ESSENTIAL SNOW SKILLS FOR THE NZ MOUNTAINS: 3-DAY COURSE

JULY-SEPT 2024

Learn how to move through alpine environments safely and comfortably, as part of a small group with two instructors.

This course covers essential skills for trampers aiming to cross alpine passes, hunters seeking tahr or chamois anytime other than late summer, and anyone getting started with mountaineering or ski touring.

Duration: 3 days (see below for dates)

Max participant:instructor ratio of 4:1

Includes all alpine/avalanche equipment and high quality 4-season tents

Cost: $1475

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On this course you’ll learn:

  • How to equip yourself for the mountains
  • Walking in the snow securely and efficiently
  • Using ice axe and crampons
  • Avalanche risk assessment and rescue
  • Camping and cooking in the snow
  • Emergency shelters
  • Logistical tips for making life easier in cold places

How our courses are different:

  • We provide all alpine equipment so you don’t need to hire it.
  • We provide high quality dinners and breakfasts.
  • You’ll spend a night camping in the snow in our 4-season tents, giving you a true alpine experience.
  • We give you plenty of time on your feet by staying on the mountain for the whole three days instead of returning to town every night – our Arthurs Pass courses are based at a high lodge at 1360m. (For the course in Queenstown, we’ll return to town for one of the two nights.)

Two of this year’s courses will be for women only – and instructed by women – so you can learn with like-minded people in a supportive environment. The other five courses will be open to anyone.

Course Dates:

  • 6-8 July at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 5 July in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Rob Frost and Anna Loomes
  • 27-29 July at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 26 July in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Rob Frost and Simon Ball
  • 3-5 August at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 2 Aug in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Rob Frost and Bia Boucinhas
  • 10-12 August at Temple Basin – women only (meet 6pm Friday 9 Aug in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Bia Boucinhas and Lydia Bradey
  • 24-26 August at Remarkables (meet 6pm Friday 23 Aug in Queenstown)
    • Instructors: Rob Frost and Ryan Colley
  • 14-16 September at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 13 Sept in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Rob Frost and Scott Barry
  • 28-30 September at Temple Basin – women only (meet 6pm Friday 27 Sept in Arthurs Pass)
    • Instructors: Anna Loomes, Bia Boucinhas, and Tarsh Turner

Food and accommodation provided:

  • Accommodation on Friday night. For the Temple Basin courses this will be a basic club lodge in Arthurs Pass with showers, a full kitchen, and bunks in a shared room (you’ll need your own sleeping bags and towels). For the Remarkables course the accommodation will be at the Top10 Holiday Park in Arthurs Point, in a shared room with a mini kitchen, with linen and towels provided. You’re welcome to stay nearby at alternative accommodation arranged by you if you prefer.
  • Accommodation on Saturday and Sunday nights. We’ll camp out on whichever night has the best weather forecast, in tents provided by us. For the Temple Basin courses, the other night will be spent at the Temple Basin Lodge. For the Remarkables course, the other night will be at the same accommodation as the Friday night.
  • Overnight meals during the course: We’ll provide dinners on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfasts on Sunday and Monday. For the night we camp these will be freeze-dried meals.
  • You’ll need to organise your own dinner on the Friday, breakfast on Saturday, and lunches/snacks for the entire three day course. We also recommend you bring your preferred hot drinks for the evening/morning on the night we camp.
  • Courses will finish at 5pm Monday in Arthurs Pass/Queenstown. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to return home from there (and to the start of the course on the Friday).
Required Clothing and Equipment

To book your spot on what we consider to be the best possible introductory alpine course available in Aotearoa…

  1. Click Book Now, fill out the Sign Up form, and let us know your preferred course dates
  2. Transfer $1475 using the details at the bottom of our T&Cs page. Bookings are not confirmed until payment in full has been received.
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…or send us a quick message via our contact page to let us know you’re interested.

Meet this season’s team of instructors: