Elie de Beaumont forms part of the ‘great divide’ of the Southern Alps, an expansive ridgeline separating the east and west sides of the South Island and it is thus subjected to typically temperamental weather. The mountain is named after a prominent 19th century French geologist whose full name Jean-Baptiste Armand Louis Léonce Élie de Beaumont is a bit of a mouthful.

The normal ascent route up the south-east flank is relatively straightforward, however crossing the Anna Glacier can become complicated late in the season. The slope between Mt. Walter and Elie de Beaumont approaches 45 degrees in places, although it is not very sustained nor exposed. The final climb to the summit is often exposed ice and may not be skiable. From below the final summit slopes ski back down roughly following the line of ascent.

An alternative descent takes the west flank starting from before the summit and just above the col with Mt. Walter. This descent is sustained at 40-45 degrees and good conditions and snow stability are imperative. It is then possible to climb back up the col to a via a couloir or to climb a couloir further to the right which comes out behind Mt. Walter.