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.
What is a softshell? Why would you use one? One of the most common questions we get from new climbers regarding clothing is “what’s a softshell, and why do I need one?” Softshells are an invaluable piece of any mountaineering clothing system. They consist of a range of fabrics characterized by breathability, stretch, and weather…
We are proud to present our newly updated Gear Lexicon– an online, item-by-item description of the gear needed for mountaineering. Please feel free to share this resource- we hope you will find it instructive and useful! -The Alpine Ascents Gear Staff
The mountains pose a unique challenge to the human body- and this is often felt first in the fingers and toes! In this article, we will look at handwear- and I’ll share with you a little bit about my personal glove quiver. I am always buying gloves. Since I began playing in the mountains, rarely…
An Introduction In changing mountain conditions, goggles are a critical piece of kit. They provide protection for your eyes and, in more extreme climates, protection for about 1/3 of your face! So- how does one go about selecting the right goggles for the right end-use? Selecting Goggles First, find a goggle frame that fits your…
Crampon anatomy 101 Fitting crampons correctly can be a challenge for new climbers. The good news is that a few simple steps make the process of fitting crampons to your boots easy- and most importantly – effective. Step 1: Length Adjustment The first step towards getting a secure attachment between your boots and crampons is…
