Ski Touring
Mount Cook and Westland National Park Glaciers 5-7 days:
Wilderness skiing at its best. Alpine and Telemark Ski Touring amongst the glaciers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. We base ourselves at Kelman, Pioneer or Centennial Huts, and undertake day tours from there. The glacier runs are spectacular: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Tasman, Darwin, Bonney and Murchison Glaciers. Depending on conditions some very fine peaks may be climbed on skis: Elie de Beaumont (3,190m / 10,225ft), Minarets (3055m / 10,022ft), Sydney King (2,500m / 8,200ft). Aircraft access required.
Caroline Hut option
Expert Skiers may opt for a 3-day ski touring expedition to Caroline Hut. This option is also available for snow shoeing. No aircraft access required
Skill: Skiers have to be able to competently ski in untracked snow of steep gradient
Fitness: Very high level of fitness required
Alpine Recreation provides all ski touring equipment except ski mountaineering boots.
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| Group Sizes |
2 to 6 people
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| Durations |
5 to 10 days
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| Required Skill Level |
Experienced
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| Required Equipment |
Included
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| Targeted Activities |
Skiing |
| Our Certificatons |
Company Director, Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, is one of the most experience ski mountaineering guides in New Zealand. He is UIAGM certified and has been guiding since 1971. He has been operating his company, Alpine Recreation, since 1981. |
Group Types |
Private |
Groups |
Kids/Youth |
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Elderly |
Workshops/Seminars |
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Ski & Snowboard Styles |
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FreeStyle Boarding |
Cross-country Skiing |
Alpine Skiing |
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FreeRide Boarding |
Telemark Skiing |
Carve Skiing |
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FreeCarve Boarding |
FreeStyle Skiing |
Speed Skiing |
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Kite Snowboarding |
Ski Jumping |
Heli/Cat |
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Off Piste |
HalfPipe |
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Additional: Snow Shoeing also available
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Tasman & Murchison Glaciers: A very popular and reliable venue is Kelman Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier. Access is by ski plane from Mount Cook Village. Kelman Hut is the base for day trips on the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers. For intermediate skiers the Tasman Glacier offers many runs of gentle gradient. Hochstetter Dome, an easy beginners' mountain, can be climbed from here.
For the more advanced skiers the Murchison Glacier and its tributaries as well as the Darwin and Bonney Glaciers offer many rewarding ski runs. Mounts Sydney King, Mannering and Elie de Beaumont are outstanding peaks that may be attempted. Being to the east of the Main Divide the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers often enjoy perfect powder snow.
For ski mountaineers a crossing from the Tasman to the Franz Josef Glacier is possible via the Rudolf Glacier and Graham Saddle.
Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers: The head of the Fox Glacier (Pioneer Hut) or Franz Josef Glacier (Centennial Hut) in the Westland National Park offer great venues on the western side of the Main Divide. Access is from Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships by helicopter. While the weather on the West Coast is more changeable, the views over the Tasman Sea are unrivalled in the world. Mounts Grey, Lendenfeld and Tasman may be climbed from Pioneer Hut, the Minarets, Mount von Bulow and Drummond Peak are accessible from Centennial Hut.
Franz Josef Glacier
For competent skiers there are the ski-descent from the Glaciers via the Fritz Range, separating the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and the magnifcent ski-run down past ice falls to Chancellor Hut or Almer Hut. These rate amongst the finest New Zealand has to offer.
Caroline Hut: For those with limited time or budget a trip to our Caroline Hut is an option for expert skiers, subject to safe snow conditions. No aircraft access needed. Steep skiing, great views of Mount Cook. This trip may also be undertaken with snow shoes.
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| Meals |
All Inclusive
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| Local Transport |
Included
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| Insurance |
Not Included
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| Additional |
Participants must bring their own ski mountaineering boots if they opt for alpine touring. Otherwise all equipment can be provided, including Telemark gear. Cost does not include glacier plane or helicopter if you are choosing a venue you need to fly to.
Alpine Recreation is a Qualmark endorsement for its activities. |
| Nearby Attractions |
Lake Tekapo |
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