Your trusted guide to the mountains from experienced alpinists

Helpful guides and insightful stories from climbing experts, ski instructors, and more.

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The AlpInsider team

Michael Graw
I live in Bellingham, Washington, at the base of the wild North Cascades. Over the last ten years, I've explored much of the region's steep terrain and endless layers of ridges and peaks, both on foot and on skis, often linking far-flung ridges together to push deeper into the range.
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Timo Holmquist
I’m happiest on long backpacking trips into little-known pockets of wilderness, skiing down backcountry mountains, and on all-fours, scrambling the rocky spines of alpine ridges. When I'm not adventuring in the outdoors, I'm most likely writing about them.
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Sylvia Karcz
Sylvia fell in love with snowboarding in her teens. She has since spent every season on the slopes and now works as a snowboard instructor.
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Poorva Shepal
Over the last decade and a half, I’ve been busy learning and honing the skills I need to survive in the mountains. I completed a mountaineering course from one of India’s best institutes and got certified as a WFR.
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Mountaineering guides

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A tent with a mountain view
Guides

3 Season Vs. 4 Season Tents (Pros & Cons)

Three-season or four-season tents? In this guide, I’ll lay out what they are and which one you need to have the best time on your next outdoor adventure.
Tent in the middle of a field
Guides

11 Hacks For Keeping Cool In A Tent

Keeping cool in a tent on a hot summer night is easier than it sounds. Follow these 11 hacks to keep the heat down on your next camping trip.
Mountains
Guides

Mountaineering Vs. Hiking: Which Is Better For Me?

Mountaineering and hiking are two separate but similar activities. Here, we compare them, so you can figure out which is better for you.
Mountaineers climbing a snowy mountain
Guides

Mountain Climbing Clothing For Winter Summits

You need the right clothes for the weather to succeed at winter mountaineering objectives. We explain what to wear when climbing in the winter.

Skiing guides

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Ski bindings
Guides

What Type Of Ski Bindings Do I Need?

Without ski bindings, nothing connects your boots to your skis. But did you know there are several varieties you can use? Let’s talk about them.
Person skiing
Guides

Ski Pants vs Bibs: Which Do You Really Need? (Pros/Cons)

Ski pants or bibs? Both provide protection while we ski, but for different reasons, and it’s worth exploring which one works best for you.
Skii boots and skis
Guides

How Long Do Ski Boots Last? Expert Tips To Extend Their Life

Wondering how long ski boots last and whether you need a new pair? Our expert tips and tricks can help you maximize the lifespan of your ski boots.
A skier stands with a long pair of skis next to him in front of a beige wall
Guides

How To Choose The Right Ski Length

Finding out how to choose the right ski length doesn’t have to be a chore. In this article, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs so you can find the perfect size quickly.

Snowboarding guides

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Person snowboarding
Guides

What Size Snowboard Boots Do I Need (Size Chart Inside!)

Wondering what size snowboard boots you need? Look no further! We break down snowboard boot sizing and include a size chart to help you get the best fit.
Person holding a snowboard
Guides

Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which One Is Better For Me?

Considering skiing or snowboarding? We answer beginners’ top questions and compare skiing vs snowboarding so you know which is the better fit for you.
Person snowboarding
Guides

Is Snowboarding Hard? 10 Things Beginners Need To Know

Thinking about learning how to snowboard? It’s not as hard as people think! Here are ten things beginners need to know before hitting the slopes.

Hiking guides

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Person trail running
Guides

Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners: Is Lighter Footwear Better?

Torn between hiking boots vs trail runners? Let’s review the pros and cons of each so you know which to choose before embarking on your next hiking trip.
Group of people hiking
Guides

5 Best Hiking Documentaries To Inspire Your Next Adventure!

Perfect for getting into the outdoor mindset, hiking documentaries are a lot of fun to watch. Here are the five best you can watch for free on YouTube today!
Person hiking in the rain
Guides

Essential Rain Hiking Gear: How To Stay Dry On The Trail

Stay comfortable and dry while hiking in the rain. Discover the best rain hiking gear and the most important tips for staying dry during wet outdoor adventures.
Mountains
Guides

Mountaineering Vs. Hiking: Which Is Better For Me?

Mountaineering and hiking are two separate but similar activities. Here, we compare them, so you can figure out which is better for you.

Climbing guides

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Person rock climbing
Guides

The 11 Types Of Climbing Holds: How To Use & Master Them

Want to turbocharge your climbing abilities? We explain the 11 different types of climbing holds and how you can use them to send your next climb.
Person rock climbing
Guides

The 13 Different Types of Climbing

Climbing is a broad sport with disciplines like single-pitch rock climbing, bouldering, and mountaineering. We break down the different types of climbing.
A man rock climbing
Guides

Bouldering vs Rock Climbing: Key Similarities & Differences

Bouldering and rock climbing are very different styles of climbing with different goals. Discover the main differences between bouldering vs rock climbing.
Mountaineers climbing a snowy mountain
Guides

Mountain Climbing Clothing For Winter Summits

You need the right clothes for the weather to succeed at winter mountaineering objectives. We explain what to wear when climbing in the winter.

Recommended gear

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Gear

7 Best All-Mountain Snowboards To Elevate Your Ride In 2024

Are you a versatile rider pushing yourself with everything the mountain has to offer? Read on for the best all-mountain snowboards to elevate your ride.
Ski goggles
Gear

7 Best Flat Light Ski Goggles For Cloudy, Foggy & Gray Days

Flat light reduces depth perception. Without the best flat light ski goggles, you could fly off moguls without seeing them. We review your best options here.
A skier heads up a hill with the aid of backcountry ski bindings. There's a large snowy mountain in the background, bathed in morning light
Gear

8 Best Backcountry Ski Bindings For Dynamic Uphill & Downhill Performance

The best backcountry ski bindings guarantee both uphill & downhill performance. We review the 8 best options to help improve your control and maneuverability.
Person skiing wearing a bag
Gear

7 Comfortable & Convenient Ski Boot Bags (2023)

Built to carry your boots & gear to the slopes and back, ski boot bags make any trip to the ski resort easier to handle. Find the best boot bags right here!

About AlpInsider

Founded by a collective of dedicated mountaineers, skiers, and climbers with decades of experience, Alpinsider’s mission is to deliver trusted advice to fellow budding mountaingoers.

Part of the thrill of spending time in the mountains comes from sharing that experience with others. AlpInsider is our way of giving back to the mountain sports community.