How To Get To The Snow Area In Elden Ring

Alright, Tarnished, feeling that crisp winter air calling to you? Ready to trade the sun-baked lands of Limgrave for a shimmering, snow-covered wonderland? Getting to the snow areas in Elden Ring isn't just about brute force; it's a rite of passage, a mini-quest in itself. Think of it like that time you tried to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions – frustrating at first, but oh-so-satisfying when you finally click that last piece into place.

The Great Lift of Rold: Your Snowy Gateway

Forget Uber. The primary way to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants, the first major snow area, is the Great Lift of Rold. You'll find it in the eastern part of Leyndell, Royal Capital. However, before you even think about hopping on, you need the Rold Medallion.

Finding the Rold Medallion: Two Halves Make a Whole

The Rold Medallion is split into two pieces, because of course it is. This is Elden Ring, after all. Think of it as finding the One Ring, but instead of ruling Middle-earth, you just get to fight frost giants.

First, you'll need to journey to the Fort Haight West in eastern Limgrave. Defeat the knight at the top and loot the Dectus Medallion (Left) from the chest. Next, head to Fort Faroth in Caelid, a truly unpleasant place filled with bat-things and poison. Brave its depths to find the Dectus Medallion (Right) in another chest.

Tip: Fort Faroth is genuinely awful. Consider sneaking past most of the enemies to save yourself a headache (and a few Flasks of Crimson Tears).

Activating the Great Lift: Prepare for a Switch-Up

Once you've reunited the medallion halves, travel to the Great Lift of Dectus, located north of Liurnia of the Lakes. You can reach it either by fighting your way through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice or by taking the scenic route through the Ravine-Veiled Village. Whichever path you choose, activate the lift by interacting with the two statues next to it.

Now, this is where things get interesting. You'll ride the lift up to Altus Plateau, a beautiful area in its own right. However, you're not quite at the snow yet. You need to continue east, through the capital, and then to the aforementioned Great Lift of Rold. But here's the catch:

The Secret Medallion: A Path to the Forbidden Lands

At the Great Lift of Rold, you'll have a choice. You can show the Rold Medallion to access the Mountaintops of the Giants, or you can show the Secret Haligtree Medallion (obtained through a separate, very challenging questline) to access the Consecrated Snowfield, a hidden, optional snow area.

To switch between which medallion the lift uses, stand in front of it and use the “Switch Action” prompt. This is key! Don’t accidentally trigger the wrong path after all that effort.

Tip: The Consecrated Snowfield is home to some of the toughest enemies in the game, but also some incredible rewards. Only venture there if you're feeling brave (and over-leveled!).

Beyond the Mountaintops: More Snow Awaits

The Mountaintops of the Giants themselves are a vast and challenging region, filled with towering giants, frozen lakes, and imposing fortresses. But the snowy landscapes don't end there! After progressing through the main story in the Mountaintops, you'll eventually reach the Crumbling Farum Azula, a floating, time-twisted city with its own unique brand of snowy desolation.

Reflecting on the Journey

The journey to the snow in Elden Ring isn't a simple sprint; it's a marathon of exploration, perseverance, and the occasional well-placed dodge roll. It's a reminder that the best things in life often require effort and dedication. Just like learning a new skill, mastering a difficult recipe, or simply getting through a tough week at work, reaching those snow-covered peaks is a testament to your resilience and determination. So, embrace the challenge, Tarnished, and may your journey be filled with glorious victories and stunning vistas. And remember, even if you fall, you can always summon a friend for help!