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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.

Prayer flags on a Cho Oyu Expedition with tents in the background during a guided expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

Setting the Stage for Everest: Cho Oyu, 1952

In the storied world of Himalayan mountaineering, the 1952 British Expedition on Cho Oyu stands as a testament to the grit, determination, and pioneering spirit of the climbers of that era. Led by renowned mountaineer Eric Shipton, the expedition aimed to reach the summit of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world, located on the Nepal-Tibet border.
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A group of five sits atop the rock at Everest Base Camp with the Himalaya in the background.

Age Is Just A Number: Training for Everest Base Camp at 68

In February 2023, Robert Kyte of Alpenglow asked his dad, who turned 68 in 2023, to trek to Everest Base Camp in March 2024. With the help of Lynette Talbott of Billy Goat Swift, Alpenglow’s in-house expedition trainer, and many months of hard work and dedication, John Kyte trekked to Everest Base Camp in March 2024. 
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Route Overview: Climbing Peak Lenin

Peak Lenin, standing at 23,406’/7,134m, offers climbers the chance to test their skills on a truly big mountain landscape in a unique and remote range of the world. Along the climbing route, strategically positioned camps offer essential rest and acclimatization points for those venturing to the summit.
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A view looking up Mount Shasta showing snow in the foreground, a rocky ridgeline and a beautiful blue sky with a few clouds

Things to Know Before Climbing Mt. Shasta

By adequately preparing physically, mentally, and logistically, climbers can increase their chances of a safe and enjoyable ascent of Mt. Shasta.
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guided rock climbing in Lake Tahoe with professional mountain guides

Exploring Outdoor Rock Climbing in Tahoe

Jumping into your first outdoor rock climbing adventure can feel like a big step, whether you’re graduating from indoor gym settings or it’s your first time tying in anywhere. Here’s a detailed guide to prime spots tailored for novice climbers, each offering unique experiences and challenges.
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Two ski mountaineers hiking up to ski Mount Shasta with Alpenglow Expeditions

Ski Mountaineering on Mount Shasta

Start ski mountaineering on Mount Shasta with professional ski guides.
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Mountaineering Programs for the Novice to the Advanced

Dive into the world of mountaineering with Alpenglow Expeditions. For the novice to the advanced, reach your goals and learn new skills.
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Ski mountaineers on the summit of a volcano in Ecuador with Alpenglow Expeditions' professionally guided ski mountaineering trip to Ecuador's Ring Of Fire.

Courses & Trips To Learn Ski Mountaineering

So you’re looking to go from backcountry skier or splitboarder to stepping into bigger, steeper terrain? Here are the courses and trips that we offer that will help you do just that
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Esteban 'Topo' Mena coiling a rope while guiding a Cotopaxi Expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

“Give Yourself the Time”: Graduating from Trekking to Climbing with Topo Mena

While ‘walking’ may sound trivial, a number of big mountains involve a lot of walking, albeit in extreme places. To talk about the journey, we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena about graduating from trekking to climbing. For beginners, he had this advice to offer: “At first, it’s important to give yourself the time to walk in the mountains and appreciate the land and the opportunity to just be there.”
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The conical peak of Nevado Sajama.

“More Than Just a Climbing Trip”: Mike Pond on the Mountains of Bolivia

In November 2023, Alpenglow guide Mike Pond returned to Bolivia for the fifth time for a private climbing trip. Moreover, it reminded us of our responsibility as climbers to listen to the mountains. As much as we may think of ourselves as mountain guides, it is equally as important to remember that the mountains guide us as well.
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