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,…
In this webinar recording, Alpine Ascents International welcomes registered dietitian Alyssa Leib of Uphill Athlete for a practical, science-backed deep dive into nutrition for mountaineering performance. Alyssa breaks down how to properly fuel for training, long days in the mountains, and demanding expeditions—plus shares actionable strategies you can immediately apply to improve energy, recovery, and…
Are you a female-bodied mountain athlete who feels like the standard training advice just isn’t working for you? Or a coach, partner, or supporter trying to better understand why female athletes often experience the mountains differently than what mainstream sports science suggests? This recorded webinar features IFMGA Mountain Guide and strength & conditioning coach Lyra…
Breathing is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—performance tools in the mountains. In this recorded webinar, Anthony Lorubbio, founder and head coach of Recal Training, takes a deep dive into evidence-based breathing techniques designed specifically for high-altitude athletes. Drawing on years of research and real-world experience working with climbers on Denali, Aconcagua, and Kilimanjaro,…
by Annie Mueller, PhD Clinical Psychologist Signing up for a mountain expedition means stepping into new territory, both mentally and physically. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, whether that’s in training or on the climb itself. Along the way, you might question yourself, your abilities, or what the heck you’re doing…
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…
by Don Wargowsky When most people think of Mount Everest, they picture long lines of climbers snaking up the mountain, Sherpas carrying impossible loads, and a steady stream of headlines or movies suggesting that with enough money, anyone can waltz their way to the top. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Climbing Everest isn’t…
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…
Alpine Ascents International hosted Alyssa Leib, registered dietitian and resident nutrition expert at Uphill Athlete for an incredibly informative webinar on May 15th. She covered the key fundamentals of performance nutrition, including what supplements to consider adding to your arsenal and what to skip, how to effectively fuel your training, considerations for nutrition at altitude,…
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…
