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Head up to our private hut on the upper slopes of Black Peak (2283 m) for a 4 day practical backcountry awareness skills course. Overnight in our cosy heated hut and wake high in the mountains raring to go. Step outside into the best classroom there is !
This is a stunning adventure-course for the strong skier/boarder. We fly by
helicopter to the summit of Black Peak, ride down to our hut to drop our gear.
Black Peak is nestled in the heart of the Harris Mountains, Lake Wanaka, with Mt Aspiring and Treble Cone Ski Area close by. We have access to some of the world's most spectacular alpine sunrise and sunsets not to mention views of surrounding peaks. On the last day of the course we tour out to Treble Cone ski area, consolidating everything we have learned so far.
The objective of this course is PRACTICAL BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS - to teach you how to move safely in the backcountry and alpine winter environment. It is designed specifically with the independent mountain traveller in mind. Topics include:
Advance your ski-touring skills or just enjoy the vast expanse of terrain and snow. Our hut is self contained, sleeps 4 comfortably, and can manage up to 6. It is stocked with sleeping bags, good lighting, all cooking equipment, and outside toilet. You will need to carry a light pack only. Spectacular scenery completes this adventure.
Comprehensive course notes are supplied, which will assist in your trip planning, equipment selection and purchase advice, what you can expect to be doing on a day to day basis, and much more.
Click here to see photos of these courses
Logistics
| Duration |
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4 days plus 1 days weather contingency |
| Cost |
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NZ$ 1150* per person |
| Access |
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Fly-in, tour out * flight in extra (approx $185 p.p.) |
| Guide Ratio |
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1 guide : 4 clients |
| Prerequisites |
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Good fitness, previous ski touring experience |
| Weather contingency |
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A great bonus. These two days could apply to the START of your course (day one could be delayed up to two days) |
| Accommodation |
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Hut |
| Bonus |
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- Private hut
- Two day weather contingency in case the weather is unfavourable at the start of the course
- Course manual included
- Course certificate provided
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| More Information |
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| Code |
2008 Dates |
| WBA#1 |
Jul 28-29-30-31 |
| WBA#2 |
Aug 14-15-16-17 |
| WBA#3 |
Aug 29-30-31 Sep 1 |
* Price includes NZMGA qualified guide, all meals and energy foods, warm hut and bedding. A helicopter ride to the hut of approximately NZ$185 per person is an additional expense.
Sample itinerary
| Evening before Day 1 |
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Meet with your guide at our offices 5pm. Equipment is reviewed and your guide checks on the equipment required for the tour. Rental equipment is issued and last minute purchases can be made. A plan is made for the following morning.
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| Day 1-3 |
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We drive to the magnificent Matukituki Valley and fly up to Black Peak by helicopter. Our backpacks are light because sleeping bags, cooking gear and other necessities will already be in the hut.
Depending upon conditions, we may choose to circumnavigate Black Peak itself and enjoy a vista of Mt Aspiring. Checking out the surrounding mountains, we may drop into Escapade Bowl on the lakeside of Black Peak which offers steep chutes and excellent terrain for freshies. Focus will be on terrain evaluation (steepness of terrain, exposure, snow conditions). We will also talk about laying a proper track (considering climbing efficiency, steepness ,speed, objective dangers etc.).
Each evening, lectures are held in the hut. Further topics on the field excursion will be : Avalanche Rescue; Terrain Analysis, Mountain weather in New Zealand, Snow Stability, Transceiver skills; Group Travel, emergency snow shelters.
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| Day 4 |
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Everything learned up to now will be applied for the trip out of Black Peak. In addition we will be talking about use of compass and topographic maps. Arrival at the snowline by early evening marks the end of the course, and our heads full of information on snow-snow-snow! |
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