Adrian Ballinger is a renowned high-altitude mountaineer and entrepreneur, celebrated for his pioneering achievements in some of the world’s most challenging environments. As the founder and CEO of Alpenglow Expeditions, he has redefined expedition guiding by emphasizing rapid acclimatization, ethical standards, and small-team dynamics. Under his leadership, Alpenglow has conducted over 150 international expeditions across six continents, guiding climbers to summits like Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu.
Ballinger holds the distinction of being the only American to have completed three successful ski descents of 8,000-meter peaks, including the first from the summit of Manaslu. He is also among the few to have summited both Mount Everest and K2 without supplemental oxygen. His expertise and insights have been featured in outlets such as National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Business Insider.
As a speaker, Adrian translates his experiences from extreme altitudes into compelling lessons on leadership, risk management, and resilience. His presentations resonate with corporate audiences seeking inspiration and strategies to navigate high-stakes challenges.
