Stories: Ecuador Climbing School
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.
How to Get Into Ski Mountaineering
Learn how to get into ski mountaineering by building mountaineering skills and backcountry skiing experience. Discover the best training paths and first objectives to start your progression.
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Why We’re Still Guiding in Ecuador
Our safety protocols, trusted local operators, and two decades of experience on the ground are why Ecuador remains one of our most confident operations.
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Choosing the Right Ice Axe and Crampons for Your Objective
Learn how to choose the right ice axe and crampons for your objective. We break down the different types of tools and when to use them for glacier travel, mountaineering, and technical alpine climbing.
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2025: A Year in Review at Alpenglow Expeditions
As 2025 comes to a close, we have been taking a moment to look back. Not just where we went, but how we showed up, and who we shared it with.
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When Everything Feels Crazy, Go Climb a Volcano
It feels like the volume of life keeps turning up. News headlines, work demands, social media, and the constant ping of notifications all compete for attention. The result? A mind that feels full but rarely fulfilled.
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Beyond the Summits: Immersive Andean Culture on the Ecuador Climbing School
Climbing Ecuador’s towering volcanoes isn’t just about the summits. The Ecuador Climbing School offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the physical challenge of ascending peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. From visiting vibrant indigenous markets to tasting traditional highland cuisine, the expedition introduces climbers to the rich culture of the Andean highlands.
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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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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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Cotopaxi is OPEN!
Cotopaxi, the legendary stratovolcano in Ecuador, is now open for climbing once again, and Alpenglow Expeditions is ready to lead the way!
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Five Essential Questions for Climbing Cotopaxi
If you’re considering tackling Cotopaxi, you likely have some burning questions. Fear not! We’ve compiled the top five questions about climbing Cotopaxi from Google and provided comprehensive answers to ensure you’re well-prepared for your expedition.
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