Alpenglow Expeditions

Alpenglow Expeditions Lake Tahoe Mountain Guides with a full menu of rock climbing, backcountry skiing, avalanche

Guide company leading climbing and ski trips worldwide, ranging from introductory trekking; beginner to advanced/expert climbing; and backcountry skiing!

"Nico was a fabulous guide. He was very kind, enthusiastic, and a great teacher. The logistics team was perfect. I loved...
12/12/2025

"Nico was a fabulous guide. He was very kind, enthusiastic, and a great teacher. The logistics team was perfect. I loved being able to climb and summit on such a short trip and feel great doing it. Everything about the trip was perfect." - Tom W.

Cotopaxi Rapid Ascent is built for climbers who want to move efficiently, learn from great guides, and still feel strong on summit day. Tight logistics, experienced leadership, and a system that works—so you can focus on climbing.

Thanks for the kind words, Tom. 👊

12/11/2025

Why aren't we climbing in Russia right now? The implications can be complicated, sensitive, and political. Still, the answer is relatively simple: we want to get back to Russia to climb, and right now we can’t responsibly take teams there.

In this episode of The Duffel Shuffle, Adrian breaks down why Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine and the broader instability around it create a level of uncertainty that goes beyond the usual considerations of expedition travel. Add in the State Department’s Level 4 warning and the high-profile detentions of Americans, and the risk becomes something we can’t ask our clients to take on.

This isn’t about reacting to headlines. We work with security consultants and make decisions based on real analysis. And right now that analysis is clear: we can’t look someone in the eye and say, “We feel 100% good about you going to Russia.”

At the same time, we’re aware that most Russians want Americans visiting, climbing, and spending time in their country. When we can return safely and responsibly, we will.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mifWDqzJYQw

12/10/2025

Vintage Topo (2018!) standing on the summit of Illimani — one of Bolivia’s most striking peaks and the perfect extension to our Bolivia expedition.

Ilimani gives you everything you want out of a big Andean climb: long glacier travel, sustained movement above 20,000’, and a real sense of scale as La Paz drops thousands of feet below. It’s a logical next step if you’re building high-altitude experience after Ecuador or Peru, and looking to prepare for climbs in the 7,000m range like Aconcagua, Peak Lenin, Ama Dablam, or Lhakpa Ri.

If Illimani’s been on your radar, our Bolivia teams climb it the right way — small groups, efficient pacing, and guides who know the mountain well.

More info: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/expedition/mountains-of-bolivia

12/09/2025

Two sides of Elbrus. Two very different worlds. On this episode of The Duffel Shuffle, Adrian breaks down the infrastructure-heavy south side versus the wild and remote north side—where you carry everything, move through ancient valleys, and pass through Karachay villages with deep roots in the land. Same summit, but completely different climbing experiences on Europe's tallest peak.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/mifWDqzJYQw

12/08/2025

🌄 Bring a Friend. Save Big. Adventure Together! 🌄
Ready to hit the mountains? For the next eight weeks, grab a friend and save on unforgettable adventures with us at Alpenglow Expeditions! ❄️🏔️ Whether you’re joining a winter backcountry course, planning a ski expedition, or signing up for an epic international climb — you both get rewarded.

✨ Here’s the deal:
1-Day Courses: Use code FRIEND30 → $30 off each when you book together
Avalanche Courses: Use code AIARE70 → $70 off each (that’s $625/person!)
International Trips: Book together or within 14 days → $250 off each if under $10,000, or $500 off each if over $10,000.
Plus — refer a friend even after your trip & get a $50 credit when they book. They get $50 off too. 💸

👉 Click here to book, tag the friend you want to bring below, and get ready to climb higher — together: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/referall-program-landing-page

12/03/2025

Episode 43 is live on The Duffel Shuffle — and this week Adrian breaks down what climbing Mt. Elbrus is actually like.
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From meeting local Russian guides and navigating the logistics from airport to mountain, to forming rope teams based on real pace and experience, this one digs into how small teams actually move on a big, glaciated peak.
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Adrian also shares why groups leave at staggered times on summit night, how guides keep teams aligned so everyone can support each other, and what makes Elbrus such a natural fit for a Rapid Ascent-style private climb — even as a long weekend for experienced climbers.
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New episode out now: https://youtu.be/mifWDqzJYQw

On Everest this spring, our team reached the summit on what ended up being the best weather day of the entire season. We...
12/02/2025

On Everest this spring, our team reached the summit on what ended up being the best weather day of the entire season. We were completely alone up top — no lines, no crowds — because our program builds flexibility into every itinerary. When conditions shift, we move. When a perfect window opens, we go.

This is the advantage of rapid logistics, strong pre-acclimatization, and a team that’s built to make real decisions in real time.

Join us in 2026.

📸: Griffin Mims

11/28/2025

For the most part, Denali isn’t technical—it’s just work.
Huge storms, heavy wet snow, weeks on the glacier, 40–60 lb packs, 40–80 lb sleds, and no porter support. It’s old-school, fully self-supported Alaskan expedition climbing.

Adrian breaks down why Denali is the outlier in the Seven Summits: the weather, the loads, the downtime, the crevasse risk, and why every convoluted glacier safety skill you learned actually matters up there.

Watch here: https://ow.ly/yF0650XzaBh

11/26/2025

Sunrise in the Bolivian Andes is just different. It’s quiet, remote, and far from anything that feels “normal.” That’s the draw. We go to places most people never see, and Bolivia is one of those rare zones where altitude, terrain, and culture line up for a truly unique expedition experience.

If you’re ready for something different, our Bolivia programs are built for trekkers and climbers looking for a high-altitude progression that sets you up for bigger goals.

Learn more: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/expedition/mountains-of-bolivia

11/25/2025

Denali is its own beast. In this week’s episode of The Duffel Shuffle, Adrian breaks down why the gear, the weather, and the system on the mountain are unlike anything else in the world. You can climb high-altitude peaks everywhere without a waterproof shell… until you go to Denali. You can bring an 8-pound tent everywhere else… until Denali demands a 16-pound one.

Last year the summit success rate was around 14%. Modern forecasting, flights to 6,000 feet, lightweight gear, stoves that work in 100 mph winds—none of it guarantees anything up there. And that’s exactly why Denali stands out as one of the most important mountain experiences on earth.

Full episode: https://youtu.be/RhYipMKGpRA

11/20/2025

🚨Only 4 spots left on our Japan Backcountry Ski Adventure!!!🚨

For local skiers looking to take the next step, this is the cleanest way to see what Japan is really about — deep snow, smooth logistics, and a curated experience led by the best ski guides on the planet.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go abroad and finally see the hype for yourself, this is it: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/expedition/backcountry-ski-japan

Address

1985 Olympic Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA
96146

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

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