About Benegas Brothers Expeditions

A lifetime in the mountains became a way of leading in them.

The founders are the origin of the philosophy. BBE is the company that carries it forward.

What We Believe

The mountain does not owe us a summit. It offers us an experience.

What counts is the process, not the summit.

A summit can be extraordinary, but it is one moment inside a much longer relationship with the mountains. Preparation, patience, judgment, responsibility, the people around us, and the person who returns home matter just as much.

Where the Standard Came From

Benegas Brothers Expeditions was founded in 1992 by Willie and Damian Benegas. Their lives in the mountains — from Patagonia and the Andes to Alaska and the Himalaya — shaped a simple operating standard: move patiently, pay attention, respect the mountain, take care of partners, teach what you know, and make the right decision even when the summit is close.

Read Willie and Damian’s story →

The Company, Not the Founders, Is the Product

Willie and Damian established the standard, but BBE delivers it through a broader team of expedition leaders, guides, coordinators, partners, and specialists. Clients are choosing Benegas Brothers Expeditions — its judgment, preparation, mentorship, logistics, culture, and team — not guaranteed personal access to either founder unless that involvement is explicitly part of the trip.

On the record

Nearly forty years of climbs, rescues and films, documented by others.

The standard is easier to describe than to prove. These are moments other people documented — newspapers, journals, award committees, filmmakers — from Patagonia in 1988 to Netflix.

1988–89

1988–89 · Chubut pressOur first ascent of Aconcagua, by the Polish Glacier Direct

American Alpine Journal

1995 · American Alpine Journal“The Book of Shadows” — north face of Trango’s Nameless Tower

2003

2003 · ClimbingThe Crystal Snake on Nuptse — Golden Piton, high-altitude climb of the year

American Alpine Journal

2004 · American Alpine Journal“The Crystal Snake” — Willie Benegas’s account of the 2003 Nuptse ascentRead the original article →

Guinness World Records

2010 · Guinness World RecordsFirst twins to summit Everest

2011

2011 · HonoursThe Lhotse rescue — recognised by the Argentine Olympic Committee and the International Fair Play Committee

National Geographic

2015 · National Geographic · AFPNepal earthquake relief carried by local porters

Society of the Snow2021–22

2021–22 · NetflixMountain production for J.A. Bayona’s Society of the Snow

American Alpine JournalClimbingAlpinistNational GeographicLa NaciónThe Salt Lake TribuneAFP

See the full press record, films and books → · Read Willie and Damian’s story →

How We Work

Choose deliberately, not conventionally.

Treat clients as participants, not passengers.

Teach the reason behind decisions whenever conditions allow.

Staff and pace the mountain according to the objective and the team.

Treat turning around as judgment when that is the right decision.

Build relationships that continue beyond one trip.

What Success Looks Like

A successful expedition should leave a person more capable, more knowledgeable, more confident, and more connected to the mountains than when they began. Many clients return with new goals, friends, spouses, children, or entirely different dreams. That continuity is part of the work.

Find what brings you to the mountains →Our Team →

Benegas Brothers Expeditions – Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy

Last updated: October 2026

Benegas Brothers Expeditions, Inc. (hereafter “BBE”), based in Sandy, Utah, operates international mountaineering and adventure programs worldwide.
By registering for any BBE expedition, trek, or course (“Program”), participants agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

1. RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS

A 20% deposit reserves your place and includes a $350 nonrefundable booking fee. Your reservation is confirmed when we receive your deposit, your completed registration form, and your signed acceptance of our Payment & Cancellation Policy. The balance is due 120 days before departure; if you book within 120 days, full payment is due at booking. We accept wire transfer, bank transfer/ACH through our QuickBooks invoice (no fee), and credit card (3% surcharge). Everest and other major expeditions have their own terms, provided with your application. Full payment terms are in our Payment & Cancellation Policy.

You accept these Terms and our Payment & Cancellation Policy by checkbox or signature on the registration form.

2. PRICING

All published prices are expressed in USD and may change without prior notice due to variations in permits, logistics, or currency costs.
Once your deposit is received, your trip cost is locked, except for changes imposed by third-party providers (e.g., park fees or government taxes).

3. RELEASE AGREEMENT

Participation in any BBE Program requires signing the Participant Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement before the start of the trip.

No modifications to this document are allowed.

Failure to sign will result in the denial of participation, with no refund provided.

4. PROGRAM OPERATIONS

BBE reserves the right to:

* Modify itineraries, schedules, or services before or during a Program, and
* Cancel or alter segments of the trip due to weather, safety, natural events, political instability, illness, or guide discretion.

We always act in good faith to preserve the integrity of each expedition.
However:

* BBE is not responsible for expenses incurred in trip preparation (flights, gear, visas, etc.).
* BBE is not liable for additional costs from itinerary changes or delays.
* All guide and leader decisions are final, made for the safety and well-being of the team.

5. GUIDE AUTHORITY

All BBE expedition guides have full authority over route, schedule, and safety decisions.
If a guide determines that a participant’s condition, behavior, or actions jeopardize their own safety or the team’s, the participant may be asked to withdraw.
No refunds will be issued, and the participant will be responsible for any additional evacuation or transport costs.

6. HEALTH, FITNESS & CONDUCT

Participants must be in good physical health and adequately prepared for the altitude and demands of their chosen Program.
By registering, you affirm that:

* You are medically fit and have disclosed all relevant medical conditions.
* You will follow all guide instructions and expedition protocols.
* You agree to maintain hygiene and Leave No Trace principles.
* Drug or alcohol use during an expedition is prohibited.
* You will treat all guides, team members, and local staff with respect.

BBE reserves the right to remove any participant whose condition or conduct compromises safety or the expedition’s success, without refund.

7. TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

Participants are responsible for:

* All travel arrangements to and from the meeting point,
* Valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and customs compliance,
* Personal baggage, equipment, and valuables.

BBE provides detailed pre-trip logistics but cannot guarantee the services of third parties such as airlines, hotels, or transport operators.

8. TRAVEL INSURANCE (REQUIRED)

All participants must carry insurance that includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and medical coverage for the full duration of the trip.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended.
BBE does not provide insurance coverage and is not responsible for costs related to evacuation, rescue, or trip interruption.
For details on current insurance requirements and recommended providers, please visit our Travel & Rescue Insurance page.
Participants who choose not to purchase insurance accept full financial responsibility for any losses or emergencies that may occur.

9. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Cancellations, refunds, transfers, credits, and BBE cancellations for international programs are governed by our Payment & Cancellation Policy (version INT-2026-02). Everest and other major expeditions have their own terms, provided with your application. U.S. programs operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides follow WMG’s terms.

10. SUMMIT ATTEMPTS

BBE will make every effort to provide an opportunity for a summit attempt.
However, summit success cannot be guaranteed.
Weather, route conditions, health, or team safety considerations may prevent reaching the summit.
No refunds are provided for unattempted or unsuccessful climbs.

11. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

Participants are responsible for any extra costs arising from:

* Early departure for personal, medical, or disciplinary reasons,
* Rescue or evacuation services not covered by insurance,
* Extended lodging or transportation delays due to weather or border closures.

12. PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

By joining a BBE expedition, you grant Benegas Brothers Expeditions permission to use photographs and video footage from your trip for promotional or commercial purposes, without compensation.
If you prefer not to be included, please notify BBE in writing before departure.
Participants agree not to broadcast or publish live expedition updates, media, or sponsor content without BBE’s written consent.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

BBE, its owners, guides, and contractors act only as agents in arranging logistics, accommodations, and third-party services.
BBE is not responsible or liable for injury, loss, or damage resulting from:

* Acts of nature, war, terrorism, or government actions,
* Equipment or transportation failures,
* Illness, altitude sickness, or accidents,
* Negligence of third-party providers.

Your signed Release Agreement acknowledges these inherent risks.

14. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Utah, USA.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Salt Lake County, Utah.