For his first attempt at a ridge route, Alex chooses what he thought would be an easier mountain range. He soon realises how naive he was when it came to choosing the right terrain and time of year to hike.

After exceeding his limits on the last route, Alex decides to opt for the easiest route for which he had drawn up an itinerary. On a topographical map, the Snowcrest range looks gentle compared to the rest.

Confident after his last attempt, and with the season drawing to a close, Alex decides to branch out into a wider range. The Absaroka have a special place in his heart, as he lives at their base.