Todd Burleson

Todd Burleson

President and Founder

Director and founder of Alpine Ascents International, Todd has achieved unparalleled success as a business leader and in the mountain guiding industry; as one of the world’s leading mountaineers. Todd spent most of his childhood in Alaska where his prowess and love for mountaineering was developed. In his twenty years of guiding, he has led 8 expeditions to Mt. Everest, and has guided successful expeditions on every continent including all of the Seven Summits numerous times. In addition to being a long time instructor Todd has lead expeditions worldwide including climbs in Mongolia, Alaska and on Rainier, including a number of first ascents in the arctic region of Greenland. Todd joins many of our expeditions in a support role, overseeing logistics, climber development and ensuring a good time is had by all. He currently lives in Alaska where he is raising yaks, fishing, flying and forever climbing great peaks around the world.  In 1998 Todd was awarded the American Alpine Club’s prestigious David J. Sowles award for his rescue efforts on Mt. Everest in 1996. Todd also takes an active role in developing environmental policies for mountaineering, setting standards for the mountain guiding industry, working with the National Park Service and overseeing the Alpine Ascents Sherpa Education Fund.

30-year

 

Significant Ascents

  • Everest (2 guided)
  • Island Peak (2 guided)
  • Mera Peak (2 guided)
  • Aconcagua (2 guided)
  • Greenland Peaks (3 guided)
  • Ama Dablam (1 guided)
  • Elbrus (5 guided)
  • Carstensz Pryramid (1 guided)
  • Peaks of Bolivia (1 guided)
  • Denali (3 guided)
  • Vinson (5 guided)
  • Mt. Baker (3 personal, 10 guided)
  • Rainier (5 guided)
  • Cotopaxi (2 guided)
  • Orizaba (1 guided)
  • Iztaccihuatl (1 guided)
  • Mongolia (2 guided)
  • Kilimanjaro (6 guided)

Certifications

  • Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
  • Leave No Trace Trainer

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

    Kilimanjaro isn’t just one of the fabulous and challenging Seven Summits. It has a unique beauty and character that you won’t find on the peaks of Everest or Denali. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers people a journey through five diverse ecosystems and unsurpassed mountain views. That, plus the accessibility of the mountain, makes it […]

  • 2025 Denali Webinar

    Ready to dive deep into the world of Denali? In this webinar recording, veteran Denali guide Hannah McGowan brings you an inside look at what it takes to tackle North America’s highest peak. From route logistics and gear essentials to crucial preparation tips, Hannah shares her hard-earned insights from her last 9 Denali expeditions on […]

  • Finding My Path Through the Alpine Ascents BIPOC Guide Development Program

    Submission by Esteban Usuga, a member of the 2024 BIPOC Guide Development Program. After two exhausting years in graduate school, pursuing a career in medicine, I hit a wall—and not the cool kind of bonk that comes from pushing your body to its limit. This was deeper. I was mentally drained, struggling under the weight […]

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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