cass valley touring
Difficulty
Duration
4 Days
Season
August and September
Gearlist
PRICE FROM $3,075 NZD
Spring Ski and split-board touring
Explore the eastern reaches of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Nestled amongst the Liebig mountain range, the Falcon’s Nest and Lady Emily Huts provide an excellent base for intermediate to advanced ski and split-board touring - with extensive touring options from the doorstep of a cosy, private hut.
Tours run in late August and September, the best time of the ski season for reliable snow, and longer days. Book in as a group, of up to 4 people, for a few delightful days in the backcountry with your professional guide. Helicopter access and a hut in the middle of the ski terrain allows for varied days with light packs.
Experience and Learnings
Experience Required
Cass Ski Touring trips are best for reasonably fit, strong (or better) skiers and split-boarders. However, there is plenty of easily accessed mellow terrain for the less experienced skier or rider. You need:
A high level of aerobic fitness
To be a strong intermediate (or better) skier/snowboarder, able to comfortably ski black runs
Some off-piste skiing/riding experience is preferred, but not essential
To be able to ski/ride in alpine terrain carrying a backpack (up to 8 kg), if required
Possible Instruction Topics
While instruction is not the focus of the tour, the high mountain environment presents challenges, and safe travel requires some specialised knowledge. Depending on your experience level you may cover some of the following instructional topics to round out your backcountry skills:
Avalanche hazard evaluation
Avalanche transceiver searches
Uphill skinning/snowshoeing technique
Route finding
Terrain analysis
Mountain navigation
pricing, Dates, inclusions
Winter 2024 Pricing
| Group Size | Price per person in NZD |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $8,850 |
| 2 People | $4,850 |
| 3 People | $3,650 |
| 4 People | $3,075 |
All trips start at 08:30 AM on day one and finish at 5:00 PM on the final day.
Check-in at Alpine Guides office in Mount Cook Village.
Please read our booking Terms and Conditions.
What’s Included
Professional mountain guide
Helicopter flights in and out of the mountains
Mountain hut accommodation
Local accommodation (if required inside trip dates)
Meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the final day
Free use of a range of technical equipment
Dates Available
Contact us to confirm the dates for winter 2024.
venues, snow and aircraft
Touring Terrain
The Liebig Range offers a great variety of ski runs (from beginner to expert), with uphill routes linking three major valley systems ( Murchison, Jollie, and Cass) - as well as numerous smaller basins and peaks. The average length of these runs is 600-700 vertical metres.
The Gammack Range, including Fork and Fraser Streams, are the first rolling range you see across the valley as you approach Mt Cook Village. They offer unparalleled options for touring without the need for a glacial travel kit.
The top elevation on most of the runs is 2,200 – 2,400 metres. There are many lines to ski in times of good stability, with safe options available if the hazard is high. Options exist (in close proximity) to ski powder, or corn, according to prevailing conditions.
Hut Details
Lady Emily Hut - 10 bunks
The Falcon’s Nest - 8 bunks
Both huts were built by Glenmore Station owners Will and Emily Murray and are great examples of the NZ hut-building tradition. Visit their website for more hut details.
Situated perfectly for ski touring, each one is well serviced - containing mattresses, gas cookers, cooking utensils, and fireplaces - which makes keeping cosy and drying gear very easy.
See the Hut details and facilities on Glenmore Station website.
Helicopter Access and Egress
The cost of flying in and out of the mountains is included in the trip pricing. In very rare circumstances ( low cloud) you may have to walk out to a vehicle pick-up.
This will be a tough trip on foot, skiing/riding, and waking for up to 6 hours. A high level of fitness is essential.
Alternative Options
If bad weather disrupts the trip we will arrange touring at another venue, if possible. In the case that we can't fly into the mountains, the cost of your helicopter flights will be refunded, less any expenses involved in the alternatives.
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking
