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Via Ferrata has been around for a long time! Originating in Italy via ferrata quickly became a popular recreational activity. Today there are over 400 Via Ferratas in Italy alone with thousands more around the world. Most of these via’s use the traditional via ferrata set for anchoring the climber to the cable. This lanyard set consists of a shock absorber and two tethers with carabiners on the end. The climber is able to clip and unclip the carabiners from the cable to pass cable anchor point. While there is the redundancy of having two carabiners the potential exists…

Written by Mike Pond and Amy Olson;   High Sierra photos by Lorenzo Riano

Have you been bitten with the climbing bug? Whether you recently discovered climbing and are intrigued by the greater world where climbing can take you, or you’re an experienced climber looking to go higher, harder, and faster – we can take you there. Our knowledgeable and passionate guides can show you the ropes. After all, most of us started climbing in the gym!…

Written by Mike Pond, Photos by Lorenzo Riano

40 hours, 20 miles, 13,804 feet of elevation gain, Five 14ers, one epic adventure

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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…

The High Sierra, also called the “East Side,” is a gem of California. A jagged mountainous wonderland, it’s a favorite 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 interview and asked him what his favorite alpine climbs of the High Sierra are.…