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.
Mastering Avalanche Rescue: Why Practice Makes Perfect
Perhaps you’ve taken an AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety course or maybe you’ve had the opportunity to take an AIARE Avalanche Rescue course (an entire 8 hour course dedicated to efficient avalanche rescue) where you’ve learned rescue skills and put them into action.
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A Guide’s Perspective: Roberto ‘Tico’ Morales Looks Ahead to Everest’s North Col
For Tico, this opportunity is more than just another expedition; it’s a rendezvous with the world’s highest peak. Mincing no words, he muses: “Everest is Everest.” It hardly needs further explanation. Despite not aiming for the summit, he recognizes the significance of the North Col.
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Five Expeditions Before Climbing Everest with Topo Mena
Now that Everest season is in full swing, this week we connected with IFMGA-certified Alpenglow guide Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena to talk about five expeditions that are perfect for building the experience necessary to climb the tallest mountain in the world.
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Cotopaxi is OPEN!
Cotopaxi, the legendary stratovolcano in Ecuador, is now open for climbing once again, and Alpenglow Expeditions is ready to lead the way!
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Five Essential Questions for Climbing Cotopaxi
If you’re considering tackling Cotopaxi, you likely have some burning questions. Fear not! We’ve compiled the top five questions about climbing Cotopaxi from Google and provided comprehensive answers to ensure you’re well-prepared for your expedition.
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A Brief History of Vinson Massif
In 1966, a team of American mountaineers, led by Nicholas Clinch, achieved the first recorded ascent of Vinson Massif via the Western Ridge. This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in Antarctic exploration and opened the door to future expeditions.
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The Top of the Bottom: Climb Vinson Massif
At 16,050’/4,892m, Vinson is the shortest but arguably one of the most memorable of the world’s coveted peaks. While altitude is not as much of a problem, however, the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the southernmost place on the planet present a unique array of challenges for hopeful climbers.
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February ’24 Ecuador Climbing School Recap
A few days ago, I was fortunate to connect with Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Espinosa, Lead Guide from our February ‘24 Ecuador Climbing School, to recap our most recent trip to the volcanoes of Ecuador.
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The Northwest Ridge on Cho Oyu
As the sixth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyu offers an array of climbing routes on the ‘easiest’ 8000er, each presenting distinct challenges and rewards. Among these, the Northwest Ridge route from Tibet stands out as the most straightforward and least hazardous route to the summit. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the route up Cho Oyu via the Northwest Ridge.
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A Brief History of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, the majestic Roof of Africa and one of the world’s Seven Summits, stands as a sentinel in Tanzania, its snow-capped peak piercing the sky at 19,341’/5,895m above sea level. But beyond its towering presence lies a rich history held by the indigenous peoples who have long called this region home, and the intrepid adventurers who have since scaled its slopes.
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