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 just took the plunge and signed up for a Mexico Volcanoes expedition this winter! Psyched to climb some high peaks with my man Stuart Robertson and refuel with all the tacos I can eat. To get ready for the trip, I’ve been looking at GPS watches. It seems like all the guides…
Hey Alpine, My glacier glasses get so foggy when I’m hiking up the Muir snowfield that it’s like my eyeballs are in a sauna. How can I beat the steam and get my visibility back? Help! Sincerely, Blinded by the Exertion *** Hi Blinded, We’ve all been there! Heavy breathing and eyewear are not a match…
By Trevor Husted As part of our Guide Skills Development Series, this next post focuses on the essential items to include in your first aid kit if you are guiding an alpine climb. Have you taken an opportunity to look into your med kit lately? Perhaps question why something is even in there or maybe…
Alpine Ascents guide and woman about the Ouray Ice Park, Brooke Warren, is a backcountry snack maestro. Known for creating a delicious symphony of flavors and textures, Brooke is on top of the nosh game. If you are about to embark on a day of backcountry skiing or questing up waterfall ice and need a…
By Aili Farquhar As the bright sun pops over the shoulder of Mt. Hunter’s North Buttress the steam of our boiling breakfast water curls up into the frosty blue Alaska morning. Soon, the drone of bright DeHavilland Beavers and Otters bringing climbers into and out of the Alaska Range will fill the sky. For now,…
Hey Alpine, Not gonna lie, I’m brand new to mountaineering and not super savvy when it comes to gear. Between fill power, fill weight, and all the different baffle types, trying to shop for a down jacket for my upcoming Rainier climb has left me totally confused. Help! Sincerely, Desperately Seeking Down Hi Down Seeker,…
Certified Ski Guide Shane Robinson is a man of refined culinary tastes. He and his wife subscribe to not one, but two CSA (community supported agriculture) boxes which keep their strategic kale and beet reserves strong in the winter and crisper overflowing with heirloom lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, and all manner of delicious vegetables in the…
Hey Alpine, I just took my AIARE Level 1 Course last month (115% worth it) and my friends invited me to go backcountry skiing this weekend. Psyched. I do a lot of day hiking but am pretty new to ski touring. Could you give me a primer on how to pack for a day on…
By Trevor Husted The opportunities and benefits that meditation can bring to our mountain climbing experiences If you’ve navigated to this mountaineering focused blog, there is a high likelihood that you’re interested in improving your performance in the alpine and perhaps overall quality of life. One of the more intriguing ways to boost our mental…
by Aili Farquhar As you toil against the steepness of the hill, the backpack hipbelt secured to your sled digs into your harness. All the sweat accumulated and dried in your hair during your sunny journey across the lower glacier begins to itch as a fresh new layer accumulates under your sunscreen-rimmed hat. After setting…
