Ski New Zealand

Overview

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Ski New Zealand

Introduction

New Zealand has some fantastic skiing and our aim is to sample the best of what’s on offer on the South Island. We will be skiing on the glaciated mountains in the Mt Cook area, on the magnificent west coast glaciers and enjoying the idiosyncrasies of a Kiwi club field. The trip starts with a day in the backcountry from Treblecone, Wanaka and then we'll take things from there.

This is a challenging tour for experienced ski mountaineers with a taste for adventure and comfortable with the challenges of self-catered hut based touring and steep terrain. This is Jim Blyth's fifth ski trip to NZ and he will be accompanied by his friend and colleague Whitney Thurlow IFMGA again.

What to expect

Ski mountaineering in New Zealand gives similar challenges in terms of terrain, conditions and climate, to the European Alps.

The terrain is impressively glaciated so you need full glacier kit plus lightweight steel crampons and axe. We shall aim to climb some nice summits and days will vary in length from around 5 to 12 hours and as always are weather dependent.

Accommodation in the valley will be in hostels, hotels and bunkhouses and for the rest of the time we will be looking after ourselves in mountain huts.

Weather and conditions

NZ has a maritime climate with weather that changes frequently and very quickly. In spring it is usually mild in the valley and temperatures in the mountains should be similar to those encountered when touring in the Alps.

The weather can be impressively bad so patience and a cheerful demeanour are always appreciated! We obviously have our fingers crossed for some excellent spring weather and conditions.

Start point: Wanaka
Grade: 10D (Please contact us to discuss your skiing ability with Guide, Jim Blyth)

The Team
Whitney Thurlow and Jim Blyth will be joined by a maximum of 8 skiers.

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Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for New Zealand on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• All costs for Guides.
• Road transport including fuel in NZ (except taxis, buses and 4x4’s all of which are unlikely).
• Accommodation in bunk houses, hostels, hotels and mountain huts. 2 - 4 people per room in the valley. We need flexibility so it’s not always possible to get what is ideal in terms of rooms. Single rooms will be available in some places. Full board when in huts.
• All permit, concession and park fees.

What the price does not include

• International flights.
• Visa Fees.
• UK and Foreign Airport taxes.
• All food (self-catered).
• Helicopter flights.
• Optional sightseeing tours.
• Travel Insurance.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Tips.

*We will be able to cater for ourselves for every meal should we desire, however we expect we’ll often do our own breakfast and occassionally dinner. Helicopter flights will be necessary to access the west coast glaciers and Upper Tasman. Costs are reasonable.

Transfers from Queenstown airport to Wanaka and back are not included though Whitney or Jim will do their best to come and pick you up. Failing this there is a bus transfer service.

Books and Maps

• NZ general travel guide such as Lonely Planet.
• New Zealand Backcountry Skiing by James Broadbent, NZAC publication, ISBN 0-9582421-3-5
• Most of the planned skiing is on 1:50 000 map Terralink Aoraki/Mt Cook edition3 2005 and F40 Wanaka

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	2 September. Depart Europe.
Day 3:	4 September. Arrive Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand around lunchtime. Shuttle bus for one hour drive to Wanaka.
Day 4-20:	Ski touring in NZ - please contact us for a detailed itinerary.
Day 21:	22 September. Fly home leaving Queenstown in the afternoon.
Day 22:	23 September. Arrive home.

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