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 out to Washington in mid-September for a 6-day course (stoked) and I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about backcountry quilts. Apparently all the cool-kid alpinists are using them. Can I bring one on my course? Sincerely, Steve House in Training Hi Steve House in Training, Thanks for reaching out…
Misconceptions about climbing gear can leave you wandering in the woods. In this article, we’ll look at the top-10 most common gear-related misconceptions for those newer to mountaineering, and offer some quick comments in answer. This piece was originally published in 2017, but it’s proved so helpful that we pulled it from the archives and…
by Trevor Husted How to decide if the items you can’t live without should come along your next adventure Humans naturally seem to flee from the discomforts of life, mountain guides gravitate towards that light. It is as if there is some sort of element in a mountain guide that finds something bizarrely satiating in taking…
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…
Nanda Devi, Indian Garhwal Himalaya by Gordon Janow When I heard that writer and climber Ed Douglas was publishing a book on the Himalaya, I wondered what more could possibly be written? Any account by Douglas was clearly a must-read, but I couldn’t help but anticipate a rehashing of well-worn tomes such as John…
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 Brooke Warren While we learn to understand the physical demands of each climb, it is important address the mental aspects as well. Here are some things you can do to quell any fear or trepidation you may have about embarking towards a summit. Six Ways to Manage your Anxiety (when climbing a mountain): Train…
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…
