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Alpine Climbing Instruction

“Steve and I got on great and he did a superb job of guiding and teaching. We managed to cover all the topics I had on my mind along with numerous others - he's a wealth of information. In addition we climbed a few very nice mountains.” Andrew Croskery

The Alpine Climbing Instruction program is available in six, eight or ten day options to give the best possible chance of good climbing weather in normal summer conditions. The Guide to climber ratio is a maximum of 1:4, and lower ratios may be recommended for more ambitious trips.

Experience Required

Since you choose the group members, the program can be built around your previous experience and interests. Our minimum requirement is a high level of fitness, with the ability to focus, and to enjoy the mountain environment.

  Ice Climbing
 
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Cost per person (NZ$) -
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  6 days 8 days 10 days
4 persons $1850 $2150 $2495
3 persons $2150 $2495 $2950
2 persons $2475 $2895 $3295
     
 
 

Sunrockice Alpine Climbing Instruction Program

Course Instruction topics

  • trip planning and preparation
  • food preparation, cooking
  • hut management
  • equipment for alpine rock and ice
  • alpine rope techniques
  • knots
  • mountain weather
  • avalanche information
  • glacier travel
  • crevasse rescue
  • route finding
  • snow and ice climbing
  • snow, ice and rock anchors
  • belay techniques
  • map and compass navigation
  • step cutting
  • abseiling / rappelling
  • emergency shelters
  • mountain first aid


Risk acceptance

Mountaineering is a hazardous activity. The Guide’s first priority is always client safety. He or she is trained to decide whether climbing routes and instruction can be safely attempted in the current situation, or if an alternative activity should be considered for the day.

Weather conditions, potential ice and rock fall, the extent of crevasses, snow surface conditions, fitness and experience define the acceptable margins for each day’s instruction or climb.

Alternative Options

While your Guide will endeavour to cover all parts of the Alpine Climbing Instruction program, some options may be limited due to prevailing circumstances during the course.

Conditions

  • Alpine Climbing Instruction cost includes Guide, National Park fees, food, fuel, hut fees, and NZ GST tax.
  • The cost does not include rental equipment, or aircraft access.
  • Equipment list sent on receipt of confirmed booking.
  • Standard booking conditions apply.
  • All Guides are trained and internationally qualified through the NZMGA and UIAGM.

Other Information

All alpine climbing instruction courses start 10.00am the first day, and finish at 5.00pm the last day, at Mt Cook village, unless otherwise confirmed.

Your course payment includes Guide(s) fees, National Park fees, food, fuel, hut fees, and G.S.T tax, for the course duration. Aircraft flight costs are not included.

However, we do prefer to maximize high climbing time by flying in at the first opportunity, either ski plane or helicopter, depending on availability. We are often able to negotiate a price for you that's less than the standard charter rate on the day.

We also strongly recommend flying out if the weather and conditions allow aircraft landings. Flying out is an extra and variable cost, depending on the aircraft type, location, loading, and flight conditions.

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