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.
Hey Alpine, I’m headed up to Denali this May (!!!!) and I heard that climbers insulate their ice axes? Interesting… What’s the rationale and how do I do it? Thanks in advance and see you in Talkeetna! Sincerely, Seeking Toasty Mitts Hi Toast Mitts, Thanks for reaching out and stoked you’re headed up to the…
It’s T-minus 88 days until our first Alaska mountaineering course flies onto the Kahiltna Glacier. Have you figured out your insulated mitten situation yet? If your digits run cold or want a glove that you can take on Denali, consider OR Alti Mitts. They are built for 8,000-meter peaks and Arctic expeditions. If Denali isn’t…
Dear Alpine Ascents, I’m gearing up for an 8-Day Alaska Course and I see that you require double-wall four season tents. I found a single wall four-season tent that is supposed to be bomber (saw photos of it being used in the Himalaya) and it would save me 5 pounds. What gives? Sincerely, Trying to…
by Jonathon Spitzer Backcountry skiing and splitboarding encompasses a broad spectrum of ski endeavors, from off-piste riding out of a resort to ski day touring to overnight ski expeditions. I adjust my kit based on the type of skiing I’m doing, the same way you would when doing a day of top rope climbing versus…
by Jonathon Spitzer January is finally here—also known as Pow-uary! It’s been snowing for the past week on and off, making the skiing and riding amazing. Today is the best day of the season, and now you’re making the third turn down your favorite backcountry ski run. As you reach out to plant your pole…
By Brooke Warren You’ve probably seen “toiletry kit” on the packing list for your upcoming trip, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what it should contain. When mountaineering, it’s a balance between weight and function, because the less weight you carry, the easier it will be to get to camp, and to the summit. So…
By Mike Hawkins It has been a long day – one of the most demanding climbing days you have ever experienced. Your legs are wrecked. Your back is sore and you have small bruises on your hips from your hipbelt. You have sunscreen caked into every nook and cranny, but even that didn’t keep you…
By Mike Hawkins “Man, this is a really great pack…” I said it over and over for months until my wife had finally had enough of it. She had to get one for herself. While 50 liters is a little small for most multi-day mountaineering and winter ski tours, the small size is plenty versatile…
By Val Peckarsky Regardless of past matrimonial experiences, we have all experienced cold feet at one point or another. As mountaineers, with our penchant for traveling willingly into extreme conditions at high altitudes, we frequently find ourselves on the frontlines of the battle against allowing our extremities to become too cold. Cold-related injuries vary greatly…
By Marc Simonpietri You probably have more midlayers in your closet than you realize. That still-fitting fleece jacket from summer camp? It could work. A light, puffy jacket that never seems warm enough for actual cold weather? That could work too. Truth be told, midlayers are a very adaptable layer that can come in many…
