Backcountry
Ski & Split-board Course
Learn to travel safely, efficiently, and confidently in the mountains
Alpine Instruction Courses Winter Adventures Ski Two Thumb Range Backcountry Skills CoursesBackcountry Ski & Split-board Course
Backcountry Ski & Split-board Course
Learn to travel safely, efficiently, and confidently in the mountains
Dreaming of untouched powder, no lift queues, and the freedom to choose your own lines? The Backcountry Ski & Split-board Course is your first step into the world of human-powered adventure. Over five immersive days, you’ll gain the practical skills, mountain knowledge, and confidence to start planning and safely executing your own backcountry tours. Whether you’re new to touring or looking to sharpen your skills, this course gives you everything you need to start exploring the mountains on your own terms.
Based out of our private, heated alpine hut in the heart of the Two Thumb Range, this course offers a true backcountry experience — far beyond any ski area boundary. All ski touring and avalanche safety gear is included free of charge, so you can learn and practice with high-quality equipment even if you don’t have your own setup yet. With small group sizes and instruction from experienced, qualified IFMGA and NZMGA guides, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one coaching in a supportive environment. The terrain around Rex Simpson Hut is ideal for learning: gentle to moderate slopes, open bowls, and ridgelines perfect for skinning, navigation, and safe descent practice.
Ready to take your skiing or riding beyond the resort? This 5-day introductory course is your gateway to the backcountry. You’ll learn how to use touring equipment efficiently, choose safe lines, navigate in alpine terrain, and build essential avalanche awareness — all while exploring real backcountry terrain in the Two Thumb Range.
Based out of Alpine Recreation’s private Rex Simpson Hut, you'll get hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment with expert instruction.
Perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to start their journey into ski touring or split-boarding with the skills and confidence to go it alone.
What You’ll Learn
- How to use your gear: Master skinning uphill, kick turns, transitions, and gear efficiency
- Route finding basics: Learn how to choose safe uphill and downhill lines based on terrain and snow conditions
- Navigation: Use maps, compass, GPS, and navigation apps to plan and follow your routes
- Intro to avalanche safety: Learn how to recognise avalanche terrain, interpret the avalanche forecast, and use your beacon, shovel, and probe
- Backcountry movement: Practice pacing, layering, managing energy, and travelling in a group
- Decision-making: Learn how to make solid calls in the mountains — when to keep going, when to turn back
Rex Simpson Hut
Rex Simpson Hut sits at an altitude of 1300m in the Two Thumb Range. It is located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and vistas over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin. It is a fantastic location for star gazing - the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Privately Owned
The Hut is privately owned by Alpine Recreation and is an ideal base for backcountry skiing with ready access to a range of slopes suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. It is our base for the Tekapo High Country Hike in Summer and Alpine Ski Touring, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Instruction Courses during the winter.
Easy Access
No aircraft required: The hut can be reached in 3 hours walking from the road end and is located at 1300m, in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and out over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin.
Fully Equipped
The hut is equipped with firewood, gas, solar lighting, sleeping bags, bunks, pillows and mattresses, and nonperishable food. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities.
Facilities
The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping up to 13 participants and 2 guides in total. There are no showers, but warm water and a basin can be provided for washing or you can find a private spot somewhere along the alpine stream. The toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view!
This course is your launchpad into the world of backcountry touring — a practical, field-based introduction to the essential skills needed for safe and confident ski touring or split-boarding.
You’ll learn how to use your gear efficiently, understand the basics of avalanche awareness, navigate alpine terrain, and make smart decisions in real mountain conditions.
Backcountry Touring Fundamentals
- How to use skins, bindings, and touring boots effectively
- Mastering uphill techniques: kick turns, transitions, and track setting
- Downhill skills in variable, off-piste snow
- Energy management, layering, and efficient travel
Terrain Awareness and Route Planning
- Reading terrain features and identifying avalanche-prone areas
- Safe route selection for both uphill and downhill travel
- Using topographic maps, compass, GPS, and mobile apps for backcountry navigation
- Planning simple day tours with elevation, timing, and hazard awareness in mind
Intro to Avalanche Awareness
- Understanding the basics of avalanche formation and terrain
- How to read and apply the Avalanche Advisory
- Recognising avalanche red flags in the field
- Safe travel habits: spacing, group movement, and terrain avoidance
Avalanche Rescue Essentials
- Transceiver use: signal search, coarse search, fine search
- Effective probing and strategic shovelling
- Companion rescue fundamentals and managing a rescue scenario
Emergency Survival Skills
- How to dig and build emergency snow shelters (e.g. snow trench, snow cave or mound)
- Basic cold-weather survival strategies: staying warm, dry, and protected from the elements
- What to carry in a backcountry emergency kit, repair kit and first aid kit
- Sheltering in place: when and how to wait out bad weather
- Managing injuries or delays when professional help may be hours away
Group Dynamics and Decision-Making
- Communication and teamwork in the backcountry
- Building awareness of personal and group decision-making traps
- Applying checklists and simple planning tools for better judgment
On-Snow Learning in Real Terrain
- Full days in the Two Thumb Range backcountry
- Daily coaching from experienced, professional IFMGA & NZMGA ski guides
- Opportunity to put all skills into practice in a safe, supportive setting
This immersive 5-day course is perfect for anyone ready to move beyond the boundaries of the ski field and into the freedom of the backcountry. Whether you're a skier or split-boarder, you'll come away with the tools and confidence to start planning your own backcountry adventures.
We recommend settling 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.
| Dates | Spaces |
|---|---|
| 28 Jul 2025 - 1 Aug 2025 | 6 |
| 4 - 8 Aug 2025 | 6 |
| 11 - 15 Aug 2025 | 6 |
| 16 - 20 Aug 2025 | 6 |
| 21 - 24 Aug 2025 | N/A private group |
| 1 - 5 Sep 2025 | 6 |
| 10 - 14 Sep 2025 | 6 |
| 15 - 19 Sep 2025 | 6 |
| 22 - 26 Sep 2025 22 September 2025 South Canterbury Day | 6 |
| Updated: 26 May 2025 at 2:03 pm | |
Standard bookings
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for $100 off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Standard Price | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$2280 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$2035 3 - 6 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Private bookings
Private guide: book a guide just for you and benefit from a completely custom itinerary.
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for $100 off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Private Guide Price | 4 days price per person | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person | 5 days price per person | 5 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private booking group size | NZ$3265 1 per guide | NZ$2280 2 per guide | NZ$2280 3 per guide | NZ$2105 4 per guide | NZ$2105 5 per guide | NZ$2005 6 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$500.00
The remaining balance of the trip price (including any applicable discounts) is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of the trip start, the full amount will be due.
Booking conditionsInclusions & Exclusions
All prices include the following:
- IFMGA / NZMGA certified ski / split-board guide
- Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the course
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Mt. Gerald return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the course
- ALL avalanche safety and technical ski touring equipment (with the exception of ski touring boots)
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the course are NOT included.
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this trip. If you end up being the only person booked on the trip, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying an additional fee to run the trip at a reduced guide-to-guest ratio
( NZ$1,250.00 for 4 days, NZ$1,150.00 for 5 days ) - rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 6 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 3 - Challenging
A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.
Agility: 2 - Basic scrambling agility
Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.
Technical Ski Ability: 2 - Intermediate off-piste skier / snowboarder
Used to skiing off-piste with a pack in the majority of snow conditions and competent in the skills of of side-slipping, traversing and downhill kick-turning. Able to ski in control on steeper slopes with short sections up to 30°. Limited or no previous backcountry ski / split-board experience. Borrowed or rented equipment. Learning how to kick-turn uphill and use equipment safely and efficiently.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoPrevious Experience
To get the most out of this course and stay safe and comfortable in the backcountry, participants should have:
Skiing or Riding Ability
- Confident skiing or snowboarding on un-groomed terrain at a ski field (blue to black runs)
- Able to make controlled turns in variable snow while skiing with a pack (e.g. wind-blown, crust, powder)
Prior backcountry touring experience is not required — this course is designed for beginners.
Fitness Level
- Moderate to good fitness: you should be able to hike or ski uphill for 4-6 hours per day, carrying a pack (approx. 8–10 kg)
- Expect back-to-back days of physical activity in alpine conditions
- Comfort with outdoor winter environments is essential — you’ll be outside in cold, snowy weather, sometimes in wind or poor visibility
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to help you figure out if this course is the right fit for your current skill level and goals.
If you have little or no off-piste skiing experience, we recommend spending 1-2 days before the tour with our private ski instructor at one of our local ski fields (Mt. Dobson, Roundhill or Ohau).
Recommended Fitness Training
Getting ready for a multi-day backcountry course means preparing your body for climbing uphill, skiing/riding variable snow, and carrying a pack — all at altitude, often in challenging weather. A bit of training goes a long way to ensure you enjoy the experience and get the most out of it.
1. Build Aerobic Endurance
Backcountry touring involves several hours of steady uphill movement each day. Recommended:
- 3–4 sessions/week of low- to moderate-intensity cardio: hiking, running, biking, or swimming
- Include longer sessions on weekends to simulate full-day effort
- Aim for at least 6–8 weeks of consistent cardio before the course
2. Develop Leg & Core Strength
Uphill skinning and downhill skiing/snowboarding require strong legs and a stable core. Key Exercises:
- Squats, lunges, step-ups (especially with a weighted pack)
- Planks, side planks, Russian twists for core stability
- Try stair intervals or hill hiking to mimic climbing effort
- 2–3 strength sessions/week
3. Practice with a Pack
You’ll carry a 8–10 kg pack daily — getting used to this helps reduce fatigue and soreness. How:
- Start adding weight to your hikes or stair workouts (gradually increase to goal weight)
- Practice moving uphill and downhill with your pack
4. Improve Balance & Stability
Riding variable snow and uneven terrain demands agility and coordination. Try:
- Balance board, BOSU ball, or single-leg exercises
- Yoga or mobility work to support flexibility and injury prevention
5. Get Time on Snow (If You Can)
The best preparation is real time on skis or a board. If possible:
- Hit the slopes to dial in your skiing or riding technique
- Practice short uphill tours at a ski field (if you have gear access)
- Work on transitions and adjusting layers on the go
With even a few weeks of focused training, you’ll show up stronger, more confident, and ready to enjoy every moment in the mountains.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:30 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-trip Evening – Gear Check & Course Briefing
The evening before departure, we meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo, for a full gear check, ensuring everyone is properly outfitted for backcountry travel and winter conditions. This is also an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow participants, discuss the course outline, and review safety protocols, packing tips, and logistics for the days ahead.
You need to bring your own alpine touring boots or split-boarding setup (if you're a snowboarder), but otherwise we can provide all other equipment. Please see the equipment section for details.
First Day – Approach & Avalanche Rescue Basics
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo.
From Lake Tekapo township we drive along the lakeshore to the head of Lake Tekapo. 3 hours hike / ski with a climb of 550m brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut, at 1300m in the Two Thumb Range. Depending on snow levels, you will often be able to use skis and skins from about half-way to the hut, but other times you may need to carry the skis until the last 800m - 1km before the hut.
After settling in to the hut and getting oriented, we cover basic avalanche gear use (transceiver, shovel, probe) and practice companion rescue skills outside the hut. The day concludes with an evening session on interpreting avalanche forecasts and mountain weather and trip planning for the next day.
Subsequent Days – Skills Instruction
Depending on the weather and snow conditions each day, your guide will structure the course content to suit, making the most of fine weather to be outside in the field.
You will apply learned skills progressively in increasingly challenging terrain — preparing you to make safe, informed decisions on your future backcountry adventures.
Example days are as follows:
Touring Techniques & Terrain Awareness Day
Learn how to move efficiently in the backcountry: skinning uphill, setting a good track, and managing transitions. We focus on terrain features, identifying avalanche-prone slopes, and how to choose safe up and down routes. The afternoon includes a short tour to practice what you’ve learned, followed by an evening debrief and trip planning session.
Avalanche Awareness in Action Day
Today’s focus is on avalanche decision-making in the field. You’ll practice recognising red flags, interpreting the avalanche forecast, and performing simple snowpack observations. We do a full day tour applying safe travel techniques, spacing, communication, and group management. Evening session covers weather, snowpack basics, and planning tomorrow’s route.
Navigation & Tour Planning Day
Learn how to use maps, compass, GPS, and navigation apps to plan and follow a backcountry route. The group develops a simple tour plan and puts it into action during a longer day tour, with a strong focus on route selection, terrain management, and decision-making under real conditions. We wrap up the day with a group debrief and avalanche scenario discussion.
Last Day – Emergency Skills & Course Wrap-Up
On the final morning, we focus on essential emergency survival skills, including how to dig and construct improvised snow shelters such as a snow trench, cave or mound. You’ll learn how to create protection from the elements in case of unexpected weather or injury in the backcountry, as well as basic cold-weather survival considerations. This is often combined with a short student-led tour, making terrain and route decisions under instructor supervision for the group to put all the week’s learning into action.
After returning to the hut, we pack up and ski or hike back to Mt Gerald Station. The course wraps up in Lake Tekapo with a final debrief and time to reflect on your progress and next steps in your backcountry journey.
Backcountry Ski & Split-board Course - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Reminder: all food is provided.
Please note that you must bring your own alpine ski touring boots, or if you need to hire them, please see below.*1 All other ski and avalanche safety equipment is provided. Sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows and hut shoes are at the hut. We provide you with a sleeping bag liner and pillow case (if you have your own sleeping bag liner, please bring it).
*1 Ski touring boots & split-boarding gear: these can be hired from: Gnomes Alpine Sports, Darfield; Small Planet Sports, Queenstown; or MT Outdoors, Wanaka. Book any hire equipment well in advance.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| avalanche safety equipment transceiver, shovel, probe | 1 |
| backpack - 45L must have side tension straps | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| hiking boots | 1 |
| lightweight polypro / fleece gloves | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 2 |
| ski touring equipment (excluding boots) skis with touring bindings, poles, skins, ski crampons | 1 |
| snow gaiters to fit over ski boots or built-in gaiters in your ski pants | 1 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| alpine ski touring boots with removable liners for easy drying | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | (optional) 1 |
| drink bottle / thermos flask wide-mouth, minimum 1 litre | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| snow goggles | 1 |
| soft-shell pants | (optional) 1 |
| split-boarding equipment split-board, boots, poles, skins, split-board crampons | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
How do I make a booking?
Simply click on Book Your Adventure, fill out the enrolment form, and pay your deposit fee. Once you have submitted your completed enrolment form and we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your reservation on the trip. You will receive a formal confirmation receipt by email.
Your scheduled dates don't work for me - what should I do?
Please contact us with your available dates. We may be able to accommodate your request.
What happens if we have really bad weather?
New Zealand's weather is notoriously fickle. It is possible you could be delayed getting into or out of the mountains due to the weather. For this reason, we recommend leaving 1-2 days spare at the end of your trip to avoid disruption to other travel plans. Your guide will endeavour to provide alternative activities/venues to give you the best possible experience. In some cases, if all participants and the guide have flexibility with time, it may be an option to postpone the whole trip by a day (however we cannot guarantee this option and it is at the discretion of the guide).
In many cases, the weather may not be as bad as the forecast might lead you to believe - please remember that we are used to dealing with New Zealand's weather on a regular basis and know where to go and what to do to make the most of it!
Please see our Bad Weather Policies for more information.
What ski/split-board equipment do I need to bring?
Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any technical equipment you need to borrow (including skis, skins, poles, etc.) is provided FREE OF CHARGE and will be issued by your guide at the gear check. Please note that we cannot provide alpine ski touring boots (or split-board setups) and you will need to bring your own.
Do I need travel insurance?
In the case of an accident, New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance, as you still need cover for things such as cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. Many standard travel insurance policies DO NOT cover high-risk adventure activities so be sure to check the wording of your policy.
More information on New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC).
Recommended insurance providers:
→ New Zealand Alpine Club provides mountaineering specific insurance options for New Zealand or Australian residents.
→ Austrian Alpine Club provides world-wide rescue and repatriation insurance to members.
→ World Nomads provides travel insurance for guided adventure activities.
→ Insure4less provides cover for a selection of high-risk activities for Australian residents.
Where is the best place to stay in Lake Tekapo before/after my trip?
Alpine Recreation provides accommodation at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. This is also where your gear check takes place before departure. It is recommended you book the nights before and after your trip here to facilitate the gear check and to allow flexibility in case of any delay in trip start due to weather. To book your nights, simply answer the relevant questions on your trip booking form.
→ Other Lake Tekapo Accommodation recommendations. We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance, as Tekapo is a popular tourist destination and options become limited during peak season.
Where can I park my car?
Secure off-street parking is available by Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge. Please leave your car keys with us (in case we have to move your vehicle if someone is parked in and so you don't lose your keys on the mountain!).
What do I do with my spare gear while on the trip?
We have a gear storage room at Edelweiss Lodge for you to leave any spare bags or gear while you are on your trip.
