"Prior to completing the course everyone seemed to think that Ice Climbing was dangerous and the sort of thing which was only done by suicidal idiots. Following the course it became clear that it's well within the reach of normal people and does not require any sort of super-human strength or bravery."Jamie Smith 2010
"The trip was adventurous with the bonus of a cosy hut and good food at the end of each day. Client to guide ratio was perfect. Gavin was fantastic, friendly and approachable. He made time to chat to all of us on a 1–1 basis as well as being actively involved with the group. Gavin was quick to gauge were we were at and delivered the course in a way that let us ‘be in the thick of it’ from very early on – exactly what I like."Brenton Willey 2010
"I chose your trip because it was reasonably priced, while including chopper in AND out, had accomodation pretty much right beside the main venue (great for a geriatric like myself), and it had a contingency weather day in the mix. The weather day was a winner for me. The provision of pretty much all climbing "hardware" makes the packing and travel from Oz easy too.
Gavin scores top points in all fields; technical and interpersonal skills as well as organisation and initiative. It was a pleasure to have him as our Guide and I feel that I can tick off each of my stated objectives. Learnt other things too. I felt that our safety was always first point of order; always in perspective without unnecessary drama. Can I give him 5s all round?
The trip highlight probably relates back to the instruction recieved AND the motivation imparted. Day 4 climbing gave me a fantastic sense of achievement when it all came together. Improved technique and the relaxation that follows put me "in the moment" on a little climb on perfect ice. Thats what its all about.
To be honest I couldn't really assign any negatives to what Aspiring Guides provided. Yes there are a few hardships with life in a little hut in the hills but I didn't book the trip for a banana lounge by the pool. Food was great. No, better than great."John Aldred 2010
"I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the ice climbing course. It really was a fantastic four days in the mountains. Please pass on my thanks to Phil. It was pleasure being instructed by him. I was exceptionally chuffed that he had us doing some lead climbing on the final day. The course was progressive and I feel that I have left it with some really worthwhile skills." Jolyon Simpson 2010
"I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to consolidate their climbing and hit some really decent ice as it would be tailored to your ability; the environs are also so beautiful!!!" Chris Smolka, Victoria click here for this story
"I found my ecstacy with Aspiring Guides" Sam Gibbs, Outdoor Australia journalist Click here for this story
It doesn't seem quite right to climb a frozen waterfall.
From a medium you can drink to something that resembles rock and then climb, it's a miracle. Ice climbing is bizarre, as weird as it gets, fantastic. Go 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.
The head of the Blue Creek Valley is draped with climbable flows of varying length and difficulty. Depending on your ice climbing aspirations and skills, we can descend to the Blue Creek ice routes (40 minutes below the hut).
Alternatively we can head up towards the summit of Black Peak for mixed climbing. Access would be on foot/snowshoes.
Our cosy private hut, at 1800m on the mid-reaches of Black Peak (2283m), is an ideal base for ice climbing on Black Peak. No tenting! Snuggle up into a warm bed at the end of the day.
This ice climbing course is structured to your level of ability and experience, aimed at skills progression - from toprope through to multi-pitch ice climbing. Those who want to extend themselves can do so by learning to lead climb.
Whichever direction we head in, the course will introduce you to skills required to safely climb ice with an experienced partner or group. The emphasis of our instruction courses is on expanding and re-developing the essential skills:
Movement on Ice - for example French technique, front pointing
Technical Ice Tool Skills - positioning and placement of the axe on moderate ice
belaying and rope skills
The use of technical tools on steep ice including how to swing tools, secure placements and remove tools
Protection - Choosing and placing ice screws and pound-ins, how to construct v-threads and ice bollards, building safe 'earnest' anchors
Efficient Ropework - knots, belaying, rappelling
Safety topics - an understanding of ice and the ice environment. An understanding of subjective and objective mountain hazards
NZ$1,875 per person 2 pax NZ$1,750 per person 3-4 pax (currency conversion?) Min 2 pax
Access
Fly-in, fly-out (both flights included)
Black Peak is a 5-7 hour skin/snowshoe from the summit of Treble Cone Ski Area but only a 5 minute helicopter flight from the valley floor. The reasonable cost of flying in saves time and energy for the ensuing days of instruction. We move around on snowshoes if conditions dictate
Accommodation
Hut based - no tenting
Guide Ratio
maximum 1 guide : 4 clients
minimum 1 guide : 2 clients
Prerequisites
Good fitness, no previous experience
Weather contingency
A great bonus. This one day could apply to the START of your course (day one could be delayed by a day)
Accommodation
Heated private hut
Bonus
Both flights are included
Technical climbing equipment included
One day weather contingency in case the weather is unfavourable at the start of the course
*or book a group for your private course for any of the above courses or anytime the hut is available
# no weather contingency available on this course
One day ice climbing is also available. Fly direct to the ice cliffs at Black Peak. Climb Climb Climb. Price includes qualified guide/instructor, all technical equipment (plastic climbing boots, crampons, ice axe, ice screws, ropes, harness, helmet, belay device and quickdraws, carabiners, avalanche transceiver), two way helicopter ride, lunch and snacks. This runs every flyable day. Bookings essential and registration 5pm the evening prior. Have a spare couple of days in case of unflyable weather.
The course price includes; qualified guide/instructor, permit fees, both flights, all trip related meals and energy foods, hut fees, technical equipment. Additional costs are for plastic mountaineering boots, snowshoes etc.
