BD athlete Adrian Ballinger gives a rock on hand gesture

Black Diamond Global Athlete

ADRIAN BALLINGER

Adrian Ballinger is a big mountain skier and climber, and an IFMGA/AMGA certified mountain guide. With skis, Adrian has made the first complete ski descents of the 5th and 8th tallest mountains in the world, Makalu and Manaslu, and 4 complete 8000-meter ski descents, the most of any American skier. While climbing, Adrian has summited 8000-meter peaks (the 14 tallest peaks on the planet) 19 times, including summits of Mt. Everest and K2 without supplemental oxygen. Through the guide company he founded, Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian has successfully led over 100 clients to the summits of the world’s tallest mountains. While best known for these high altitude accomplishments, Adrian invests time and strives to excel in all of the disciplines of mountain adventure - skiing, alpine climbing, rock climbing, and mountain running.

The Rich Roll Podcast

This Guy Survived Everest EIGHT Times (+Once Without Extra Oxygen)

The big mountains are the ultimate life laboratory. The challenges may not be so different than daily life, but the intensity of those challenges can be much greater. This intensity forces each of us to rapidly learn and grow as individuals and as members of a team, and it is both in pursuing and supporting this growth where I thrive.

—Adrian Ballinger

Adrian's Gear Picks

MOUNTAIN ESSENTIALS

Adrian breaks down his essential gear and apparel

Envy Green
Envy Green
Octane
Black
White
Pewter

Vapor Helmet

Regular price $169.95 USD
Sale price $169.95 USD Regular price $169.95
Kingfisher-Black
Kingfisher-Black
Tundra-Black

Men's Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody

Regular price $229.00 USD
Sale price $229.00 USD Regular price $229.00
Beeswax
Beeswax
Black

Guide Gloves

Regular price $189.95 USD
Sale price $189.95 USD Regular price $189.95
Ultra Blue-Black
Ultra Blue-Black

Couloir Harness

Regular price $94.95 USD
Sale price $94.95 USD Regular price $94.95
Envy Green
Envy Green

Neve Pro Crampons

Regular price $199.95 USD
Sale price $199.95 USD Regular price $199.95
Black
Black
Red

JetForce Pro 25L Avalanche Airbag Pack

Regular price $1,499.95 USD
Sale price $1,499.95 USD Regular price $1,499.95
Ultra Pink
Ultra Pink

8.9 Dry Climbing Rope

Regular price $139.95 - $369.95
Sale price $309.95 USD Regular price $309.95