Ski Mountaineering Trip

Big Mountain Skiing in the Southern Alps - New Zealand

Ski Mountaineering Trip

A ski mountaineering trip in the Southern Alps is an exhilarating blend of alpine climbing and thrilling skiing in one of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges. This adventure begins with an early morning departure, laden with gear including skis, skins, crampons, and ice axes. The journey often starts with a helicopter drop-off or a strenuous ascent from mountain hut, setting the tone for an epic mission.

Throughout the trip, you experience the raw beauty of the Southern Alps, from jagged peaks and glistening glaciers to secluded alpine valleys. The combination of mountaineering climbs and the sheer joy of skiing from the summits creates an unforgettable sense of adventure. Evenings are spent in mountain huts or tents, sharing stories and preparing for the next day’s challenges.

This ski mountaineering expedition not only tests physical and technical abilities but also fosters a profound connection with the wild, rugged landscapes of New Zealand, making it a quintessential experience for any skier and alpinist.

TRIP OBJECTIVES IDEAS

Just to name fews Ski Mountaineering Trip objectives in the Southern Alps of New Zealand:

Mt Earnlsaw, Mt Barth, Mt French, The Minarets North Face, Glacier Peak West Face, Sealy Range Travers, Elie De Beaumont, Mt Hamilton, …

Only our imagination is our limit!

ski difficulty

Ski-Mountaineeirng is not for the fainted heart! An excellent fitness as well as a great alpine ski technique is required for those trips. Altough not necesseraly super steep ( most of the Ski-Mountaineering objective could be found under 45º of slope angle ), Ones can found themselves in exposes places where a fall is prohibited.

Trip Info

LOCATION

Southern Alps NZ | Mt Cook NP – West Coast Glaciers | Mt Aspiring NP

DATES

August to mid November

DURATION

2 to 5 day trip

SKI TOURING DIFFICULTY

Advanced

GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO  / GROUP SIZE

1 Guide for 2 people max

Private Group Only

PRICE

From NZ$1,650/pers

Itinerary

The itineray will vary, depending on the weather and snow conditions at the time of the trip. Here is a quick snip at what it would be:

Day 0. Meet in Wanaka, gear check

Day 1. Travel to location. Then access to the mountains, either walk in or helicopter access ( not included in the price ). Set up camp or settle in a mountain hut. Ideally at the foot of our main ski-mountaineering objective.

Day 2, 3 & 4. Early start then ski-mountaineering from the hut. Back to the hut end of the afternon after a full day out and a successful ski-mountaineering missiomn.

Day 5. Early start then ski out for long ski run to the lower part of the glacier for a low heli pick up. or walk out. Back to Wanaka.

Dates & Pricing

PRICE - 2 DAY TRIP
1 pers. NZ$2,950
2 pers. NZ$1,650/pers.
PRICE - 3 DAY TRIP
1 pers. NZ$4,250
2 pers. NZ$2,350/pers.
PRICE - 4 DAY TRIP
1 pers. NZ$5,450
2 pers. NZ$3,350/pers.
PRICE - 5 DAY TRIP
1 pers. NZ$6,950
2 pers. NZ$3,950/per.
DATES

August to mid-November – Flexible dates

EXTRA WEATHER DAY

NZ$650/group

TRIP INCLUSION
  • IFMGA/NZMGA Mountain & Ski Guides
  • Ground Transport From Wanaka
  • Technical climbing and Ski Gear
  • All mountain meals + snacks
  • Alpine Huts Fee
  • Avalanche Safety Gear
  • GST
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
  • Ski Touring Gear
  • Helicopter Flights if applicable
  • Personal Equipment
  • Personal Insurance
  • Cancellation Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Extra Weather Day, What this is?

It’s a NON-GUIDED day, to add-on at the begining and/or the end of your trip at the time of booking, to guaranty the availiability of the guide, in the event of bad weather and the trip’s dates have to be shiftted slightly. The price is per group and  per day and does not include accomodation or meals.

What If the weather is bad for my trip ?

The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a worldwide desired climbing and skiing destination due to its remoteness and wilderness beauty. Windows of nice settled weather between fronts are oftern in place. But as for all mountain ranges in the world, the Southern Alps also has challenging weather. After all, it’s a long, high mountain range located on a tiny island surounded by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean…

Summit Explorers Mountain Guides are well experienced in judging the weather and conditions to provide you the best possible trip. They will go above and beyond to make the trip happen. But sometimes, it’s out of our control, so  if the weather remains terrible and prevents the trip from happenning as originally planned, you will be offered a different location and/or climb. There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions. However, depending of the agreement and avaibility of the guide, an arrangment could be discussed to postpone the trip at a different date. 

Should I get a trip insurance

We strongly advice that all clients purchase travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Summit Explorers due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has  an option which includes a “Cancel for any Reason” policy. Rescue and Extraction is covered by ACC in New Zealand, however ACC does not cover for any trip cancellation. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. . You can learn more and get a free quote here: Global Rescue by Summit Explorers

How do I get to Wanaka

Queenstown airport is the closest to Wanaka. There are regular shuttles which service Wanaka.

For shuttle and taxi information:

Ritchies Bus Shuttle

Taxi Roam Wanaka

Summit explorers Terms and Conditions

Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page

Why Choose Summit Explorers

YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL GUIDING EXPERIENCE

Our Company and our incredible team of mountain guides are passionate, talented climbers and skiers who have a extremely valuable guiding experience in the New Zeland mountains and Internationally.

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SAFETY FOCUSED

Our number one priority is insuring that every body that join us on a trip, will enjoy a safe one! Certified Mountain Guides are trained to perform at the highest international standards of skills and safety.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Adaptative to your needs and dreams, always on the search to make your mountain journey a memorable one, that’s what we do and how we guide.

Book your Ski Mountaineering Trip

Ski Mountaineering Trip - Mount Cook NP - West Coast Glaciers - Guided Ski Trip - Steep Skiing - Mountain Guides Wanaka Queenstown