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.

Could AIARE Learning Be Best in “Bad” Conditions?
When you sign up for an AIARE 1 avalanche course, it’s natural to hope for perfect conditions: fresh snow, stable weather, and bluebird skies. But when Mother Nature has her own ideas, your learning experience might actually improve. Here’s how!
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Love in the Mountains: The Connections We Find at Altitude
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic candlelit dinners or bouquets of roses. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we’ve seen firsthand how the mountains have a unique way of connecting people—romantically, platonically, and everything in between. There’s something about stepping into the high alpine, with thin air and endless horizons, that brings people together in ways everyday life rarely does.
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Women’s Intro to Backcountry Clinic
Are you ready to step into the world of backcountry skiing, build new skills, and connect with like-minded women? Alpenglow Expeditions is hosting its Women’s Intro to Backcountry Clinic March 1-2. This is the perfect opportunity to learn from our experienced, badass female guides in a supportive, all-women environment. This two-day clinic will give you the tools and confidence to explore beyond the resort boundaries, all while fostering friendships and creating unforgettable memories in the mountains.
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Beyond the Summits: Immersive Andean Culture on the Ecuador Climbing School
Climbing Ecuador’s towering volcanoes isn’t just about the summits. The Ecuador Climbing School offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the physical challenge of ascending peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. From visiting vibrant indigenous markets to tasting traditional highland cuisine, the expedition introduces climbers to the rich culture of the Andean highlands.
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Why Peak Lenin is the Perfect 7,000-Meter Peak for Aspiring High-Altitude Climbers
Climb Peak Lenin for the perfect introduction to 7,000-meter peaks. Peak Lenin is an ideal training ground for climbers aiming for 8,000-meter summits.
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How Andermatt Delivers Thousands of Feet of Backcountry Terrain—Fast
When it comes to backcountry skiing, few places on Earth deliver the perfect blend of massive terrain, deep snow, and effortless access like Andermatt, Switzerland. Tucked into the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt has become legendary among skiers who crave big lines without the exhausting approach missions. Thanks to its ultra-efficient lift system, you can transition from village espresso to untouched powder in record time. But what truly elevates the experience? Exploring this iconic landscape with Alpenglow Expeditions.
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Why the Peru Climbing School is the Perfect Next Step for Aspiring Mountaineers
If you’re looking to advance from foundational climbing skills to high-altitude mountaineering, the Peru Climbing School with Alpenglow Expeditions is the ideal bridge. This program is designed to elevate your technical proficiency while introducing the complexities of climbing in an extreme alpine environment.
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Episode 16: How to Move Faster On Big Mountain Expeditions
Sam and Adrian follow up on their conversation started in Episode 15. After discussion high altitude climbing and acclimatization, the two dive into a conversation about pre-acclimatization using hypoxic tents, and the program that Alpenglow Expeditions has established in Rapid Ascent. The program utilizes pre-acclimatization alongside advanced trip logistics to reduce the total expedition time by 25-50%.
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Episode 15: Are You Ready to Climb to a Higher Altitude?
After discussing the three Piolets d’Or winners, and 60 finalists, Sam and Adrian jump into the complicated topic of high altitude climbing. The two share stories of their early experiences with altitude and talk about the basics of acclimatization and what a typical schedule might look at. Finally, they dive into the “aids” that are used for altitude climbing, from Diamox and Dexamethasone to Oxygen. A future episode will discuss the topic of Pre-Acclimatization using hypoxic tents, and what the Rapid Ascent system that Adrian has pioneered looks like.
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Episode 14: So You Want To Be a Mountain Guide?
Adrian and Sam chat about what it means to be a mountain guide. From introducing the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA) to discussing the decades of guides who came before the AMGA path was the standard, this episode is a great starting point for those curious about the training and business side of the guiding industry.
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