The Are You Fit Enough Challenge

The Are You Fit Enough Challenge

In June of last year we launched our “Are you fit enough?” one-day Grand Teton challenge, and Kim Dolmatch was our first taker. Kim was training for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc that starts in Chamonix, France. The “UTMB” is a 168-kilometer race through the mountains of Europe that can last up to 30 hours. Kim did a lot of  climbing with Exum Mountain Guides last summer to get ready for the event and her training started with a one-day Grand Teton! Below is a photographic summary of her day:

4:15 am - the end of the switchbacks headed into Garnet Canyon  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection 5:30 am - Petzoldt's Caves  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection
5:45 am - Summit of the Grand, where we are headed  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection 9:30 am - Unsoeld's Lieback  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection
10:05 am - The Summit with a smile  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection 3:50 pm - Still running, nearing the end of the adventure  Photo: Exum Guide Brenton Reagan collection

Here’s the challenge again – Are YOU fit enough? We challenge you to become the first taker in 2013!

What do you get when you take a classic North American climb and add a little epic? The answer is a one-day ascent of the Grand Teton with Exum Mountain Guides … and if you are fit enough to take it on, the reward will be extreme bragging rights! Finish a marathon? – Nice. Complete a triathlon? – Not Bad. Accomplish this? – WOW!

Reaching the summit of the Grand Teton is typically a two-day effort that any outdoor enthusiast can be proud of. Reaching the summit in one day entitles you to a new level of proud. Think you’re fit enough? – Keep Reading.

The details: You will cover 14,000 feet of elevation gain/loss with fast paced hiking, scrambling, climbing, down climbing and rappelling in your 12-16 hour effort. Along the way you will encounter breathtaking views, sometimes through the sweat dripping into your eyes. You’ll pass other climbers on the way up, and on the way down, and you’ll stop only for short rests to grab a snack, water, and down some GU. If you are successful you will be rewarded with a summit view that is hard to beat and memories you will never forget.

Still think you’re fit enough? Call us to book your climb and together we will find out! More Info.

The fine print: You must qualify for this climb prior to the attempt. We require a preparation day or check-out climb for all Grand Teton climbers.

About The Author



  • Arc'Teryx
  • Black Diamond
  • Virginian Lodge
  • Evoke Endurance
  • La Sportiva
  • Mammut
  • 4FRNT