Glacier Training Course
Difficulty
Duration
4 Days
Season
October to April
Gearlist
PRICE from $2,750 NZD
The 4-day Glacier Training Course is an in-depth focused refresher for climbers venturing back into serious glaciated alpine terrain, after forced domestic retirement.
“Peak bagging" is not the focus of the course, but we won't turn down the opportunity to get up a peak, or have a crack at ice climbing on seracs. The course aims to finish with a climb of Anzac Peaks (2,528 metres) or Glacier Dome (2,452 metres).
For those with more specific requirements, it can be a perfect introduction to glacier travel, route-finding, and crevasse rescue techniques.
Learnings & Outcomes
The Glacier Training Course is ideal for:
Climbers needing a refresher in modern glacier technique
As a follow-up to Alpine Guides Mountain Skills Course or Mountain Experience Course
As a follow-up to NZ Alpine Club’s Intermediate Snowcraft Courses (or similar)
People who need specific training for safe travel in glaciated terrain (e.g. South Georgia or Antarctic travel).
Any general high-altitude mountaineering and alpine travel, anywhere in the world
What you will learn
Glacier travel techniques and modern rope systems
Safe travel and route finding
Crevasse rescue and self rescue systems including: prusiking, assisted hoist, 6:1 drop loop, 3:1 and 6:1 Z-pulley systems
Refresher of ice axe and crampon technique
Outcomes - what comes next?
After the course, you should be able to:
Travel confidently in glaciated terrain
Choose a safe route in glaciated terrain
Perform a self rescue
Rescue your climbing buddy
Schedule and Specifics
Price: from NZ$2,750 per person
| Group size | |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $8,100 |
| 2 people | $4,525 |
| 3 people | $3,325 |
| 4 people | $2,750 |
Prices from May 2024
Prices are per person in NZ$
All courses 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.
The package Includes
Professional NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guide
All meals including snacks and energy bars
Helicopter access and egress from the mountains
Mountain Hut fees
Local accommodation, as required
Free use of a range of technical equipment
How to Book
The first step for booking is to contact us with your proposed dates. We will provide a guide to work around your travel plans (subject to availability).
Short-notice enquiries may be difficult to fill. We recommend making reservations well in advance
NZAC Discount
New Zealand Alpine Club Members can receive a discount on this course.
Check with us before booking, with your membership number, and we can supply a promo code.
ExperiEnce
Crampon and Axe Skills
Prior technical alpine (snow and ice) mountaineering experience is not required, but basic axe and crampon skills are essential.
Experience can either be through:
An introductory mountaineering course - for example our Mountain Experience Course (MEC), or NZAC Snowcraft Courses
Recreational experience on alpine pass crossings, winter mountain ascents, or other snow and ice mountaineering
Rope Skills
The course involves learning some complex rope systems. Without prior rope-handling experience, the course may present too steep a learning curve. Any rope skills from caving, abseiling, or rescue work is transferable.
You should:
Know basic climbing knots (e.g. Figure-8, Clove Hitch, Italian Hitch)
Be familiar with tying into and using a harness
Able to operate a belay device and belay a partner
Itinerary
Our courses are designed to work around changing weather and snow conditions, so each course is unique. Here is a typical course itinerary:
Day 1
After meeting your teammates, the first morning involves an outline of the course and an equipment check. If there is time some initial instruction of roping-up for glacier travel will be covered.
You fly into the mountains at the first possible opportunity, usually by 1 pm. Expect to be in the mountains for up to 4 nights of the course.
The first day will involve getting established at your hut, roping up for travel, and a basic snow-safety instruction refresher.
Day 2-3
Instructional days will begin at around 07:00. Most day's activities will have you out for 8 to 10 hours.
During any poor weather, you will be busy with rope skills, theory, and practical - using instruction venues close to the hut.
Day 4
Weather permitting the course will finish with an ascent on the final morning. We aim to have you back in Mount Cook Village by mid-afternoon on the final day.
Back at base there will be a chance to unpack, return rental gear and debrief your course. Finishing up around 5pm.
Weather Contingency
A one-day weather contingency is built into the course (at no cost to you). Please allow some flexibility in your travel plans to allow for this.
How the contingency works: If we face a bad weather forecast when you start the course, we have the option of starting (and finishing) one day later. This will allow us to take advantage of the best weather and make good use of your time.
Aircraft And HUts
The course is based at Aoraki Mount Cook from Plateau Hut (2,200 m). This is New Zealand's most heavily glaciated region and a perfect training venue for practising your skills and bagging a peak to finish the course.
We fly in and out of the hut to maximise your climbing and training opportunities. Aircraft costs are fully covered by the course fees.
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking
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