Ski Mountaineering Course (Smc)
Difficulty
Duration
6 Days
Season
July to November
Gearlist
PRICE $4,450 NZD
Take your backcountry skills to the next level with the SMC, a six-day intensive introduction to winter ski-based mountaineering. Based in the remote, glaciated heart of the Aoraki Mount Cook Region, you will live and learn at high-altitude mountain huts surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers.
This course isn’t just about theory; it’s about experiential learning. You will spend up to five nights in the mountains, refining the technical skills needed to tour safely through complex, glaciated terrain. Master the challenges of the climb, then trade effort for adrenaline on a high-altitude ski descent.
Experience & Learnings
Is this course for you?
We designed the SMC for strong skiers and snowboarders with some touring experience who want to reach those otherwise inaccessible lines.
Are you ready to transition from standard backcountry touring to technical mountaineering?
Requirements
Skill Level: You are a strong intermediate (or better) skier or snowboarder
Experience: You have previous touring experience and can skin uphill. You have some basic mountaineering experience. This course is an ideal follow-up for those who may have completed an MEC (Mountain Experience Course) or ASC (Alpine Skills Course).
Fitness: You possess the high level of aerobic fitness to handle eight-hour days in the field.
Advantage: Prior rope skills from rock climbing or mountaineering are beneficial.
Hone your backcountry skills
Your guide will help you develop judgment and technique through hands-on practice. The curriculum includes the Mountain Safety Council Level 1 Avalanche Skills Course (ASC1).
Core Instructional Topics:
Glacier Travel & Safety: Crevasse rescue, rope systems, and navigating glaciated terrain.
Technical Tools: Ice axe and crampon techniques specifically for accessing remote ski areas.
Avalanche Awareness: Hazard evaluation, transceiver training, and rescue protocols.
Backcountry Touring Essentials: Terrain analysis, route finding, and weather forecasting.
Mountain Craft: Trip planning, snow anchors, and downhill backcountry skiing.
DAtes and Specifics
What’s Included
Professional NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guides
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
Alpine Guides’ Technical Manual
Price: $4,450 per person
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.
2026 Course Dates
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| SMC 1 | 10 - 15 August 2026 |
| SMC 2 | 07 - 09 September 2026 |
| SMC 3 | 05 - 10 October 2026 |
| SMC 4 | 01 - 07 November 2026 |
Maximum and Minimum Bookings
Maximum Bookings: The SMC has a maximum of 4 participants per guide.
Minimum Bookings: A minimum of 3 people is required to run each SMC to full length.
If only 2 participants are booked, we still run the course, but reduce the length to 5 days
If only one person is booked, we cannot run the course. You can either receive a full refund, or we can organise a different trip on a 1:1 basis, with an adjustment of fees. We will advise well ahead of the course start date in this case.
NZAC Discount
New Zealand Alpine Club Members can receive a 10% discount on this course.
Check with us before booking, with your membership number, and we can supply a promo code.
COURSE STRUCTURE - LIFE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY
To maximize your time on the snow, we fly you directly into the mountains. We don't follow a rigid day-to-day schedule; instead, our guides adapt to the prevailing weather and snow conditions to give you the most comprehensive experience possible.
Instructional Days: Expect to be out for approximately eight hours a day, starting around 7:00 am.
The Peaks: Weather permitting, we will attempt one or two peaks that offer long, rewarding ski descents.
The Turns: While technical skills are the focus, we never overlook the importance of finding great powder.
Seasonal Variation
Winter (July/August): Best for those seeking cold temperatures and a high likelihood of dry powder.
Spring (September/October): Features longer, warmer days and maximum snow cover. This season often provides "corn snow," which is ideal for those newer to off-piste environments.
Aircraft And HUts
Aircraft Use
We fly in and out from your mountain venue, by helicopter. The price is included in the course fees.
This avoids an arduous 2-day walk-in (and 1 to 1.5-day ski/walk-out) and more importantly, it maximises your touring and training opportunities.
Mountain Huts
The SMC can be run from several venues. Your guide will choose the best location based on mountain conditions and the forecast weather for your trip.
Tasman Saddle
A classic venue at the top of our largest glacier, this is where most SMCs are based. Arguably, this is NZ’s best alpine training ground.
Pioneer Hut
Another amazing venue that we will visit with a favourable weather window. Pioneer Hut is located on the Fox Glacier névé, west of the Main Divide.
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking
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