Alpine Recreation - Our Company

Our Purpose:

We aim to give you:

• one of your most memorable mountain holidays,
• the satisfaction that comes from meeting new challenges and achieving new goals,
• the stimulation that comes from new experiences and new friendships,
• all the while keeping in tune with the natural environment and ensuring that those who come after us find it just as good or better than we found it.

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Our Values:

• Safety - high professional standards
• Service - conscientious attention to detail
• Sustainability - minimal environmental impact
• Spirit - our people are passionate and enthusiastic.

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Background:

When Gottlieb Braun-Elwert emigrated from Germany in 1978 he was already an internationally certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain and ski guide. He immediately set about assisting the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association to gain international recognition for their training and assessment scheme. This they gained in 1981 and Gottlieb continued for many years to train and assess many of New Zealand's well-known mountain guides, who went on to set up guiding companies of their own.

Gottlieb founded Alpine Recreation Canterbury Ltd. in 1981, together with his wife, Anne. They were the first outdoor adventure company in New Zealand to offer ski touring using skinny and Telemark skis. With the building of their own hut in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park they established the Ball Pass Trek operation, recognised by a Tourism Award in 1991. Since 1981 they have been the preferred operator for the German Alpine Club's trekking tours of New Zealand, gaining tourism awards for eco-tourism and natural heritage.

After 25 years of operation Alpine Recreation continues to stay at the forefront of mountain guiding in New Zealand. We are a member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand TIANZ, and have Qualmark endorsement.

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• Alpine Recreation has undergone an independent assessment for tourism quality and has Qualmark endorsement.
• Ball Pass trips and Introductory Climbing Courses are based at our Caroline Hut. It is the only owner-operated hut in Aoraki - Mount Cook National Park. The hut is for your exclusive use and guarantees your bunk space. Located in a spectacular high alpine setting it is outfitted with a wood-fired stove for heating, has solar lighting, and has full kitchen facilities with gas stoves. It has sleeping bags and is also stocked with non-perishable food. Load carrying is thus being minimised. If bad weather forces a climbing course indoors, you are ensured of a private classroom, conducive to learning. Climbing crags, snow and ice fields are nearby, thus minimising travelling time and maximising learning.
• By not relying on flying for our climbing courses and the Ball Pass Crossing our activities are less weather-dependent and less expensive! Nor do we have to factor in extra weather-allowance time.
• We include equipment in our tour packages, so no hidden costs. Our sturdy Meindl leather mountaineering boots are ideal for the peri-glacial area of Ball Pass. Plastic boots as hired out by other operators are NOT suitable for this setting.
• We provide our guides with company vans certified to transport clients (C.O.F.), and our guides have "P" driver licences, an advanced driver qualification for driving clients.
• We provide a freephone service and satellite phone access.
• Another quality owner-operated hut: Rex Simpson Hut in the Two Thumb Range provides an excellent base for hiking in summer and ski touring in winter.
• We have a catering manager to prepare food: fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, quality cheeses and meats. Together with the gourmet skills of the guides, this ensures a consistently high standard cuisine. All snacks included. Non-perishable food is at the hut.
• Because food quantities are carefully planned and prepared there is minimal waste to be carried out at the end of the trip and minimal effect on the environment.
• Our clients consistently give us top marks in their feedback ratings for environmental responsibility. If you are interested please e-mail us for our environmental policy.
• With the quality of our hut facilities, our experienced guides and the high standard of service provided from food to equipment, our trips offer excellent value-for-money.
• After 26 years of operation Alpine Recreation continues to stay at the forefront of mountain guiding in New Zealand. Director, Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, remains active in the field and pro-active with safety research.

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