El Dorado Zone Program

The sustained “snow arete” of El Dorado’s East Ridge is a welcome adaptation of ridge climbing. It is moderate enough to be challenging, and the position is stimulating as to maintain your engagement until you reach the summit. The route follows the obvious, left of center snow ridge in the first image.

The West Arete climbs the opposite line from the famous East Ridge. It incorporates more diverse skills as it traverses more glaciated terrain and amazing alpine rock. The route climbs the obvious, central diagonal line, left to right in the second image.

• Basic snow class required prior to registration.
• A full day of mountaineering training plus camp craft and self-care skills to prepare for the climb.
• Spend a full day on the glaciers surrounding camp, adjusting to the altitude, taking in the views of the neighboring mountains, and preparing for our summit bid.
• Take part in an American Lung Association adventure and see why our RMI guides continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.

This climb is an intermediate level program and is appropriate for climbers in great physical condition with prior mountaineering experience. A full day of 2.0 skills training is included in the itinerary similar to KAF Alpine Leadership Course. Additionally, clothing and equipment details, and mountaineering self-care techniques are taught and put into practice prior to the climb.