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
  • Leave No Trace Trainer

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

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    Expedition Mindset: When “Showing Up” Means More than Physically Arriving

    The anticipation and physical preparation have been exhausting. The iron has been pumped. You have been ripping up stair sets for breakfast. Every precious ounce of your kit is honed. But have you stretched your expedition mindset? An expedition is much more than the physical climb of a single mountain. For several weeks you will […]

  • Tents near Denali Base Camp.

    What to Expect: Denali Expeditions

    In this series, we break down what to expect at the start of our expeditions. Where will you stay? Are there any tips or tricks to make the trip begin more smoothly? Though a Denali expedition can last 20+ days, the first two days can set the tone for the rest of the journey. While […]

  • 3-Day Rainier Climb: Lunchtime

    So you’ve signed up for our 3-day climb of Mount Rainier, but are wondering what to pack for lunch each day. While we provide delicious, masterfully prepared, real-ingredient meals for breakfast and dinner, you’re right to take extra time to consider your snacks (known as “lunch” in the frontcountry!). Calories are fuel, and are almost […]

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