The Blog on alanarnette.com

I report on Everest, K2, and the world’s highest mountains with clarity, accuracy, and respect for the climbers who are out there doing the work.

My goal is simple: to help you follow each season with straightforward updates, context, and insight — no hype, no drama, just what matters. You’ll also find practical climbing resources built from decades of experience: gear lists, training ideas, guide comparisons, and expedition reports from peaks around the world.

Thank you for being part of this community. For more than two decades, your loyalty, curiosity, and trust have made this work meaningful. I’m grateful you’re here.

Ready for your next mountain? Talk to Summit Coach.

I’ve coached climbers of all levels — from first 14ers to Everest and K2 — using a personalized, experience‑driven approach built on 37 major expeditions.

As an independent coach, I don’t work for any guide service. My only agenda is helping you choose the right objective, the right team, and the right plan for you.

“When I came to Alan, I had absolutely no climbing experience and only dreamed of Everest as a teenager. I thought I’d look stupid — 18 years old, out of shape, and gunning for the world’s highest peak. Alan was welcoming and supportive from day one. He gave me everything I needed: training, insights, and the mental preparation to summit Everest at 19. I seriously couldn’t have done it without him.”

— Ryan, summited Everest at age 19

Coaching plans start at $2,000. Book a free 30‑minute call — no obligation.

Speaking That Sticks With You

Mountains teach lessons boardrooms can’t. After Everest, K2, and 36+ major expeditions, I bring high‑stakes adventure and real‑world leadership insight to audiences around the world.

My talks blend fast‑paced storytelling, humor, and actionable frameworks for resilience, decision‑making, and teamwork.

Climbing

I didn’t start climbing until age 38 — no head start, just a late‑blooming obsession that turned into one of the most unlikely high‑altitude careers out there.

Highlights include:

• Oldest American to summit K2 (age 58)

• Four Everest expeditions, summiting in 2011

• 7 of the “7 Summits” in under 12 months

• 8 climbs above 8,000m and 13+ above 6,000m

• 36+ major expeditions across six continents

• All 58 Colorado 14ers

• Active rock and ice climber, always training for the next objective

I still climb, still train, and still write about the mountains every week.

Read my mountaineering coverage

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Mountaineering Storyteller & Media

“One of the world’s most respected chroniclers of Everest.” — Outside Magazine

For more than two decades my reporting, analysis, and on‑the‑ground insights have been featured by:

• National Geographic (contributor)
• Outside Magazine (contributor)
• Rock & Ice Magazine (contributor)
• Interviews and features by BBC, CBC, NBC, FOX, and international outlets
• Member of the Explorers Club and the American Alpine Club

For Ida — and for the millions of families still losing someone

I dedicate my work to those with Alzheimer’s Disease and my mom, Ida Arnette, who died on August 16, 2009, from Alzheimer’s. I watched her slowly lose her memories one day at a time. I climbed the world’s highest mountains to hold onto them — and to help fund the science that will one day end Alzheimer’s.

If my writing, my climbs, or Ida’s story has meant something to you, I invite you to support the researchers working toward that future.

Every donation goes directly to Alzheimer’s research through the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, none ever to me.

Memories are Everything