Category: Blog

by Bobby Cosker Things to consider when packing for bigger objectives. Martha Stewart once said, “life is too complicated not to be orderly.” The same couldn’t be truer when discussing the topic of what to consider when packing your backpack for alpine climbing in the bigger mountains. Being thoughtful and orderly in how and what […]

by Jessica Flandro When I, a member of the logistics team, first arrived at the Alpine Ascents office in Talkeetna, Alaska to begin preparing for the upcoming climbing season there was an unseasonable amount of snow still on the ground and more winter storms forecasted over the coming weeks. Ever the optimists, we assumed the […]

By David Shuer  After seeing Tahoma (Rainier) from your flight into SeaTac, or reading Into Thin Air, or living in the Pacific Northwest looking up at the volcanoes that dot the skyline, you’ve got the bug and want to climb some glaciers. The options are endless in the PNW; ranging from small pocket glaciers and […]

By Andy Souder Hydration reservoirs are all the rage in the hiking world. They provide convenience and consistent hydration, rather than having to take breaks and remove your pack, hunt for your water bottle, etc. you can simply grab the hose and sip. While they are amazing for warmer climes and lower elevations, they can […]

by Gordon Janow, Director of Programs Ah, sports and literature…. for the most part – it tis a “Ne’er the twain shall meet “!. Of course some sports books have transcended the “I did this” ( such as Jim Bouton’s Ball Four and George Plimpton’s Paper Lion) but for the most part it, I never […]

By Mike Coyle Editor’s Note: Alpine Ascents offers an annual $1,500.00 climbing grant for AAI guides to explore and climb in unique and seldom visited areas. The grant promotes climbing on new or remote routes in the world’s great mountain ranges.  In 2022, Mike Coyle and John Collis were awarded the grant for an expedition […]

By Andy Souder Getting a good night’s sleep can be the make-or-break factor on summit day. Being well-rested and full of energy will make sure you’re set up for success. The most common people don’t sleep well is they run cold or are not used to sleeping on snow. Fortunately, the guides of Alpine Ascents […]

By Trevor Husted Ah yes, the changing of the seasons…which happens, well, every season. To help you embrace new adventure beginnings, we are back with another blog post to help you get geared up for the sunny summer days ahead. It may have been just yesterday (literally) when you were skiing or splitboarding full throttle, […]

By Anna Gibson I was fortunate to spend my childhood in northwestern Wyoming, with the Tetons just out my front door. Those mountains are the real-deal—truly an epic playground for a mountain runner and a backcountry skier like me. Yet the Teepee, Schoolroom, and Skillet Glaciers of the Tetons are dwarfs compared to the glaciers […]

If this is the year you’ve decided to dip your crampon-clad toes into the world of mountaineering, there is no better launch pad than the quintessential glaciated Washington peak – the iconic Kulshan (Mount Baker). Located deep in the heart of the North Cascades surrounded by endless steep, snow-capped peaks, Kulshan is arguably the best […]