Alpine Recreation logo
Alpine Recreation logo
Learning to abseil near Caroline Hut
Ropework
Learn skills to keep you safe in the mountains
Learn mixed snow, rock and ice climbing techniques at Caroline Hut
Mountaineering skills
Learn mixed snow, rock and ice climbing techniques (photo: T. Naka)
Rope skills instruction at Caroline Hut
Learn from professionals
Enthusiastic UIAGM & NZMGA mountain guides
Learning how to build rock anchors and belay, Aoraki Mount Cook
Equipment provided
Gear hire is included - no hidden costs (photo: T. Naka)
Learning to use crampons and ice axe near Caroline Hut
Mountaineering & snowcraft instruction
Learn how to move safely with crampons and ice axe (photo: T. Naka)
Learning how to climb pitches in front of Mount Cook
Low guide-client ratio
Maximum of 4 participants per guide
Snow anchors instruction in front of Mount Cook and Caroline Hut
Great instruction venue
Heated, private hut with walk in/out access
Caroline Hut in fron of Caroline face
Caroline Face
Caroline Hut sits diretly opposite New Zealands highest ice face the 2000m+ Caroline Face

Introductory Mountaineering Course

The ideal introduction to alpine and snowcraft skills

Learn the skills to safely venture beyond tramping tracks and above the snow line! This introduction to alpine terrain is based at our privately owned Caroline Hut located straight opposite the mighty Caroline Face of Aoraki Mount Cook. This course will teach you not only the technical skills of mountaineering and snow craft, but more importantly, improve your risk awareness, and ability to keep safe in the mountains.

"For an introduction to climbing in the mountains, there wouldn't be a better facility in NZ." - P. Chapman, Dunedin. More client comments.

"An Intro to Mountaineering in New Zealand" - a blog review of this course by @bearfoottheory.

 

Overview


The Introductory Mountaineering Course covers the basics of snow craft and safe mountain travel techniques. Learn how to use crampons and ice-axe, place snow and ice anchors, assess mountain weather and hazards, and much, much more.

Courses are scheduled throughout our summer season (November - April) and include a climb of Kaitiaki Peak, with an emphasis on firm snow and ice skills on the Ball Glacier. Winter courses (July - October) are offered on demand. In winter the emphasis is on soft snow skills, snow shelter building, navigation and avalanche awareness.

Equipment


EQUIPMENT
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PROVIDED

All of your equipment will be checked during the gear check at our office at the start of your trip. Any equipment you need to borrow from us will be issued by your guide.

Alpine Recreation provides helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice-axes. Outdoor clothing, packs and boots can also be provided at no extra cost if necessary. Please see the equipment list for further details.

Introductory Mountaineering Course Clothing & Equipment list.