2 - 5 days guided nordic ski touring, 2 - 10 participants per guide.
"I enjoyed everything about the trip. Thanks, Gottlieb, for sharing your special place with us. The main benefit was access to seldom-visited terrain - it felt like a real privilege to be there." R. Fraser, Wellington. 2006.
Lake Tekapo High Country
Backcountry skiing based at our comfortable Rex Simpson Hut high above Lake Tekapo, you undertake day tours in the rolling basins of the Two Thumb Range. Off the Main Divide of the Southern Alps the Two Thumb Range has very favourable weather conditions, providing the ideal venue for easy to moderate Cross-country and Telemark ski touring. Non-skiers can opt to traverse interesting ridges, peaks and valleys on snow shoes.
Cruising on skis over rolling hills and along snow-filled valleys, carving telemark turns down virgin slopes, convivial evenings beside a pot belly stove in a cosy mountain hut, the peace and serenity of the white wilderness - these are the ingredients of a memorable mountain holiday. Subject to snow conditions.
Want to discuss options? Ring free on 0800 006 096. Contact us.
| Dates: | July - September by arrangement. Check availability. |
| Fitness/Skills: | A high level of fitness is required. Suitable for beginner to advanced skiers. Prior tramping or hiking experience essential. |
| Group Size: | Minimum 2, maximum 10 participants per guide. |
| Cost per Person: | NZ$500 for 2 days, NZ$250 per extra day. Group discount: 10% for group bookings of 4 - 6; 20% for groups of 7 - 10 pax. (valid until 31 October 2008). NZ$ exchange rate. |
| Included in Price: | Guide, hut, all meals on tour, transport ex Lake Tekapo, equipment: Telemark skis and boots, poles, skins, avalanche transceiver, 12.5% GST, concession fee. |
Mt. Gerald, Lake Tekapo High Country
Day 1: Gear check 8am at Alpine Recreation's office. Drive 45 minutes around the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo. 3 hours hike / ski to Rex Simpson Hut, 460m / 1500ft height gain. Afternoon ski tour and instruction in Telemark skiing (or a short snow shoe tour if you have chosen that option).
Days 2 - 5: Day tours from Rex Simpson Hut. There are several large basins and valley systems that provide ideal touring terrain for beginner to advanced skiers. Great views over Lake Tekapo and the Central Southern Alps, including Mounts Cook and Tasman. The same terrain is accessible for snow shoeing. Return to Lake Tekapo on last day.
A high level of fitness is required. Suitable for beginner to advanced skiers. Participants need to carry a backpack of about 8 kg plus their skis for 3 hours to the hut. On subsequent days packs will be light, but participants will be doing the equivalent of a six-hour walk/climb. Previous tramping/hiking experience is essential.
Rex Simpson Hut belongs to Alpine Recreation. It is stocked with sleeping bags and can be heated. Situated at 1300m/4250ft on Conservation Land in the Two Thumb Range. Approximately 3 hours on foot from road. All the valleys and peaks below can be reached from Rex Simpson Hut during day trips.
Alpine Recreation provides all nordic ski touring equipment, including boots. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking.
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. 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.
Please see the Lake Tekapo High Country Gallery for more pictures.
Lake Tekapo High Country - Two Thumb Range