These are the best places to learn the basics of high-altitude mountaineering.
We recognize that getting into high-altitude mountaineering can feel like a big step. Let our guides ease your way in by starting with the basic fundamentals. We’ll build your skillset from the ground up and ensure that you are always prepared to take on challenges as they come. If you’ve ever seen photos of mountaineers plodding toward the summits of 8,000 meter peaks and thought about how far away, even impossible, it seems, it’s important to remember that every one of those climbers began just by spending time in the mountains with mentors to show them the way.
Alpenglow’s guides have been climbing and guiding in Ecuador since 1994. They believe it is an unparalleled destination for learning the essential skills of high-altitude climbing. On this expedition we will focus on education, building technical skills, and gaining mountaineering experience during an attempt to summit Cayambe, the third tallest peak in Ecuador. There is an optional 7-day extension that adds on Cotopaxi (19,347′) and Chimborazo (20,564′). This is our most popular international expedition, and the perfect place to start high altitude mountaineering.
For the aspiring climber with no glacier experience, the Volcanoes of Mexico offer moderate glaciated routes at altitudes which can be attained with only a few days of acclimatization. Seasoned climbers shouldn’t discount this trip though – this Mexico expedition is also for the more experienced climber looking to refresh and dial in methods for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and rope systems. Regardless of whether or where you have climbed in the past, this weeklong whirlwind climbing trip will satisfy your need to get to the big mountains again, and will build your technical skills and experience. It is an excellent introductory or refresher course with a focus on education, and a way to sneak some mountaineering into a busy life schedule!
Our Peru Climbing School’s Base Camp in the Llanganuco Valley offers quick access to our two target peaks: Yanapaccha (17,913’/5,460m) and Pisco (18,871’/5,752m). Additionally, the surrounding glaciers and mountains provide the perfect training ground to learn high-altitude skills, such as route assessment, roped glacier travel, crampon and ice axe use, and crevasse rescue. The primary goal of the Peru Climbing School is to use these two progressively challenging peaks to equip climbers with the skills necessary to climb higher and more complex mountains. Quick access to these formidable but attainable peaks makes Peru the perfect place to learn high altitude mountaineering skills.
Backcountry ski and ride in the mountains of Chile – the perfect next step for experienced backcountry ski and splitboard enthusiasts. Chile is an incredible playground for a backcountry skier or rider, offering breathtaking snow-covered volcanoes that rise high above the Chilean forest.
The powder skiing in Japan is just as good as you imagine it. This eight-day backcountry ski adventure takes us to the best powder stashes in Japan, all while enjoying incredible food, culture, and lodging. This Japan ski adventure is the perfect backcountry ski trip for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure and even better powder turns.
The summit of Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341’/5,895m, the highest point in Africa and one of the famed Seven Summits. Our Kilimanjaro expedition travels away from the crowds by climbing the Rongai Route. While somewhat longer than the busier routes, the trek is stunning. As it climbs from the trailhead at 6,000’/1,829m to the summit, it passes through every ecological zone found in this area of East Africa. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you begin in the rainforest, pass through alpine pines, then into grassland, alpine tundra, and eventually the barren world of the crater itself. And over the first 5 days on the mountain, you will see few other climbers or camps.
Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash is a captivating trek at sustained high altitude. Trekking in Peru with Alpenglow Expeditions means you are led by our professional guides while taking advantage of our longtime relationship with our local logistics team to create a seamless experience.
Trek to Everest Base Camp and gain unparalleled perspectives while trekking alongside Sherpa, guides, and climbers who are continuing on to the summits of Everest and Ama Dablam. Experience Nepal’s culture and learn its history while trekking in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. We use premier logistics that are the same as those used on the region’s high altitude climbing peaks.
