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.
Breaking Down Alpenglow’s Backcountry Ski Expeditions
We offer three distinct backcountry ski & ride expeditions to cater to a wide variety of backcountry enthusiasts. Below, we’ll break down the three expeditions: the Ecuador Ring of Fire, the Japan Backcountry Ski, and the Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition.
Read the story
The Road to Everest: Climbing Aconcagua
Aconcagua, standing at 6,959 meters (22,831 feet), is the highest peak outside of Asia and a significant challenge for mountaineers. Alpenglow Expeditions offers a Rapid Ascent program via the 360 Route, a comprehensive approach designed for those with ambitions of summiting higher peaks like Mount Everest.
Read the story
Adrian Ballinger on Everest, Ethics, & Unexplored Places (Ep.313)
Mt. Everest: for some people, it still represents the holy grail of adventure. For others, it conjures up images of long queues, lots of trash, and a tourism industry that has gotten out of hand. So what is the truth about Everest, and why does it generate such strong feelings for so many of us? Our guest today is Adrian Ballinger, a climber, skier, mountain guide, and the founder and CEO of Alpenglow Expeditions. In this conversation, Adrian does an outstanding job of explaining the multiple sides of Everest, and the many different ways to approach it.
Read the story
“The Best Snow in the World”: Ski Japan with Isaac Laredo
“There’s a common myth that Utah boasts the best snow in the world. I don’t think those people have been to Japan.” Alpenglow’s AMGA-certified Ski Guide Isaac Laredo thinks that Japan might just offer the best comprehensive skiing experience in the world. So, we connected with him to chat about his time spent in Hokkaido, home to Alpenglow’s newest expedition, the Japan Backcountry Ski.
Read the story
Mt. Everest North Side 2024 Update: ABC to Summit!
Follow the 2024 Everest North Side Expedition team as they climb from Advanced Base Camp to the Summit.
Read the story
Mount Everest has epic crowding. Here’s how a Bay Area man reached the summit in peace.
Read the story
Alpenglow Client, Evan Miller, sets records on Gasherbrum I & II
During our first expedition to Gasherbrum I, Alpenglow client, Evan Miller, became the youngest American to summit Gasherbrum I, and the youngest American to summit Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II within a week.
Read the story
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:
Read the story
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.
Read the story
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.
Read the story