Mount Aspiring guided ascent - mountain guides for climbing Mt Aspiring New Zealand

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Overview Mount Aspiring / Tititea Mount Cook / Aoraki Sacred Ancestors (Cook & Aspiring) Grade 5 ICE Climbs Summit Week Mount Tasman Mount Tutoko Four day ascents Mount Sefton

"Your team acts professionally, is experienced, and exhibits true elements of customer service such as great communication and timely response to questions and concerns. They show a willingness and flexibility to meet and exceed the customer’s expectations." Ted Doughty, San Diego- April 08

What was your favourite part of the trip?
"All of it from A to Z. Once I am out there I like to think I am easy to please. I really got a kick for most of it but specially doing the ramp gave me a real buzz!"
Andree Boily, Montreal Quebec

Charles Stephenson, Australia, writes:
How would you rate your guide’s performance, manner, professionalism? "Very professional, good manner, great caterer/cook"

What was your favourite part of the trip? "Of course reaching the summit was a highlight, but I also really enjoyed the walk out and the transition down into the valley and through the forrest. Also, walking across the Bonar Glacier while it was still dark, with a clear sky and full moon - what a great feeling!"

Would you recommend this trip to your friends ? Why ? " Yes, I think it was a very satisfying and enjoyable activity in a beautiful environment."

What was your overall impression ? "Excellent"

Nick Beale, London, UK writes:
"The whole experience was superb, safety was superb throughout. The trip and pre trip was well organised and professional"

Mount Aspiring / Tititea

Summit : 3027m (9928ft) Grade 2+ or 3+

On first seeing Mt Aspiring, from the edge of the Bonar Glacier, there is a moment of disbelief that you'll be able to climb it by any means. Viewed however from certain angles the ridges and faces don't look so precipitous and an ascent quite possible. Aspiring, often referred to as the `Matterhorn of the South', is similar to the Matterhorn of the Swiss Alps not only in shape but also in construction. They have both been carved by glaciers in a certain way which causes them to be referred to as horn peaks.

Aspiring is an ideal first summit via the North West Ridge or the classic South West Ridge for the more technically adept. Since it is a fully guided trip up the Ramp/North West Ridge under the watchful eye of your Guide there is no real demand for previous mountaineering experience. The main requirements are being good on your feet and; as an ascent of Aspiring takes on average around 14 hours return, you'll need to have good stamina.

Alternatively, if conditions dictate, we ascend the entirety of the North West Ridge which involves climbing and traversing a series of rock ledges and gendarmes leading to the summit ridge. All of these routes are rewarding climbs.

Click here to see photos of this ascent.

Logistics

Duration		5 days fly-in and walk-out (plus 1 day weather contingency) or 7 days walk-walk
Season		late September-April (winter ascents on application)
Cost		NZ$ 3,450* / person (1:1) or NZ$ 2,495* / person (1:2)
Access		Fly in, walk out
Guide Ratio		1 guide : 1 client or 1 guide : 2 clients
Prerequisites		No previous mountaineering experience necessary. Good fitness and endurance. Good balance and secure footing
Weather contingency		A great bonus. This one day could apply to the START of your trip (day one could be delayed by a day)
Accommodation		Hut or tent or bivy
More info		Aspiring trip information PDF (340KB) Equipment list Skills questionnaire Registration form Detailed equipment list BOOK NOW

* Package includes, air access, meals and energy snacks, technical equipment, hut and landing fees, guide fees, and 12.5% Goods and Services Tax.

NEW Try our Expedition Mt Aspiring Course - 8 days 1:2 guide-client ratio - if you have previous climbing experience and want to be self-contained while climbing this magnificent mountain

Standard grading system for alpine routes in normal conditions

1 Easy scramble. Use of rope generally only for glacier travel.

2 Steeper trickier sections may need a rope.

3 Longer steeper sections generally. Use of technical equipment necessary. Ice climbs may require two tools.

4 Technical climbing. Knowledge of how to place ice and rock gear quickly and efficiently a must. Involves a long day.

5 Sustained technical climbing. May have vertical sections on ice.

6 Multiple crux sections. Vertical ice may not have adequate protection. Good mental attitude and solid technique necessary. May require a bivvy on route and be a long way from civilisation.

7 Grade 7 and beyond is possible but not yet established in the region.

Climber high on the South West ridge

enjoying a meal at colin todd hut

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