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

  • Training for Denali Webinar

    If Denali is on your horizon, it’s time to get serious about training. Join world-renowned alpinist, Uphill Athlete founder, and co-author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, Steve House for a deep dive into what it truly takes to prepare for North America’s highest peak. In this session, Steve breaks down the key principles behind […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 9/3/2026

    Hello climbers, It felt like the switch to fall happened in the mountains this week!  Cool temperatures and precipitation have returned to the mountains.  New snow returned to mid and upper elevations over the last couple days, and a handful of inches is expected over the next few days and leading into the weekend as […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/19/2026

    Hello climbers, Conditions continue to stay phenomenal around the mountains in Washington. Smoke forecasts look really good throughout the rest of the week and into weekend. We are starting to see some mid to late August weather patterns start to creep in, with blip of cooler temperatures and light precipitation working its way into the […]

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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