Cordon Colmillo, Cerro Colmillo (1,896m), northeast ridge. In February and March 2012 a NOLS semester group traveled north 125km from Laguna Tranquilo to Rio Murta. On the way we explored a number of valleys and passes, as well as crossing the glaciated and granite-spired Cordon Colmillo, north of Rio Engana. To our knowledge this range (northeast of San Valentin) had seen very little exploration. On March 10 we split into two groups, one group of 12 heading through big mountain terrain and climbing an unnamed peak of ca 1,800m, while Daren Opeka and I, with six students, attempted Cerro Colmillo, a granite tower in the middle of the range.

We left camp at 9 a.m. and traversed technical glacier terrain for an hour. After assessing the ridge above, we fixed three lines to the summit. The 110m, 5.4 ridge gave a great climb to both instructors and students. We rated the entire ascent from camp at PD. Next morning Kai Girard and I repeated the route before a communal breakfast event at 8 a.m. We left camp at 5 a.m. and returned at 7.55 a.m.

Max Fisher