The Old Ski Bowl route saves you up to 850' elevation gain. There is water available at springs located along this route in the lower part of the bowl. What equipment you need depends on the route you select and the time of year. A person in great physical condition can make the climb through Avalanche Gulch in one day. However, more people are successful in reaching the summit when they take two days.
Most people like to go part way up and spend the night to acclimate themselves to the elevation.
There are three principal camping locations on the Avalanche Gulch Route. Human waste MUST be packed out if electing to camp along the Avalanche Gulch Route above Horse Camp. The advantage of camping at Lake Helen is that you are ready to accomplish the steepest part of the climb fresh from a night's rest. The disadvantage is that the ground at Lake Helen is rocky, the winds generally strong, and the temperatures cold, all of which may rob you of a good night's rest. The third option for camping is along the route in the upper Ski Bowl.