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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.

A group of climbers walks across a tallus field while climbing Aconcagua with the sun rising on the snowy mountains behind them.

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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A climber practices self arrest on a slope during an intro to mountaineering course in Tahoe.

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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A climber stands on a mountain path with Cho Oyu in the background.

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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A view of the summit of Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America.

Climbing Aconcagua: Changes Adrian Ballinger Has Seen Over the Years

Alpenglow owner and founder Adrian Ballinger started guiding and climbing Aconcagua in the late 1990s, around the same time that high-altitude mountaineering saw a massive surge in popularity around the world. However, regulations, ethics, and best practices in the mountaineering world failed to keep pace with the growth of the sport.
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Ama Dablam on a partly cloudy day.

Is Ama Dablam Your Next Step?

In the heart of the Everest region of Nepal is Ama Dablam, one of the Khumbu’s most iconic peaks. Its name translates to “Mother’s Necklace,” named after the large hanging serac adjacent to the Southwest Ridge. But beyond its aesthetic allure, to climb Ama Dablam is a challenging undertaking. For those who are looking for a more technical challenge and an all-encompassing Himalayan experience, it presents an enticing question: Is Ama Dablam the next step for you?
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Two climbers sit in the snow beneath the summit of Cho Oyu.

How Technical is Cho Oyu?

Climbing Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world at 26,906′/8,201m, presents a unique blend of adventure and technical skill, making it a perfect first 8000m peak experience. Aspiring mountaineers often wonder about the difficulty level and technical requirements of Cho Oyu. Let’s delve into the intricacies of tackling Cho Oyu’s formidable terrain.
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What’s In A Mt. Shasta Guide’s Pack?

As the Mt. Shasta season begins in earnest, we’re here to provide you with info from AMGA-Certified Ski Guide Isaac Laredo about what he brings in his pack for a 2-Day Avalanche Gulch climb on Mt. Shasta.
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A group of kids hanging on the Tahoe Via Ferrata during a Kids Rock Climbing Camp in Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Kids Rock Climbing Camp

If you’re seeking an exciting outdoor adventure for your kids, look into the Kids Rock Climbing Camp!Designed for ages 8 to 17, this camp introduces kids to the world of rock climbing, hiking, and outdoor skills in a secure and supportive setting.
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A group of backpackers heading to climb Mount Shasta with Alpenglow Expeditions

Mt. Shasta Conditions Update – April 2024

Thinking about a Mt. Shasta summit climb this season? Alpenglow guide Tim Dobbins came back with reports of fantastic snow conditions on the mountain during a guided climb on Mt. Shasta. Here are Tim’s notes: The mountain is “absolutely plastered” with snow, with a snowpack far exceeding annual averages.
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