Holiday Greetings from Alpine Ascents! Hoping you get some time in the mountains and with your family this season!
Guide Jonathan Spitzer shows of the breadth of the Alps
As we launch our winter season with trips to Aconcagua, Vinson, Kilimanjaro and Ecuador; we also start our planning time for the summer and we hope you can join us in 2017!
The Alps:
Mont Blanc, The Eiger and The Matterhorn
Visit our continually updated Alps Facebook page at:
Alpine Ascents Alps Facebook
Once again Alpine Ascents will be offering 3 expeditions in the European Alps: The Matterhorn, The Eiger and the cornerstone of our program, Mont Blanc.
On Mont Blanc, we offer 2 different types of departures (8 and 10 day options) that help adventurists choose the proper program based on their experience level. These longer offerings give climbers a better chance to summit as compared the run-of-the-mill, quick in and quick out approaches that typically have low summit success.
Program Director, Jonathon Spitzer chimes in:
“Mont Blanc is a perched in the heart of the European Alps, its glaciated flanks towering above the historic Chamonix Valley. This is the perfect objective for the climber who has been successful on Mt. Baker or Mt. Rainier, or for those in excellent physical condition. One of the highlights of a European climbing vacation is the extensive hut system. This allows us to leave our heavy packs behind since breakfast, dinner and bedding is provided. Over the years, we have found that a longer trip results in a higher likelihood of summit success for the climber. For this reason we offer 8 and 10 day expeditions for both experienced and novice climbers. (this includes travel time). With our all-inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about booking any of your hotels, lifts, huts and transportation once the program has started.
Jonathon will take care of all of these details, so you can focus on just enjoying your climb!
10% off Ecuador Programs for Winter and Summer
One of Alpine Ascents' original offerings since 1992, is our Ecuador program and lead guide Jose Luis Peralvo is legendary among South American Guides. The Volcanoes of Ecuador are fantastic climbs and serve the developing (a perfect follow up to our 3 day Rainier climb) and skilled climber with the chance to climb 4 mountains in 16 days; assessing skills and fitness, enjoying summits and learning as a team member with Jose Luis Peralvo…as well as the chance to visit a beautiful country!
Those who book by February for any offerings will receive a 10% discount off the trip cost
Recent photo from the first Aconcagua climb of the season
Cybercasts
Calls and photos from the field are a prominent part of our website as we look forward the bevy of winter reports to be found at: cybercasts. Unlike some other outfitters, guides can post directly to the website so family, friends and viewers can follow the updates as they happen. This not only a great way to follow along but a great research tool in learning about our trips! This winter's cybercasts will include:
Aconcagua, Ecuador Volcanoes, Kilimanjaro and Antarctica’s’ Mt. Vinson.
Carstensz Pyramid
Carstensz Pyramid is back on the roster of offerings, following a 100% success in 2016. Currently we heli and out for safety and ethical reasons and look forward to returning in March and October of 2017. Always an exciting experience and the chance to take on the elusive 8th / 7th summit!
Mongolia
Guaranteed departure and not much more to say than the 2016 climber comment below, about an absolute favorite destinations:
“Excellent all around! Mongolia and Mt. Khuiten with Alpine Ascents exceeded my high expectations! The overall experience was fantastic including Mongolia’s culture, people, and landscapes. I would highly recommend this expedition and climb to any alpine mountaineer who wishes expand their horizons and climb to Mongolia’s high point on the border of Russia, China and Mongolia. Ben Jones is a first class mountain guide and expedition leader”.
Climb with us in Mongolia!
Alpine Ascents Climbing Shop
As a premier resource for high-altitude footwear and advice, the Alpine Ascents Gear Store now stocks the entire breadth of La Sportiva’s mountaineering line, as well as select other products from other brands. We draw from 30+ years of accumulated company experience in the mountains, and are experts at offering boot selection and fitting advice regardless of the destination. Our team is always well-researched in industry trends and technologies, which allows us to keep our climbers’ feet happy in any conditions, and we are experienced in “fitting by phone” when climbers need boots but are unable to see us in Seattle.
This January, we are excited to be offering the new Arc’teryx Acrux Boot- which seems to be designed to excel in the Cascades! The Acrux is a double boot- meaning that it has a removable inner bootie which can be dried out easily- but is designed for climbing at moderate altitudes. We are excited to see this boot take over our longer mountaineering courses, like the 6 Day and 10 Day courses, because it is lighter and sure to be far more comfortable than any alternative to date.
206.378.3688 - gear@alpineascents.com
New Trips for 2017
From the Cascades to Nepal here is a quick look at our new departures for 2017
Mera Peak
Climb Nepal’s highest “trekking” peak with legendary guide Vernon Tejas. Mera Peak at over 24,000 feet takes us to lesser traveled and stunning areas of Nepal and the chance to hike among the Everest region and attempt a Himalayan Peak. 5 spaces left on our Spring departure.
This summer we will offer summit attempts and courses for new and intermediate climbers. A great chance to advance your climbing skills and take on challenges in America’s great (greatest?) climbing region, the North Cascades. Check out these alpine classics:
Mount Shuskan via Fisher Chimney
And our Rock Courses:
Everest Trek and Island Peak Nearly Full
...And Trekking in Asia
Quick note that Everest Trek and Island Peak for Spring 2017 are nearly full. We have a couple of spaces left but if interest continues we can open another departure. Again our thanks to those joining us, as this is a great way to help the people of Nepal on this world-class adventure!
Our other summer treks are open with the Ladakh Trek our pearl of the season for those who have not visited this incredible region. This can be combined with a “low land” tour of India as well.
Kili and the Two Routes
Lemosho here to stay! Alpine Ascents will continue to guide 2 different offerings on Kilimanjaro. Our classic 7 day Machame route climb, which has been praised by media and climbers alike for success rate, safety and quality. And now our Lemosho Route Climb! While the standard Lemosho Route merges with the Machame on day 2.5 (though many try to pawn this off as a totally different route than Machame), our Lemosho Climb is unique and adds a night on the crater rim after the summit, More and more at:
Denali Spring 2017
Booking quickly this season, we just have a few spaces remaining on our 6 climber departures as both 6 and 9 climber teams look to fill up in the next couple of months. Departure details and prerequisites:
2016 Winter Calendar
Dec - Feb Aconcagua
Oct - Feb Volcanoes of Ecuador
Dec - Feb Kilimanjaro
Dec - Jan Mount Vinson
Oct & Mar Carstensz Pyramid