Category: Blog

by Kate Keith-Simms After building up your climbing resume, assembling the required certifications, and submitting your application materials to the Alpine Ascents Guide Manager, you finally receive that long awaited email… Congratulations! After making a very favorable impression during the interview process in addition to excellent references and an impressive climbing resume, we are happy […]

Hey Alpine, My heart is in the mountains. Ever since I watched the sun rise over the Easton Glacier on my 6-day course this summer, I’ve dreamed of kicking my REI vest and nametag to the curb and picking up a rope and crampons. It’s time for an outdoor office. Other than my guided climb […]

If your 2022 winter plans include climbing the Stone Sentinel, check out the webinar we hosted on October 4th.  Lead Aconcagua Guide, Rachel Molstad, outlined both climbing routes and what to expect on the expedition.   Our Gear Manager, Ciara Sampaio, walked us through gear considerations along with helpful information on porters, money, and pre-trip logistics.  […]

By Trevor Husted  As part of our Guide Skills Development Series, this next post focuses on the importance of mentorship in guiding and where to find it.  Look into the origins of the word mentor and you will find links to Greek Mythology, more specifically Homer’s poem “The Odyssey.” In this epic, Odysseus goes off […]

by Liane Lau Arriving to the Alpine Ascents Seattle Office at 0630 for gear check – made me question my life choices. To be an effective mountaineer, you should be a combination of a marathon runner, a weight-lifter, and a climber. I am none of those things. I don’t even particularly like those things. The […]

By Kate Keith-Simms Plants provide invaluable insight not only to the spaces they inhabit, but also to those who live upon the land. Since time immemorial, Native American communities have foraged, hunted, and thrived on the resources the land offers. This is a short pick of a few plants of Washington used by specific Native […]

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 […]

by Brooke Warren People often ask if it’s boring to climb the same mountain over and over again. Honestly, it doesn’t get boring, because the route is constantly evolving and it’s amazing to witness the life cycle off the flora and fauna throughout an entire season. While summiting a mountain is a laudable goal, it’s […]

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 […]