Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance in Chile?

We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We recommend Ripcord who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.

What sort of experience is required to join a ski mountaineering trip?

This trip is suitable for advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders only. You must be very comfortable on steep terrain, and have a minimum of 15 days of touring experience in a variety of conditions.

Do I share a room with someone?

Yes, all of our hotel arrangements are double occupancy. In the hotel portions of each trip, we do not room members with the opposite sex unless couple/family status is indicated in your Client Portal. Single Room Supplements are usually available for an additional cost (please inquire).

What all is included and excluded?

THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES: All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts. Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain Group camping and climbing equipment All park/climbing permits Scheduled in-country transportation Airport transfers Certified guides THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE: Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins. Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary Airport taxes Visas In-town dinners Immunizations Tips for guides or local staff Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance Hospitalization or evacuation costs Single supplement charges Excess baggage charges Alcohol Other personal expenses Antigen/PCR Covid test cost The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

What do I need to do to confirm my reservation?

When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.

Would you consider doing a custom expedition?

We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!

While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Can you accommodate for vegetarian or vegan diets?

Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.

What level of fitness is required for this expedition?

Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high-altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

What is your international expedition cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.

Do I need to purchase everything on the Equipment List?

Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide on Introductory Courses (harness, helmet, ice ax, crampons), we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List . These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions!

Intermediate

Georgia Ski Expedition

Georgia

11 Days

The Caucasus Range is one of the great ski destinations on earth. The Svaneti region of Georgia sits on its southern flank, flanked by glaciated peaks pushing above 15,000 feet, blanketed in a deep snowpack fed in part by moisture rolling in from the Black Sea. This trip covers the full range of what Svaneti has to offer: a mix of amazing backcountry terrain through incredible local resorts, a glacier descent beneath the mythic pyramid of Mount Ushba, and two days of ski touring above the UNESCO World Heritage village of Ushguli. With IFMGA-certified guides leading the way, this is the Caucasus done right.

Inquire

Explore Mestia

Explore the Caucasus on Skis

Georgia doesn’t come up in most ski conversations, which is exactly why we love it.

The Svaneti region is one of the most culturally remarkable mountain destinations in the world. Stone Svan towers that date to the 9th through 12th centuries rise from every village. The people here have been farming this valley and fermenting wine in clay pots for thousands of years — Georgia is widely regarded as the birthplace of winemaking, with a tradition going back 8,000 to 10,000 years. Tbilisi, where the trip begins, is a major historical crossroads between Europe and Asia, with an old city that rewards a full day of walking. And then you fly into Mestia, land in a mountain town ringed by Caucasus peaks, and realize the skiing is as high-quality as anything the Alps can offer.

Our base for the majority of the trip is the Hotel Posta in the center of Mestia, a recently renovated property built in the old post office building. The design blends traditional Svan woodwork with a clean, modern interior. There’s a fireplace lounge, an indoor pool, and a Finnish sauna. After a long day in the mountains, this is exactly what you want to come back to.

Explore the Caucasus on Skis

The southern flank of the Caucasus has a lot of skiable aspects, which means our guides can always find a workable zone regardless of what the weather is doing. The snowpack picks up some moisture from the Black Sea, which tends to keep the snow dense through late February and into March.

Tetnuldi is the main resort and the terrain there is serious. It hosted the 2023 Freeride Tour, and when you tour off the top lift into the side country, Tetnuldi summit is sitting right above you at 15,938 feet with no one else around. On days when the weather moves in, Hatsvali, five minutes from town, has groomers, off-piste terrain, tree skiing, and chutes that hold snow well when conditions are variable.

The bigger objectives often come mid-week, and the final days take us to Ushguli where we tour above the medieval stone towers for two days with heavy snowfall and no crowds.

Our guides make the daily call on where we go and what we ski. The itinerary has a general plan, and it also has room to move.

Accommodations: Mestia nights are at Hotel Posta, a renovated property in the town center with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, fireplace lounge, and restaurant. For our two nights in Ushguli, we stay in a local family guesthouse. Ushguli accommodations are warm and communal in character. Plan to share space with your group.

Food: Breakfast is included each morning. Georgian food is exceptional and affordable. Think khachapuri, fresh-baked bread, wheels of local cheese, eggs, fruit, and strong coffee in the mornings. Dinners are not included, but eating well in Mestia is easy. Your guides will point the group toward the best options each evening. Georgia has been making wine for millennia, and the local bottles are worth exploring.

The Alpenglow Difference:

Certified Guides:

Our Georgia ski expeditions are led by IFMGA/AMGA certified guides, ensuring the highest level of expertise and safety. Alpenglow’s lead guides bring years of experience in the Andes and a deep knowledge of the local terrain. Their passion for guiding and teaching will elevate your ski mountaineering skills while providing an unforgettable experience in one of the wildest places on earth.

Top-Tier Logistics

We take care of every detail so you can focus on skiing. From airport pickups and transportation to cozy lodge accommodations and delicious meals, we prioritize comfort and efficiency. With our experienced guides leading the way, we’ll adjust our objectives daily to find the best conditions, ensuring an incredible skiing experience.

Preparation

Fitness

Participants must be in strong physical condition to join this expedition. Several days involve ski touring with 3,000 to 5,000 vertical feet of climbing, including the two-day Chalaadi and Ushguli objectives. Consistent, challenging cardio and strength training for several months before departure is the only way to be adequately prepared. We recommend a structured program that includes weighted hiking, uphill skimo training, or equivalent aerobic work. Please contact the office for more information on physical training.

Technical

Skiers must be expert downhill skiers on a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including variable, wind-affected, and spring snow. This expedition includes steep side-country terrain, glacier travel, and backcountry touring approaches. Prior use of ski crampons is required. Basic ski mountaineering skills, including familiarity with ice axe use and boot crampons, are strongly recommended.

Experience

Participants should have a minimum of 10 days of backcountry ski touring experience in a variety of conditions. Comfort on steep and variable terrain is required. Prior experience with glacier travel is a plus. Splitboarders are welcome.

: Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport and get settled at the hotel in the old town. The old city is one of the most interesting urban environments in the Caucasus region, and if you land with time to explore, the sulfur bath houses in Abanotubani, the Narikala fortress, and the local restaurants are all worth your evening. Tomorrow is an early morning.
: Tbilisi City Day
A full day in Tbilisi before heading into the mountains. Tbilisi has been a major crossroads of history, culture, and trade for over a millennium, and a day here goes quickly. Your guides will help the group get oriented and make recommendations. In the evening, we prepare gear and review the plan for the days ahead.
: Travel to Mestia
After an 8-hour drive through the Caucasus Mountains, we check into Hotel Posta, walk through downtown Mestia, and get our first look at the terrain surrounding the valley. The Svan towers are immediately visible, and the peaks above them are massive.
: Tetnuldi and Hatsvali Ski Resorts
Tetnuldi is one of the newest ski areas in the Caucasus and the host of the 2023 Freeride Tour. The resort sits in a pristine alpine environment surrounded by serious terrain. We tour off the top lift for side-country skiing with direct views of Tetnuldi summit at 15,938 feet.
: Rest Day / Svaneti Museum
A scheduled day off from skiing. We recommend visiting the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography in Mestia, one of the most remarkable small museums in the Caucasus. Medieval iconography, jewelry, weapons of war, and ancient coins give real context to the Svan people who have inhabited this valley for thousands of years. Use the rest of the day to recover, use Hotel Posta’s spa and sauna, and eat a good meal. The coming days are big ones.
: Ushguli
We drive to Ushguli for two to three full days of ski touring above the village. Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visually unlike anything most skiers have ever seen. Stone Svan towers rise from the snow, the surrounding peaks are enormous, and the skiing above the village is expansive, uncrowded, and deeply satisfying. We stay both nights in a local family guesthouse, eat together, and finish the week the way it deserves to end.
: Return to Tbilisi / Depart
Morning shuttle to Kutaisi, Georgia’s second city, where we spend a few hours taking in the surroundings before boarding an overnight sleeper car on the Georgian Railway for a relaxing journey back to Tbilisi. We arrive early in the morning and head to the airport for departing flights home.

Our Guides

Meet Your Georgia Ski Guides

Equipment

Georgia Backcountry Ski Equipment List

All the gear you need for your Patagonia Backcountry Ski Expedition

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies). A Category 4 lens is recommended.
Recommended: Julbo Shield
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Midweight Wool Liners
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Heavyweight Ski Gloves
Heavyweight, waterproof gloves for those cold, stormy days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Impulse Gloves
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Impulse Gloves
Liner Socks
A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON
Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Hiking Shoes
These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva Bushido
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Lightwire Long Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Lightwire Long Sleeve
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Baselayer
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient Hoody
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT Stretch Shell
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Soft-Shell Ski Touring Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose Schoeller® or a soft-shell equivalent. Breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Deploy Down 1.0 Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Deploy Down 1.0 Hoody
Mid-Weight Synthetic Jacket
An active insulation layer that breathes and moves with you while keeping you warm.
Recommend: Black Diamond Vision Hybrid Hoody
Quick Dry Shorts
Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Light Pants
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 108mm-115mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.
Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 108 Skis
Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings
Ski/Splitboard Poles
Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.
Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition or Expedition 3 Poles
Ski Touring Boots
These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!
Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS
Ski Touring Bindings
Alpine Touring bindings are designed to allow up-hill travel and down-hill descent. We recommend a lightweight binding with heel risers to assist on steeper terrain.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Touring Bindings
Climbing Skins
Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.
Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe
A small, light weight ice axe designed for ski mountaineering. Typically between 45cm and 55cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Venom LT Classic Piolet
Ski Crampons
While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Preferably a powder-centric board with good float (longer nose, setback stance).
Recommended: Jones Hovercraft, Stratos, or Mind Expander Splitboard
Splitboard Crampons
While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons
Snowboard Boots
The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!
Recommended Men’s: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Recommended Women’s: Burton Snowboard Boots
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Lightweight Crampons
Lightweight crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your boots.
Recommended: Black Diamond Neve Pro Crampons
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Non-locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight small carabiners are best, wire-gates are fine.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner
Duffel Bags
2 Duffel Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your climbing pack separately, best is to put all gear and climbing pack into your duffel).
Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your climbing pack. You can leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.
Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffel bags with a ski/splitboard bag.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 120L
Touring Backpack
Internal frame pack that is between 25 and 35 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Ski Hydration System
You need to able to carry 2 liters of fluid at any time and the system could vary depending on weather and tour length. Water containers can be: Camelback (only suitable for lower elevations and warmer temperature/spring days), Thermos (one is recommended for those cold starts), or a mix of 1 Liter Nalgene bottles (with optional insulator sleeves), and HydraPak style silicone bottles that are lightweight and simple, 0.5L recommended.
Recommended System:
MSR Dromlite2L w/ hydration tube
Thermos Stainless King Drink Bottle 24oz.
Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Hyperlite Insulator
HydraPak Mountain Stow 500ml
Coffee
While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!
Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee
Miscellaneous Ski Items
-Passport (with visa, if necessary)
-2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
-Optional heated socks
-Optional Airbag (must be a battery fan system for Japan trips. No compressed air.)
-Repair Kit for skis/splitboards (extra screws, tail clip, pole basket, duct tape, etc)
-Ski Straps
-Non-cotton underwear
-Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
-Sunscreen Required: SPF 30 (or higher)
-Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
-Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin/Blister Care Kit, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications, Saline nasal spray)
-Toiletries
-2-3 lbs. of Snack Food (a variety whole food, bars, gels, electrolyte powder, and snacks you are used to)
-Hand Warmers
-Glop Stopper Skin Wax (for Chile trips)
-Optional Tote Bag & Coin Purse (for Japan trips)
-Face Mask
-Hand Sanitizer
-Mountain Face Mask (optional)
-Headphones
-Universal Travel Adapter (to charge your devices)
-Powerbank (6-10K mAh good for 2-3 phone charges, weighing under 8oz)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia

: We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We recommend Ripcord who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
: This trip is suitable for advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders only. You must be very comfortable on steep terrain, and have a minimum of 15 days of touring experience in a variety of conditions.
: Yes, all of our hotel arrangements are double occupancy. In the hotel portions of each trip, we do not room members with the opposite sex unless couple/family status is indicated in your Client Portal. Single Room Supplements are usually available for an additional cost (please inquire).
: THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:
All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts.
Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
Group camping and climbing equipment
All park/climbing permits
Scheduled in-country transportation
Airport transfers
Certified guides
THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins.
Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
Airport taxes
Visas
In-town dinners
Immunizations
Tips for guides or local staff
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Single supplement charges
Excess baggage charges
Alcohol
Other personal expenses
Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.
: When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.
: We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!
: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.
: Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high-altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
: Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.
: Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide on Introductory Courses (harness, helmet, ice ax, crampons), we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List. These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions!

Experiences

The guides were incredible.
Syd and Isaac were empathetic, knowledgeable, and highly skilled as guides. They have a great synergy together and it’s clear they put a lot of work into getting ready for us as a group.
Bill B.
One of the most incredible ski trips ever
“One of the most incredible ski trips ever. Amazing country, amazing guides, amazing mountains and amazing skiing. I would highly recommend Ecuador and Alpenglow.”
Brant G
Alpenglow is the best
“I’ve been climbing with Alpenglow for over ten years. After my first expedition, I knew I’d found the best team. I feel like I’m a member of the Alpenglow family, and have come to know and love many of their guides, office staff, and programs. Alpenglow is truly the best!”
Evan M
I had pretty high expectations for this trip – and they were absolutely blown away
“I had pretty high expectations for this trip – and they were absolutely blown away. A lot of that credit goes to the guides, Nacho and Cristian. Not only was the climbing portion integral to feeling confident moving forward with mountaineering, as well as the 2 successful summits, but the trip was truly fun. I’m really impressed with the attention to detail, and how smoothly everything runs between the Alpenglow office, the local operations/logistics teams, and the guides.”
Brian Farrington
An amazing and unforgettable experience
“Climbing Gasherbrum 2, my first 8000 meter summit, was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The Karakoram range and the culture of northern Pakistan are incredible.
The Alpenglow team, particularly the lead guide, Topo Mena, and the Sherpa crew on the expedition were world-class in every way. They enabled me to explore my limits and advance my big mountain skills, while maintaining high levels of safety.
I am stoked for my next expedition with the Alpenglow team, which is already planned.”
Matthew Greving
63.0692° N, 151.0070° W

More Expeditions

Ski Around the World with Alpenglow

Intermediate
Volcanoes of Chile Ski Expedition
Next Available
Sept 5th, 2026 – Sept 13, 2026 9 Days

Learn More
Advanced
Ecuador Ring of Fire Ski Expedition
Next Available
November 21, 2026 – November 29, 2026 9-16 Days

Learn More
Intermediate
Japan Backcountry Ski
Next Available
January 16, 2027 – January 24, 2027 9 days

Learn More
Intermediate
Switzerland Ski Adventure
Next Available
February 21, 2027 – February 28, 2027 8 Days

Learn More