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Summit: 3027m (9928ft) Northwest Ridge 2+ or Southwest Ridge 3+
Mount Aspiring is a classic horned peak often called the "Matterhorn of the South". It's beauty and technical climbing make it one of New Zealand's premier peaks. Aspiring Guides has more experience on Mount Aspiring than any other guiding company in the world. It is a significant undertaking and not to be underestimated. In the interest of safety and quality we only guide Mount Aspiring as an ascent with one client and one guide.
The North West Ridge of Aspiring is an ideal but challenging route for climbers who already have a basic grounding in alpine skills. There are a variety of rock and snow approaches that may be used to attain the upper slopes of the North West Ridge, with the ultimate choice being determined by your guide according to seasonal changes in glacial conditions. The classic South West Ridge offers sustained and exposed snow and ice climbing for the more technically adept. Good cramponing skills are paramount. Expect to be thrilled by the exciting finish to this wonderful climb.
Mount Aspiring takes on average 12 - 16 hours return from Colin Todd Hut. The walk out from the mountain is a further two days through spectacular alpine scenery. A good base level of fitness and endurance will ensure that you have a rewarding trip.
If you are interested in learning to climb Mt Aspiring in a climbing partnership under the supervision of your guide, check out our 8 day, 2 person Aspiring Expedition Course
Click here to see photos of this ascent.
Click here to see the Mount Aspiring route map
Click here to see a great article in Outdoor Australia March 2009 (800kb)
Click here to read comments from the oldest person to climb Mt Aspiring
Logistics
| Duration |
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5 days helicopter-in and walk-out
(plus 1 day weather contingency)
or 7 days walk in-walk out
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Season |
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late September-April (winter ascents on application) |
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Price
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from NZ$ 3,800* / person |
Access |
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fly in, walk out or walk in, walk out |
Guide Ratio |
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1 guide : 1 client or
2 guide : 2 clients or
3 guide : 3 clients
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Prerequisites |
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Good balance and secure footing. Previous use of crampons and ice axe, and a good level of fitness. Rock climbing or use of ropes a great advantage. |
Weather contingency |
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Day one of your trip could be delayed by a day. A free optional benefit of booking with Aspiring Guides. |
Accommodation |
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Hut or tent or bivy |
More info |
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Aspiring trip information PDF (340KB)
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Registration form
Equipment list - detailed
Skills questionnaire
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* Package includes, air access, meals and energy snacks, technical equipment, hut and landing fees, guide fees, and 12.5% Goods and Services Tax.
If you are interested in learning to climb Mt Aspiring in a climbing partnership under the supervision of your guide, check out our 8 day, 2 person Aspiring Expedition Course
Standard grading system for alpine routes in normal conditions
| 1 |
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Easy scramble. Use of rope generally only for glacier travel.
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| 2 |
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Steeper trickier sections may need a rope. |
| 3 |
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Longer steeper sections generally. Use of technical equipment necessary. Ice climbs may require two tools.
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| 4 |
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Technical climbing. Knowledge of how to place ice and rock gear quickly and efficiently a must. Involves a long day.
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| 5 |
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Sustained technical climbing. May have vertical sections on ice.
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| 6 |
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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.
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| 7 |
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Grade 7 and beyond is possible but not yet established in the region.
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