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.
From Tahoe to Hokkaido: Why Japan is the Next Step for Local Backcountry Skiers
For skiers seasoned on the slopes of Lake Tahoe and beyond in the United States, Japan presents an alluring challenge and a fresh powder paradise, making it an ideal destination for those looking to elevate their skiing from local to international levels. Here’s why American backcountry skiers should consider Japan for their next big adventure:
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Why is the Skiing in Japan So Good?
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is celebrated for offering some of the best skiing conditions in the world. The secret lies primarily in its snow quality and snowpack, which are ideal for both avid skiers and those new to the sport. For over 100 years, skiing has been quietly growing in Japan until becoming what it is today: a central hub for powderhounds and backcountry athletes.
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A Brief History of Skiing in Japan
Hokkaido’s skiing history is deeply intertwined with the Ainu culture and the subsequent influence of foreign techniques from Europe and Russia. This narrative, however, stretches beyond simple adaptation, evolving into a tale of technological advancements and cultural exchange.
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New Expedition: Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure
Sending it on a skiing adventure in Japan is a dream come true for any backcountry skiing enthusiast. Our eight-day expedition in Hokkaido promises not just exceptional skiing but also a deep dive into the vibrant local culture and stunning landscapes.
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Mt. Everest North Side 2024 Update: The Team Has Arrived in Base Camp
As our 2024 Mount Everest North Side Rapid Ascent Expedition begins, we’ll be posting a series of blogs throughout the climb with updates straight from the mountainside.
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Why Spend 3 Days to Climb or Ski Mt. Shasta?
When planning an adventure with Alpenglow Expeditions on Mt. Shasta, many participants wonder why our itineraries allocate three days for the expedition. The answer is simple yet fundamental to our philosophy: we aim to provide a comprehensive educational experience, not just a climb. Here’s a deeper look into our approach and what these three days entail.
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You Can Climb Aconcagua
With an altitude of 22,841’/6,962m, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas and the tallest peak in the Americas. Despite its impressive height, it’s often classified as a trekking peak as there are multiple routes that present no technical climbing, making it accessible to many climbers who are well-prepared and, even more so, choose to climb with a guide.
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Spring Mountaineering Courses in Tahoe
Alpenglow Expeditions offers two essential courses for aspiring mountaineers that complement each other perfectly: the Intro to Mountaineering course and the Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course. These courses, both located in the stunning surroundings of Lake Tahoe, provide vital skills and knowledge for anyone looking to take on more challenging high-altitude expeditions.
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Cho Oyu or Manaslu For Your First 8000er?: Why Cho Oyu is the Safer Bet
When considering safety margins on the largest high-altitude climbs in the world, many climbers look towards Cho Oyu and Manaslu as two relatively “safe” 8000-meter peaks. However, Alpenglow Expeditions chooses only to guide Cho Oyu, because we view it as an objectively much safer option compared to Manaslu. Here’s why:
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California climbers train for Mt. Everest from the comfort of their own beds
Ballinger is also pioneering a technique he calls “rapid ascent,” which cuts the duration of the expedition roughly in half: from about two months to about one. That suits his clients, who usually have more spare money than time. And it buys Ballinger more time to spend at home with his wife and newborn son.
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