" Main benefit was being able to do stuff that extended my physical skills, but with a reasonable safety margin. Got more done than I would have on a non-guided trip. Also, having dinner cooked for you is very decadent. Fantastic food. Satellite phone takes first prize! Was even better than I was expecting." G. Joyce, Christchurch. Kelman Hut 2005.
"I felt that Gottlieb rated my abilities and pushed me to a new level. Everything very professional and safe." M. Lui, USA. Caroline Hut 2004. "
Ski Touring on the Tasman Glacier, Minarets in background
Skiing down from Kelman Hut, Tasman Glacier
5 days minimum, 1 - 4 participants per guide.
Wilderness skiing at its best! Alpine and Telemark Ski Touring amongst the glaciers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. We base ourselves at Kelman, Pioneer or Centennial Huts, and undertake day tours from there. The glacier runs are spectacular: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Tasman, Darwin, Bonney and Murchison Glaciers. Depending on conditions some very fine peaks may be climbed on skis: Elie de Beaumont, Minarets, Sydney King, Hochstetter Dome. Detailed description of options. Aircraft access for access and return is essential.
3 days, 2 - 4 participants per guide.
For those with limited time or budget a trip to our Caroline Hut is an option for expert skiers, subject to safe snow conditions. No aircraft access needed. Steep skiing, great views of Mount Cook. This trip may also be undertaken with snow shoes.
up to 7 days, 2 - 4 participants per guide.
A traverse of the Southern Alps from east to west via the following route: Lake Tekapo - Godley Valley - Liebig Range - Murchison Glacier - Tasman Saddle - Tasman Glacier - Rudolph Glacier - Graham Saddle (cross Main Divide) - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier. This "New Zealand Haute Route" was pioneered by company director Gottlieb Braun-Elwert together with Franz Waibl and Daniel Frey in a single day in 1985. It takes about 7 days including travelling time, returning from Fox Glacier back to Lake Tekapo by road. Participants need to be able to ski very steep terrain and in all snow conditions with a heavy pack. Very high level of fitness required. Subject to safe snow conditions.
7 days, 3 - 4 participants per guide.
A Ski Touring Course with a difference. Led by mountain and ski guide Gottlieb Braun-Elwert. Based at Kelman Hut. Learn efficient winter travel and risk minimisation through skilful trip preparation, expert route selection in glaciated terrain and energy-saving modern downhill technique. Learn to read the signs of snow stability and understand the snow pack you are skiing on. Learn to navigate efficiently, how to build a comfortable snow shelter and practice the zero waste code. Learn to interpret the weather signs and familiarise yourself with modern ski mountaineering equipment that meets the demands of the extreme cold. Learn what is essential to become a good leader in the winter wild. This course is an ideal preparation for those who want to go the next step and take responsibility into their own hands. We promise you that you will be covering lots of terrain and won't be standing around listening to boring lectures. Basic mountaineering skills, advanced to expert skiing ability and very high level of fitness are essential. These courses are on demand. Two participants minimum.
Want to discuss options? Ring free on 0800 006 096. Contact us.
| dates: | July - October by arrangement. Check availability. | ||
| group size: | Maximum: 4 per guide | ||
| Costs per person: Glaciers and peaks |
1 participant: 2 participants: 3 - 4 pax, group booking: |
NZ$3250 for 5 days, NZ$550 per extra day. NZ$1630 for 5 days, NZ$320 per extra day. NZ$1300 for 5 days, NZ$250 per extra day |
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| Caroline Hut | Min 2 participants | NZ$750 for 3 days. | |
| Symphony on skis | Min 2 participants | NZ$2500 for up to 7 days | |
| Sharpen your skills
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Min 2 participants | NZ$2300 for 7 days | NZ$ exchange rate |
| Included in Price | Guide, hire of all ski touring and mountaineering equipment with the exception of alpine ski touring boots, all meals while on the climb, hut fees, surface transport from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook and return, 12.5% GST. Accommodation and meals in Lake Tekapo before and after the climb are not included in price. Additional vehicle costs apply for the Fox & Franz Josef Glacier venue. | ||
| Aircraft Access Not Included |
Ski Plane rates. Helicopter for 3 passengers plus packs from Fox / Franz Josef to Pioneer / Centennial Huts NZ$420. Fox - Chancellor Hut NZ$220. Prices subject to change. | ||
Murchison Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
A very popular and reliable venue is Kelman Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier. Access is by ski plane from Mount Cook Village. Kelman Hut is the base for day trips on the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers. For intermediate skiers the Tasman Glacier offers many runs of gentle gradient. Hochstetter Dome, an easy beginners' mountain, can be climbed from here. Aircraft access in and out is essential.
For the more advanced skiers the Murchison Glacier, Mannering and Aida Glaciers as well as the Darwin and Bonney Glaciers offer many rewarding ski runs. Mount Sydney King, Mount Green and Elie de Beaumont are outstanding peaks that may be attempted. Being to the east of the Main Divide the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers often enjoy perfect powder snow.
For ski mountaineers a crossing from the Tasman to the Franz Josef Glacier is possible via the Rudolf Glacier and Graham Saddle.
The head of the Fox Glacier (Pioneer Hut) or Franz Josef Glacier (Centennial Hut) in the Westland National Park offer great venues on the western side of the Main Divide. Access is from Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships by helicopter. While the weather on the West Coast is more changeable, the views over the Tasman Sea are unrivalled in the world. Mounts Grey, Lendenfeld and Tasman may be climbed from Pioneer Hut. The Minarets, Mount von Bulow and Drummond Peak are accessible from Centennial Hut. Aircraft access is essential.
For competent skiers there are the ski-descent from the Glaciers via the Fritz Range, separating the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and the magnifcent ski-run down past ice falls to Chancellor Hut or Almer Hut. These rate amongst the finest New Zealand has to offer.
Enjoying a rest high above the Tasman Glacier
Tasman, Murchison, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers: July to October.
Godley Glaciers: July to mid August, subject to frozen glacier lake.
Caroline Hut: early August to mid October.
Symphony on Skis: August and September.
Sharpen Your Skills: Refer to dates.
Start: 8.00am Lake Tekapo on first day.
Finish: 5-6pm Lake Tekapo on last day.
It is essential that participants are fit enough to walk out from the high mountain venue in case bad weather prevents a return flight. This can involve skiing and hiking with a full pack (approximately 20kg including skis) over sometimes rough ground for 6 to 8 hours. Participants need to be able to ski competently in untracked snow and with a backpack. For "Sharpen Your Skills" an advanced to expert skiing standard is essential.
Kelman, Pioneer, Centennial and Godley Huts are public huts that cannot be booked. The huts work on a first come first served basis. Climbers must carry their own sleeping bags, food, stove, fuel and cooking utensils to the huts as well as some party equipment and their personal equipment. Caroline Hut belongs to Alpine Recreation and is the only operator-owned hut in the Mount Cook area.
Alpine Recreation provides all ski touring and mountaineering equipment at no extra charge. The only equipment that clients are requested to bring are their own ski mountaineering boots. We only store a limited range of such boots. We stock a range of modern touring skis with modern touring bindings: Fritschi/Silvretta-Easy Go. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking.
Dawn moon over the Minarets
We recommend to settle guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather. Book now.
As our equipment check takes place at 8am on the morning of departure, you need to book accommodation in Tekapo the night before. After the tour, it is recommended to overnight in Tekapo again, or in Mount Cook. Accommodation options in Tekapo.
New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme will provide some assistance to visitors to New Zealand who are injured, but you are strongly advised to have full travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip; and medical insurance in case you become ill. More information re Accident Compensation.