What is the minimum prominence for an ultra-prominent peak?

The minimum prominence for an ultra-prominent peak is 1,500 meters.

An ultra-prominent peak, often called an “ultra” or a P1500, has at least 1,500 meters of topographic prominence. Prominence measures how far a summit rises above the lowest connecting saddle to a higher mountain, rather than simply measuring its elevation above sea level.

That distinction explains why a very tall mountain may fail to qualify. The Matterhorn, for example, is famous and high, but its high connecting cols reduce its prominence below the ultra threshold. Conversely, a peak with a lower absolute elevation can qualify if it rises dramatically above its surrounding terrain.

The classification is about topographic independence and landscape dominance, not climbing difficulty or height alone. Mount Fuji, Mount Whitney, and Mount Kilimanjaro are examples of well-known ultra-prominent peaks. The term “ultra” grew from the phrase “ultra major mountain,” associated with earth scientist Steve Fry’s work on mountain prominence in Washington during the 1980s.