El Dorado Zone Program
Registration for the climb is $250 which also goes towards your fundraising goals. The minimum fundraising requirement to participate and have a guaranteed spot for your mountain is $4,750.
El Dorado East Ridge:
Beginner, Grade II, and Easy Snow/Ice to 35 degrees
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.
El Dorado West Arete:
Advanced, Grade III, Class 5.8, and Glacier Travel
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.
The climbers who sign up for the El Dorado Zone Peaks program receive the following:
- KAF Adventures fee paid on your behalf
- One nights lodging
- Our kickoff party
- Team socials
- Discounts of gear
- A delicious Climb Celebration dinner hosted by the American Lung Association and your guides
- Organized training schedule and fundraising resources and assistance
Climb Highlights
- 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.