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 Brief History of Vinson Massif
In 1966, a team of American mountaineers, led by Nicholas Clinch, achieved the first recorded ascent of Vinson Massif via the Western Ridge. This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in Antarctic exploration and opened the door to future expeditions.
Read the story
The Top of the Bottom: Climb Vinson Massif
At 16,050’/4,892m, Vinson is the shortest but arguably one of the most memorable of the world’s coveted peaks. While altitude is not as much of a problem, however, the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the southernmost place on the planet present a unique array of challenges for hopeful climbers.
Read the story
February ’24 Ecuador Climbing School Recap
A few days ago, I was fortunate to connect with Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Espinosa, Lead Guide from our February ‘24 Ecuador Climbing School, to recap our most recent trip to the volcanoes of Ecuador.
Read the story
The Northwest Ridge on Cho Oyu
As the sixth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyu offers an array of climbing routes on the ‘easiest’ 8000er, each presenting distinct challenges and rewards. Among these, the Northwest Ridge route from Tibet stands out as the most straightforward and least hazardous route to the summit. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the route up Cho Oyu via the Northwest Ridge.
Read the story
A Brief History of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, the majestic Roof of Africa and one of the world’s Seven Summits, stands as a sentinel in Tanzania, its snow-capped peak piercing the sky at 19,341’/5,895m above sea level. But beyond its towering presence lies a rich history held by the indigenous peoples who have long called this region home, and the intrepid adventurers who have since scaled its slopes.
Read the story
The Allure of Ama Dablam
It’s fair to say that Ama Dablam might be the most visually recognizable mountain in the world. There’s simply no other peak that stands so distinctly apart from its surrounding landscape, despite the fact that it’s backdropped by Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. With its distinctive pyramid-shaped summit adorned with hanging glaciers and sheer rock faces, Ama Dablam is an iconic peak that has captured the imagination of mountaineers for decades.
Read the story
A Brief History of Cho Oyu
The recorded history of Cho Oyu dates back to the early 20th century when British surveyors first began mapping the region. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the mountain truly captured the attention of the international climbing community.
Read the story
The Shasta Effect with Isaac Laredo
This week I connected with Alpenglow guide Isaac Laredo to talk about Mt. Shasta. With experience guiding in Northern California, the Eastern Sierra, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Japan, Mt. Shasta represents the place where his guiding career began in earnest.
Read the story
From Nebraska to Peru: Griffin Mims on Alpamayo
This week, I spoke with Griffin Mims, Alpenglow’s International Coordinator and one I am grateful to call friend. I’m excited to share a piece of Griffin’s journey with you from his June 2023 expedition to Alpamayo in Peru, where he climbed a dream line to the summit of a dream peak.
Read the story
Climbing Culture in Bolivia Runs Deep
On the edge of the Central Andes mountains, Bolivia boasts a rich tapestry of climbing history and culture with deep roots in the country’s rugged terrain and indigenous heritage. Climbing in Bolivia traces its origins back centuries, intertwined with the traditions of indigenous communities who traversed the Andean mountains for trade, communication, and spiritual purposes.
Read the story