day at Donner Lake or one more mountain bike ride on the Flume Trail. But here at Alpenglow, we’re kind of wondering what everyone is getting so worked up about. After all, autumn is tied with spring and summer as our second favorite season (of course, winter is our first love!) September and October are prime for a good time: the Tahoe crowds dwindle, temps are pleasant, and…

Tim Mincey Shares a Couple of his Favorites

Tim Mincey

The High Sierra, also called the “East Side,” is an absolute gem of California. A jagged mountainous wonderland, it is the ultimate playground for alpinists, rock climbers, backcountry skiers and hot spring enthusiasts.

Right now, it’s prime season for alpine climbing in the High Sierra! Alpenglow guide Tim Mincey has spent A TON of time in the region this spring and summer. Between guiding, exploring and playing in these mountains, Tim has come to know the region intimately. We caught up with him for a quick…

Jarad Stiles is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide. He has been guiding rock climbing in Tahoe and Joshua Tree for the past decade.

It’s prime climbing season in Tahoe so we asked AMGA Certified Rock Guide Jarad Stiles all about the climbing at Lovers Leap. Jarad has been guiding rock climbing in Tahoe and Joshua Tree for the past decade. He frequents Yosemite and has made multiple accents of El Cap, Half Dome, The Leaning Tower, and Washington Column (in a day). When it comes to climbing, Jarad is an all-around pro in the mountains and the perfect person…

How does one couple balance their two distinct climbing careers? We asked Emily how she and Adrian manage to make it work and how their new YouTube series, DangerStik TV, plays into the mix.

Q: You and Adrian are both working on some pretty big projects. Can you give us a rundown of what you are both working towards?

“Adrian has guided Everest every spring for the past 12 seasons. He’s there now, as an expedition leader for 40 people- basically a small village. His personal goal is to climb K2 this summer without supplemental…

Watch the Tahoe Via Ferrata in action!

After years of dreaming and planning, we are BEYOND thrilled to officially announce the Tahoe Via Ferrata at Squaw Valley! The Tahoe Via Ferrata will ascend the iconic 1000’ Tram Face in Squaw Valley, our home, and one of the coolest rock faces around. Construction of the first two routes begins within the next few weeks and we plan to be operational by late September. We’re excited to bring the first Via Ferrata to the Lake Tahoe region!

If you’re unfamiliar with Via…