Ski touring at Westland and Mount Cook National Parks

There are a number of options available for this trip depending on snow and weather conditions and group ability. We base ourselves at Kelman, Pioneer or Centennial Huts, and undertake day tours from there. Options available are:

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.

Godley Lake
Godley Glacier: You can also choose the very remote Godley Glaciers for our ski touring, basing yourself at the Godley Hut. 4WD access from Lake Tekapo up the Godley Valley and foot access only. The Godley Glaciers are a Wilderness Area and are not accessible by plane. Access to the Godley Glaciers depends on the lake at the glacier terminal being frozen. This usually only happens in July/early August. This area is seldom visited and offers skiers both moderate as well as steep and challenging terrain.

Franz Josef Glacier
Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers: The head of the Fox Glacier (Pioneer Hut) or Franz Josef Glacier (Centennial Hut) in 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 difficult, the views over the Tasman Sea are unrivalled. Mounts Lendenfeld and Tasman may be climbed from Pioneer Hut, the Minarets are accessible from Centennial Hut.

Climbing Mt Von Bulow on the Franz Josef Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier is suitable for moderate skiers who enjoy easy terrain. Outstanding views are obtained from easy peaks to the west of the Main Divide, such as Mount Von Bulow or Drummond Peak. 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 the Fox Glacier past ice falls to Chancellor Hut. These rate amongst the finest New Zealand has to offer.

Skiing near Caroline Hut
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.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: E
Up to 8-9hrs physical activity each day.
Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m.
Some exposure to heights.
Skiing experience necessary.
High level of fitness required.

It is essential that participants are fit enough to walk out from the high mountain venue in case bad weather prevents a return flight. This can involve skiing and hiking with a full pack (approximately 20kg including skis) over sometimes rough ground for 6 to 8 hours. Participants need to be able to ski competently in untracked snow and with a backpack.

Guides & Safety

All mountain and ski guides undergo professional training through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association which has international accreditation with the IFMGA/UIAGM, the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations.

What to take

Essential Items

You will be supplied with all technical mountaineering equipment at no extra charge.

Please bring:

backpack minimum 45 litres

snow gaiters to fit over ski boots

2 pairs woollen socks

wool or polypropylene thermal long-sleeved top and longjohns

polar fleece pants

water proof overtrousers

wool jersey or polar fleece jacket

waterproof raincoat with hood

wool mittens/gloves

overmitts

wool hat or balaclava

sunhat

headlamp or torch with spare battery

plastic bags

pack liner

Equipment you must bring yourself

alpine ski touring boots with removable inners

personal underwear

long sleeved shirt to avoid sunburn

sunglasses, sun and lip screen

personal first aid

toilet gear

drink bottle (minimum 1 litre)

camera

down jacket

ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

Transport

Transport from the meeting point in Tekapo to the start of the ski touring trip and return is included in the price. You will travel in a small minibus.

Food

All meals are included on the Ski Tour. Please advise us if you are a vegetarian.

Accommodation

Caroline Hut in the Mount Cook National Park is privately owned and exclusively used by guided Ball Pass or ski-touring parties. This hut can be heated.

Kelman, Pioneer, Centennial and Godley Huts are public huts that cannot be booked. The huts work on a first come first served basis. Skiers and climbers must carry their own sleeping bags, food, stove, fuel and cooking utensils to the huts as well as some party equipment and their personal equipment.

Accommodation is required at Lake Tekapo before and after the tour.

Questions

Because of the flexibility and options available on this tour, please email us any specific questions you have.

Additional Costs

Aircraft access (approx $450 per person) This will alter depending on the option chosen and on weather and snow conditions.
Public Holidays will incur a surcharge of NZ$80 per day.

Booking Conditions

Price includes:

Guide, hire of all ski touring and mountaineering equipment with the exception of alpine ski touring boots, all meals while on the climb, hut fees, surface transport from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook and return, 15% Goods and Services Tax and National Park concession fees.

Accommodation and meals in Lake Tekapo before and after the climb are not included in price. Additional vehicle costs apply for the Fox & Franz Josef Glacier venue.

Payment:

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

Over 45 days before tour: $50
45 days and over 14 days before tour: $100
14 days or less before tour: NO REFUND.
NO REFUND for any services utilized after the tour has started.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Medical Conditions:

When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.

Notes:

This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
Anybody attempting to ski tour in these areas without a guide needs to be an experienced mountaineer with good judgement for snow and ice conditions, and safe route selection in an high alpine environment. Rex Simpson Hut and Caroline Hut are not available to unguided parties.

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