Welcome to the Alpine Ascents blog—where we share stories, knowledge, and inspiration from the mountains. From expedition updates and climbing conditions to training advice, gear tips, destination highlights, and stories from our guides and climbers, this is a place to stay connected to the world of mountaineering. Whether you’re preparing for your first climb, planning your next big expedition, or simply dreaming about the mountains, we hope you’ll find useful information, new ideas, and plenty of inspiration for the adventures ahead.
Submission by Alpine Ascents Guide Max Lurie Let’s talk mountain cuisine and hydration, but more specifically cups, bowls, spoons, and other accoutrements. Climbers, mountaineers, and alpinists agonize over every gram of equipment, yet that meticulous planning often stops at the cook tent. Much like pasta shapes pair with specific sauces, changing our perception of flavor,…
Submission by Don Wargowsky When you’re gearing up for a climb, few pieces of equipment matter more – or cause more confusion – than your boots. They’re the connection between you and the mountain, the difference between warm, dry feet and a miserable retreat back to camp. With so many options on the market, figuring…
Submission by Andy Souder in the Gear Department Believe it or not, being able to use your hands comfortably makes mountaineering much easier. Keeping your hands warm, comfortable and protected can be a make-or-break piece on the summit push. One of the most frequent questions we get asked here in the Gear Department is “do…
Submission by Kristie Kayl. Going to the bathroom in the backcountry (no less on an open snow field) can feel intimidating, but with some strategy and practice there are effective ways to add privacy and make the process a breeze. The Request. The easiest way to ensure privacy is to simply ask the members of…
Submission By Morgan McGonagle I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old. As a very active and independent 12-year-old, this was not a convenient diagnosis. I wanted to be outside as much as possible at the time and was planning to attend a summer camp where I would be away…
Submission by Andy Souder in the gear department. Double boots are a great step-up from single boots for high-altitude expeditions. They aren’t sufficient for all environments though. Places like Denali and Vinson are often too cold even for double boots! You have two routes depending on your budget, goals, and fit needs: A “triple/8000m/all-in-one” boot…
by Bobby Cosker Things to consider when packing for bigger objectives. Martha Stewart once said, “life is too complicated not to be orderly.” The same couldn’t be truer when discussing the topic of what to consider when packing your backpack for alpine climbing in the bigger mountains. Being thoughtful and orderly in how and what…
By Andy Souder Hydration reservoirs are all the rage in the hiking world. They provide convenience and consistent hydration, rather than having to take breaks and remove your pack, hunt for your water bottle, etc. you can simply grab the hose and sip. While they are amazing for warmer climes and lower elevations, they can…
By Andy Souder Getting a good night’s sleep can be the make-or-break factor on summit day. Being well-rested and full of energy will make sure you’re set up for success. The most common people don’t sleep well is they run cold or are not used to sleeping on snow. Fortunately, the guides of Alpine Ascents…
By Trevor Husted Ah yes, the changing of the seasons…which happens, well, every season. To help you embrace new adventure beginnings, we are back with another blog post to help you get geared up for the sunny summer days ahead. It may have been just yesterday (literally) when you were skiing or splitboarding full throttle,…
