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Stories

Our 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.

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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a climber in a blue jacket with a yellow pack stands in front of an alpine lake looking up at a white granite wall

Obscure Classics in the High Sierra

One of my favorite mountain adventures is hunting the “obscure classic”: climbs that are just as good as the best in the range, but for whatever reason never got popular. Maybe they were put up recently and haven’t gained significant attention yet; maybe they’re a little out of the way and require a long approach; some routes used to have loose rock that’s been cleaned up after a few ascents, but nonetheless haven’t shaken the sub-par reputation. Sometimes, there’s no obvious reason for their obscurity – through some weird coincidence of guidebook selection and groupthink, a stone cold classic somehow slips through the fingers, avoiding classic status and living in obscurity.
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private backcountry ski guiding in lake tahoe with professional mountain guides

LABOR DAY SALE: 20% OFF WINTER COURSES

No frills, just deals. Between August 26 and September 2, 2024, use the code LABORDAY20 to save on: AIARE 1 (this includes AIARE 1 Hybrid, 3-Day AIARE, and Women’s AIARE 1) AIARE Rescue Lift-Accessed AIARE Rescue BC 1.0 (North and South Lake) Palisades Backcountry Tours
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A view of the summit of Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America.

A Brief History of Aconcagua

Aconcagua, standing at 22,831’/6,959m, is the highest peak in the Americas and one of the Seven Summits. Its history is rich and multifaceted, beginning with the indigenous cultures that inhabited the region long before modern mountaineers arrived. Today, it’s a popular peak forintermediate climbers to break into 7,000m, and an excellent step on the way to preparing for Mt. Everest.
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A climber with a blue rope and backpack walks along a sharp granite spine beneath a clear sky.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Climbing: What are the differences?

Indoor and outdoor rock climbing have several key differences, each offering unique challenges and experiences. If you’re an indoor climber looking to make the jump outside, consider hiring a guide and enrolling in one of our outdoor rock courses:
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A selfie of a mountain guide on a peak at sunrise.

Interview with Christian Llivicura, IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide

Christian Llivicura, 24, is originally from Cuenca, Ecuador and now lives in Quito. He began guiding in 2018 and joined Alpenglow Expeditions in 2019. Christian received his IFMGA/ASEGUIM certification in June 2024. Alpenglow Staff Robert Kyte connected with Christian to talk about his journey toward certification.
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