Aspiring Guides - New Zealand climbing, mountaineering, trekking, ice climbing

We miss you Anton. Hugely respected in the Wanaka outdoor community, Anton Wopereis is sorely missed by all of his friends, his many clients, and also by the various guiding companies that he regularly worked with. We at Aspiring guides Mountaineering extend our heart-felt sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Ama Dablam with Marty Beare (9 Nov - 9 Dec 2008) Aspiring Guides director Marty Beare will be joining Caroline Ogden as a guide on this year's Jagged Globe Ama Dablam expedition. Steve Bell came back from leading last year's trip so full of enthusiasm for the climb that Marty couldn't resist doing it! It really is a fantastic route on one of the world's most stunning peaks. Marty would be thrilled if some of our climbers could join him. With this being such an affordable time to travel overseas, this could be the year for you! The price is GBP3600, which currently equates to AU$7790 or NZ$ 8950 (joining in Kathmandu). Steve Bell's 2007 photos http://www.aspiringguides.com/ama_dablam_nov_07_steve_bell.html Situated in the heart of Everest's Khumbu region, it lies directly above Thyangboche Monastery on the well-worn path to Everest Base Camp and is admired by thousands of trekkers and climbers every year. This expedition offers a superb, technical climbing experience in a magnificent setting, with numerous cultural and scenic diversions. Jagged Globe will be running its 10th expedition to Ama Dablam November 9-December 9 2008.
http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/exp/itinerary/ama+dablam.html

A Buying Opportunity - Jagged Globe prices 10-15% lower than a year ago!

The current strength of the Aussie and Kiwi Dollar makes an overseas trip more affordable than it has been for decades. This is therefore a great time to do that expedition you've been thinking about. Because JG prices are in UK Pounds or US Dollars, you will pay less AU or NZ dollars. This equates to a substantial discount, especially for the big ticket expeditions like the 8000m peaks and Mount Vinson. With our currency riding close to a 20 year high, you have a real buying opportunity! http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/

Four buddies summit Mt Tasman together
A group of 7 of friends organised by "Commander" John Bentley gathered for the most fantastic week of weather and climbing at Pioneer hut recently. Four of the party had their sights on Mt Tasman and nailed it on the best weather day ever. "After many thank you's we have bestowed upon you, I again just want to say on behalf of the group how much we totally enjoyed the trip to Tasman. Each and every guide was a pro from beginning to end. We as a group could not have asked for more. Each and every person achieved their goal. That in itself speaks volumes for Aspiring Guides. We have all been to the Himalaya many times and also to NZ. Aspiring Guides head by Marty Beare over-shadows any previous Guided Trip we have been on. I wish you great success with your future - John Bentley, NSW. Click here for photos http://www.aspiringguides.com/mt_tasman_feb_2008.html

March 2008 Aspiring Expedition Course Marty and Gavin have just returned to base after an 8 day course based at Colin Todd hut -
http://www.aspiringguides.com/aspiring_expedition_course_march_08.html

Earnslaw Burn trek with Jo - here's some photos of a recent three days trekking trip. Check out what it's like sleeping in the best bivvy rock in the southern alps! Views of Mt Earnslaw are stunning! http://www.aspiringguides.com/earnslaw_burn_trek_mar_2008.html

No bunnies on Rabbit Pass! said Ivy. Andrew and Ivy found no bunnies on their Rabbit Pass trek mid Feb. Ivy took several tons of camera gear (so Simon says) and produced exceptional photos.
http://www.aspiringguides.com/rabbit_pass_feb_08_ivy_cheng.html

Twenty minute slideshow with cool music: Julie Burton kindly sent us a link to her slideshow showing a recent experience of a ten day Private Instruction Course with Jo Haines (and two others). "The 10 days I spent up there provided me with the best memories. This was my first mountaineering trip, and many more will follow. There was a magic in those mountains that called to me and entered my blood."
http://imageevent.com/jburton/videos/mountaineeringcoursenewzealand

Thanks Jim Blyth - see you next summer season? IFMGA Guide Jim Blyth is a member of both the British Mountain Guides and the French Syndicat National de Guides de Montagne. A Scotsman, Jim has been living in France for the past 14 years and since 2000 in the village of Servoz, close to Chamonix. He specialises in ski mountaineering trips to unusual destinations such as Mongolia, Greenland, Lebanon, Russia and Chile to name a few. He also does bespoke ice climbing and mountaineering expeditions around the world and traditional summer alpine guiding in the European Alps. Jim has brought his young family with him to New Zealand for 6 months and we are delighted to have him as a member of the Aspiring Guides team for the season.

Extend yourself ?
In a few months there will be frozen waterfalls..... with your name on it! Ice climbing is bizarre, as weird as it gets, fantastic. Come and try it! The ice climbing on Black Peak is waterfall ice. To so easily access water ice in New Zealand is a rarity and have such a great base as a hut, luxury. We will be running introductory courses consisting of small groups (max 4). All you need is three of four days, a sense of adventure, good fitness, and a desire to try something new and exciting. We provide most equipment needed. Bring a group or join a group; courses commence late June, July and August.
Book your space now http://www.aspiringguides.com/winter_waterfall_ice_climbing.html

Ski touring delight
An experience never to be forgotten. Ingredients: helicopter for access, frost dried powder, a friend or three (optional), cosy hut, delicious food, camera, barrel full of yarns, skis and skins, a guide. Stir gently and simmer for at least three days. http://www.aspiringguides.com/backcountry_ski_touring.html