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
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 courses will be open to anyone.
Course Dates:
- 6-8 July at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 5 July in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 8 July)
- Instructors: Rob Frost and Anna Loomes
- 3-5 August at Temple Basin (meet 6pm Friday 2 Aug in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 5 Aug)
- Instructors: Rob Frost and Bia Boucinhas
- 10-12 August at Temple Basin – women only (meet 6pm Friday 9 Aug in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 12 Aug)
- Instructors: Bia Boucinhas and Lydia Bradey
- 24-26 August at Remarkables (meet 6pm Friday 23 Aug in Arthurs Point; finishes 4pm Monday 26 Aug)
- Instructors: Rob Frost and Ryan Colley
- 14-16 September at Temple Basin (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 (meet 6pm Friday 27 Sept in Arthurs Pass; finishes 4pm Monday 30 Sept)
- 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.
- 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).
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:
