2024 Snow Skills | Mountain Journeys

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.

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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

10% off for bookings of 2 or more people

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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

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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.)

“What an incredible, memorable experience in the mountains! Mountain Journeys provided the perfect combo: a great guide who can communicate clearly, excellent food, and quality equipment. Can’t wait to go again!”

“The snow skills course exceeded my expectations. I knew I would be challenged, but the sense of achievement I felt without feeling scared has made me more confident about what I’m capable of. Your style of calmly supporting and encouraging each participant is a real skill.”

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the backcountry, so before the course I wasn’t sure if I was the target audience. But I can firmly say I learnt a ton of stuff, and it was super fun. Rob has a delightful relaxed manner which reflects a lot of time spent doing something. It made me feel confident and secure. I really appreciated how well organised the course was. Whatever your level, you’ll finish wiser than when you started.”

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 courses will be open to anyone.

Course Dates:

14-16 September at Temple Basin – SOLD OUT (meet 6pm Friday 13 Sept in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 16 Sept)
- Instructors: Rob Frost and Scott Barry
28-30 September at Temple Basin – women only – 4 places remaining (meet 6pm Friday 27 Sept in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 30 Sept)
- Instructors: Anna Scheirlinck and Tarsh Turner

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Food and accommodation provided:

Accommodation on Friday night. 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).
Accommodation on Saturday and Sunday nights. We’ll camp out on whichever night has the best weather forecast, in tents provided by us. The other night will be spent at the Temple Basin Lodge.
Overnight meals during the course: We’ll provide dinners on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfasts and lunches on all three days. For the night we camp these will be freeze-dried meals.
You’ll need to organise your own dinner on the Friday, and snacks for the entire three day course.
You’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the start and finish of the course (meeting 6pm on the Friday; finishing 4pm on the Monday).

Required Clothing and Equipment

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

Click Book Now, fill out the Sign Up form, and let us know your preferred course dates
Transfer $1475 using the details at the bottom of our T&Cs page. Bookings are not confirmed until payment in full has been received.

…or send us a quick message via our contact page to let us know you’re interested.

Meet this season’s team of instructors: