28 May 2026

Above the inversion cloud and into the sunshine ☀️🏔️

Last week’s Winter Mountaineering Course delivered incredible conditions in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. With the airport socked in under cloud for several days, it felt like we had the whole National Park to ourselves.

Highlights included cramponing across a surprisingly well-covered (for May!) Ball Glacier in firm conditions, practicing avalanche rescue skills with the intuitive new Ortovox Diract Voice beacon (thanks @mountainadventurenz), and route-finding down Ball Ridge with stunning views out to Aoraki.

Over the course, participants developed essential winter mountaineering skills including:
• crampon and ice axe techniques
• glacier travel
• avalanche awareness and rescue
• ropework and belaying
• snow anchors
• route-finding and mountain decision-making

A fantastic week in the mountains with an enthusiastic crew and exceptional early winter conditions. ❄️⛏️

📸 @elke_mountain_guide

🔗 https://alpinerecreation.com/new-zealand-alpine-instruction-courses/mountaineering-and-climbing-instruction-courses/winter-mountaineering-course

#WinterMountaineering #AorakiMountCook #MountaineeringCourse #NZMountains #CarolineHut