The ASC is a 7-day mountaineering course, designed to take you from "learning the ropes" to "stepping out on your own." The Southern Alps offer some of the most rewarding glaciated terrain in the world. This course provides a robust technical grounding in a high-stakes environment.
Rather than just following a guide, you will be coached to understand the logic behind every placement and transition. From modern ice tool technique to essential crevasse rescue, you will develop a functional mountain “toolkit” that allows you to begin venturing into the mountains independently and build on your experience safely.
We also don’t miss the opportunity to climb one or 2 peaks through the course as you build your skill base.
The Experience
Based in the remote terrain of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, we use helicopter access to place you directly in the best training environment. You'll spend 7 days immersed in the "big mountains," mentored by NZMGA/IFMGA guides who focus on developing your judgment as much as your technical skills.
Is this course for you?
The ASC is designed for those starting long-term mountaineering objectives—whether you’re a rock climber adapting your skills to the alpine, or an experienced hiker ready to transition to glaciated terrain. You’ll leave with a solid base of skills, ready to start planning your own alpine trips.
The curriculum focuses on the essential technical and decision-making skills needed for climbing and travelling in a serious glaciated alpine environment.
Technical Ropework and Climbing
Gear: Selection, care, and effective use of modern technical equipment.
Systems: Essential knots, hitches, and rope management for the high alpine.
Movement: Techniques for efficient climbing on snow, ice, and alpine rock.
Safety: Abseiling, belay techniques, and multi-point anchor systems.
Glaciated Terrain
Glacier Travel: Route finding and safe roped travel through complex crevassed terrain.
Rescue Systems: Practical crevasse rescue techniques and hauling systems.
Hazard Management: Basic avalanche evaluation and mountain weather forecasting.
Emergency Protocols: Constructing emergency shelters and managing crises.
Mountain Craft and Logic
Strategies: Trip planning and preparation.
Navigation: Map, compass, and GPS use in a high-altitude context.
Mountain Living: Hut etiquette, nutrition, and efficient gear management for multi-day trips.
Outcomes
Plan with Confidence: Evaluate terrain and weather to better organise your own independent mountaineering trips in New Zealand or abroad.
Make Better Decisions: Interpret real-time conditions to make informed "go/no-go" safety choices.
Move with Efficiency: Navigate and travel through glaciated terrain with the essential training to handle unexpected challenges.
Continue Your Progression: You will leave with a clear understanding of your own limits and the framework needed to safely build your mountain experience.
To ensure safety and a great experience, all participants should meet these criteria:
Physical Fitness
Technical Skills
You should arrive with basic "climbing literacy," including:
The Essentials
Unsure if you're ready? Please get in touch before booking. We’re happy to chat and ensure this is the right course for you.
Minimum Numbers
These courses require a minimum of 3 participants to run to full length.
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.
If your rope skills are a bit rusty, or limited, you should sign up for a "Tune-Up" prior to your ASC. The Tune-Up is an optional one-day clinic designed to get you to a minimum basic level of rope work expected on the course, which runs prior to the start of every Alpine Skills Course. You can select it as an add-on when booking online.
read more about tune up
Looking for a personalised experience?
Make it private for a flexible schedule, customised objectives, and one-on-one time with your guide.
