Mt Aspiring Guided Ascent
North West RidgeMt Aspiring Guided Ascent
Mount Aspiring/Tititea is the most southern 3000m peak of the Southern Alps. Located in the heart of the Mt Aspiring National Park, surrounded by the Bonar, the Therma and the Voltas Glaciers, this striking pyramidal shape summit rises to a majestic height of 3033m. Often reffered to as the “Matterhorn of the South”, its climb required a minimun of three days.
CLIMBING/ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The North West ridge of Mt Aspiring route has an elevation of 1200m from Colin Todd hut. First, we climb on the steep Iso Glacier on the North side of the Shipowner Ridge until we access the top part of the Therma Glacier and the start of the Norht West Ridge. Then we follow the ridge, at first technical, with lots of small steep climbs and scrtambling parts, then gradualy easying off, until the last steep 150m summit ice cap of Mt Aspiring.
The descent follows the same route down.
Climbing difficulty
The North West Ridge of Mt Aspiring is considered to be an “advanced climb”
It required good mountain fitness, previous mountaineering and climbing/scrambling experience.
The technical grade of Mt Aspiring NW Ridge is NZ 2 // equivalent to European AD-
Long days for the approach and the climb are on the program, but the reward is something!
Why Choose Summit Explorers ?
Years of guiding experience, safety focused, flexible and adaptative to your needs, fun, smiling…. Summit Explorers mountain guides are always going above and beyond for you to have the best trip and mountain experience!
Not sure if this climb is right for you?
We have help plenty of climbers and skiers to achieve their dreams, we can help you making yours come true.
Just reach out to us and will discuss together wether you are up for this trip or you will need to build more experience, we will help you to create a custum journey to achieve your goal.
Mt Aspiring Ascent
From NZ$ 3750
3 to 5 days
ROUTE
North West Ridge
DATES
November to April
CLIMBING DIFFICULTY
Advanced
CLIENT TO GUIDE RATIO
1:1 to 2:1 client/guide
Itinerary
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost.
Day 2. Ascent of Mt Aspiring via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 3. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost. Or approach to French Ridge Hut – 6hrs walk.
Day 2. Climb of the Rollin Pin Traverse from Colin Todd Hut – 6/8hrs. Or Climb from French Ridge hut to Colin Todd hut via the Quaterdeck and the Bonar glacier, option to climb Mt French along the way – 6/8hrs.
Day 3. Ascent of Mt Aspiring via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 4. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost. Or approach to French Ridge Hut – 6hrs walk.
Day 2. Climb of the Rollin Pin Traverse from Colin Todd Hut – 6/8hrs. Or Climb from French Ridge hut to Colin Todd hut via the Quaterdeck and the Bonar glacier, option to climb Mt French along the way – 6/8hrs.
Day 3. Ascent of Mt Aspiring via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 4. Weather Contengency day or extra climbing day
Day 5. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Dates & Pricing
DATES
October to April
Flexible dates
3 DAY TRIP
NZ$ 3750
4 DAY TRIP
NZ$ 4950
5 DAY TRIP
NZ$ 5950
EXTRA WEATHER DAY
NZ$ 650
Which trip is right for me ?
3 DAY TRIP
If you are trail and mountain fit with previous climbing and mountaineering experience and want a “fast and light” climb, this is for you!
4 DAY TRIP
This option allows to have a longer journey to the mountains for climbing Mt Aspiring. We can choose to walk in to Colin Todd hut in 2 days, to brake the approach into 6hrs day, or have an extra day at Colin Todd for weather contengency or an extra climb ie Mt French, Mt Bevan or Rolling Pin.
5 DAY TRIP
The longuest option allows you have the flexibility of 1 or 2 days approach, plus an extra climb, ie Mt French, Mt Bevan or Rolling Pin. this also allows to be more flexible with the weather and/or to have the opportunity to learn more skills prior the ascent and be completly ready for it!
Prices Inclusion / Exclusion
PRICES INCLUDE
- IFMGA/NZMGA Mountain Guide
- Apine hut fees
- trip meals + snacks
- Ground transport from Wanaka
- Technical climbing gear
- GST
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Helicopter fee if option selected
- Personal equipment
- Appropriate climbing clothes
- Transport to Wanaka
- Personal Insurance
- Cancellation Insurance
You are not sure which trip length is right for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Extra Weather Day, What is it?
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 day and does not include accomodation or meals.
What If the weather is bad from 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.
Terms and Conditions
Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page
Book your Mt Aspiring Ascent via the NW Ridge
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