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Climbing Mount Aspiring New Zealand with Aspiring Guides Climb Mt Aspiring New Zealand with Aspiring Guides Ascent of Mt Aspiring New Zealand with Aspiring Guides
 
aspiring / Tititea cook / Aoraki brewster four day climbing expeditions franz-tastic fox to franz josef trek - 5 days alpine summit week cook & aspiring combo tasman climbs with no helicopters grade 5 alpine ice - Douglas Peak or Mt Hicks tutoko private guiding and instruction
"Marty and Phil were superb guides, and were totally able to accommodate our limited capabilities. Their patience was hugely appreciated. At all times I felt totally safe with them. Thank you for a great adventure". Dick Hubbard, Auckland, NZ - Feb 09

".. I climbed the North West ridge of Mt Aspiring with guide Phil Penney of Aspiring Guides. Aspiring Guides was impressive, with a great service which was helpful, friendly and very efficient. The programme and the supplied equipment were first class." Geoff Bonney - Feb 09

"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"

aspiring / Tititea

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  

5 days helicopter-in and walk-out 
(plus 1 day weather contingency) 

or 7 days walk in-walk out 


Season
 
late September-April (winter ascents on application)


Price

 
from NZ$ 3,800* / person

Access
 
fly in, walk out  or walk in, walk out

Guide Ratio
 


1 guide : 1 client or 
2 guide : 2 clients or
3 guide : 3 clients


Prerequisites
 
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
 
Day one of your trip could be delayed by a day. A free optional benefit of booking with Aspiring Guides.

Accommodation
 
Hut or tent or bivy

More info
 


Aspiring trip information PDF (340KB)
BOOK NOW
Registration form
Equipment list - detailed
Skills questionnaire

* 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

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

West Face Mount Aspiring
Mt Aspiring Summit Euphoria
   
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