North Face  3rd

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Type:  Trad, Alpine, 3000 feet Consensus:  3rd [details] FA:  John Muir - October 1872 Season:  Late Spring Submitted By:  Chris Owen on Mar 28, 2006 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: North Face - Ritter

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Description 

A route not to be taken lightly. You too can tread in the steps of John Muir.

From Ediza Lake follow a use trail towards Ritter and Banner Peak until you encounter the first snowfield (seasonal).

Reach second snowfield which lies above the bench by the path of least resistance, which lies to the right of the bench, somewhat below Banner Peak.

Climb up the second snowfield to a couloir which leads to the Ritter-Banner Saddle.

The third snowfield (had enough yet?) is followed to a ledge which leads into the righthand chute.

Climb up the chute - which is loose so beware - at its top traverse over onto the face which leads in steep steps finally to the summit (phew!).

Location 

Carefully descend the route.

Protection 

Ice-axe, crampons, helmet.

Photos of North Face Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: View from Ritter-Banner Saddle.	Pre-dawn approach	Crossing the 2nd snowfield (after a detour)
Tony Tennessee at the Saddle	Chris Owen crosses the 3rd snowfield - photo T.T.	On approach to Ritter/Banner.
Ritter/Banner saddle, from base.	Nearing top of Ritter/Banner saddle.	Nearing top of Ritter/Banner saddle
Mt Ritter, north face.	Mt Ritter, north face.	Some class 4, Mt. Ritter, north face.
Summit ridge, Mt Ritter.	Gorillaz on top.