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Stories

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.

A group of kids hanging on the Tahoe Via Ferrata during a Kids Rock Climbing Camp in Lake Tahoe.

[Climb], Conquer, and Grow: Why Alpenglow Expedition’s Rock Climbing Camp is the Ultimate Adventure for Kids

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Level Up Your Backcountry Skills: Why Alpenglow Expeditions’ AIARE Level 2 is a Must!

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Aerial view of Mt. Shasta, taken by Alpenglow Expeditions owner and Founder Adrian Ballinger

Big Mountain Dreams? Start on Shasta!

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Excited skiers raise their arms in the air while enjoying backcountry skiing in the woods of Japan.

All Hail the Atmospheric River!

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Breaking Trail: Interviewing Alpenglow Expeditions’ Outdoor Representation Scholarship Recipients

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Three climbers ascend a snowfield at sunrise on Aconcagua.

Last Chance for Aconcagua ’24/’25

If your sights are set on the Himalaya, Aconcagua is the perfect training ground. Standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), it’s the highest peak outside of Asia and an essential climb for those preparing for the world’s tallest mountains. Alpenglow Expeditions’ Rapid Ascent approach offers a highly efficient way to tackle this peak, utilizing advanced acclimatization techniques and a condensed schedule to prepare you for higher altitudes without requiring months away from home.
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A climber in a red down suit climbs up a steep snow slope with the Himalaya behind at sunrise.

A Game of Patience: Waiting for a Window on Cho Oyu

In 2024, after a five-year hiatus, Alpenglow Expeditions returned to Cho Oyu with a determined team—and despite a season marked by unpredictable weather, we secured a 100% summit success rate. Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world, hasn’t seen us since 2019, but this year we were ready to face whatever the mountain threw at us. And it delivered.
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The Duffel Shuffle: A Mountain Podcast from Alpenglow Expeditions

Did you know that the Duffel Shuffle Podcast is your go-to source for behind-the-scenes stories from the world of adventure travel and high-altitude expeditions? Hosted by Adrian Ballinger and Sam Kieckhefer, this podcast dives into the unique perspectives of climbers, skiers, and adventurers who push the limits in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
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two backcountry skiers in Japan tour uphill on a vast white slope with the mountains spread behind them

Alpenglow Introduces Type 1 Fun to the Menu with the Japan Backcountry Ski

we’ve decided to take a refreshing step into Type 1 fun with our Japan Backcountry Ski Expedition. Unlike the intense experiences of high-mountain summits and technical climbs, this trip offers pure enjoyment in one of the world’s most picturesque winter wonderlands: the deep powder of Hokkaido, Japan.
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Adrian Ballinger Featured on The Rich Roll Podcast

In the world of high-altitude mountaineering, few names carry as much weight as Adrian Ballinger. As the founder of Alpenglow Expeditions and a professional mountaineer with over two decades of experience, Adrian has carved out a niche at the intersection of extreme adventure, meticulous preparation, and socio-environmental ethics. Recently, he had the opportunity to share his journey and insights with a broader audience by appearing on The Rich Roll Podcast.
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