Greg Turner Steep Alpine Ice Dec 07

Did you achieve what you wanted from your course? 

-Yes. I was able to take the skills learned and use them to safely climb a number of mountains after the course.

 What was your favourite part of the course?

-The great weather and the amount of climbing it enabled us to get done. I enjoyed all of it.

What was your least favourite part of the course & how would you change it for the next group?

-The first and last two days were my least favourite because of the weather and you can't change that! To be honest I was so tired on the last two days that it would have been a struggle to climb anything else.

Anthea Mitchell, Australia
What did you think about the information you received about your upcoming course ? "all material useful (town map, accommodation, course guide) and received in timely manner. "

 Did you feel that your safety was adequately supervised at all times? " - yes. On the first day we were guided up a peak by the instructor and given tips on anchors and footwork etc. The following day we lead the climbing under Marty's supervision and so were able to consolidate skills learnt the previous day. We roped up in steeper sections and for glacier travel, and were also belayed for descents in wet snow, so safety was always paramount."

 How would you rate your guide’s performance, manner, professionalism?

" - Our guide for the week was Marty Beare, who acted in a very professional manner, providing encouraging throughout. His explanations were clear and succinct, and he taught by demonstration. He's a very down-to-earth character and easy to relate to. Plus his kiwi humour was great! "

 Did you achieve what you wanted from your course? 

" - yes, my objectives were to gain confidence in leading on steeper terrain, and learn more about snow and ice anchors. Also to consolidate skills in glacier travel, rescue techniques and route finding. As such I felt confident the following week when I met a friend from Sydney and we climbed together unguided in the Mt Cook region. "

Would you recommend this course to your friends ? Why ?

" - have already made recommendations to friends to do their course with Aspiring Guides. Have now completed 2 courses with Aspiring Guides and feel that their professionalism is second to none. The courses are tailor made to suit the participant's level and as such is their best means of acquiring the skills to then lead their own expeditions. The kiwis and the aussies are similar in their 'do-it-yourself' attitude, and this is what makes Aspiring Guides so successful - the guides all try to instil the necessary skills (both technical and theoretical) and awareness of surroundings in order to achieve the confidence to DIY!!"

 What was your overall impression ?

" - the organisation, course and guidance was brilliant!! had a fantastic week and can't wait to get back to NZ for some more climbing!!"

 Please make any further comments or recommendations … 

"- just a final note of thanks to you Robyn and Jean for signing me up. Always a pleasure to see you both and I look forward to meeting you again in the future!

Steve Elliot, Australia, Steep Ice:
"what made a greater and more appealing impact was the timeliness of our on line corresponding and the fact that my emails were obviously read and discussed by the staff with an action plan then considered by the guide. (Thank you Robyn)
 
I achieved a good deal, and importantly to me, confirmed my interest and desire for technical alpine climbing. 

 The obvious effort the team put in, and the welcoming attitude that was maintained through out all my dealings with you made things special. Most importantly, the course was a truly didactic exercise and not a guided tour, conducted by a guide with thorough local knowledge and a very supportive outlook; and it was a "get your hands on the hills" effort not a piecemeal modular TMC. The course itself offers a very positive way to quickly develop ones abilities in the hills and that's what I wanted.
 
 
From the very first contact with MAG it was obvious that there is a highly professional team who work hard, are approachable, and seem genuinely interested in doing the best they can for their clients. I feel I got fantastic value for money. One more thing; I might be wrong, but it was comforting to see that the staff and the business is not reliant on one person only to perform one role and that you all seemed competent at helping each other