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.
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.
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“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.
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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.
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Mount Everest has epic crowding. Here’s how a Bay Area man reached the summit in peace.
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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.
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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 Advanced 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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