Backcountry Skills
Ski Mountaineering Course
Learn Glacier Travel & High Alpine Skills
Explore Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Instruction Courses Winter Adventures Ski Backcountry Skills Courses Glacier Touring & Ski MountaineeringSki Mountaineering Course
Ski Mountaineering Course
Glacier Travel & High Alpine Skills
Step into the heart of the Southern Alps and gain the essential skills for ski mountaineering on glaciated terrain. Our Ski Mountaineering Course is designed for backcountry skiers and split-boarders ready to take the next step — onto the glaciers, cols and high ridge-lines of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine country.
Based at high alpine huts in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, this intensive training course focuses on glacier travel, route finding, crevasse rescue, and avalanche safety — all within a ski-touring context. Participants will learn how to travel safely in roped teams on glaciers, use crampons and ice axe when ski travel isn’t possible, build snow anchors, and manage risk in complex high alpine terrain.
Led by experienced IFMGA and NZMGA mountain guides, this course provides hands-on instruction in real conditions, with plenty of time to consolidate skills during ski tours in glaciated terrain. Whether you're preparing for your first ski expedition in the Southern Alps or looking to build the foundations for bigger ski-mountaineering objectives abroad, this course sets you up with the confidence and capability to explore beyond the boundaries.
Based high on the Tasman Glacier in the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, our Ski Mountaineering Courses are typically based at Kelman, Tasman Saddle or Plateau Huts and offer the ultimate alpine training experience.
Surrounded by dramatic peaks, expansive glaciers, and world-class ski mountaineering terrain, this course is ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and split-boarders ready to take their skills to the next level. With direct access to technical glaciated routes and steep alpine lines, participants learn essential skills for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, rope-work, and avalanche safety — right where it matters most.
Staying in a remote alpine hut perched above New Zealand’s largest glacier, you’ll gain real-world experience under the guidance of IFMGA and NZMGA-certified instructors in one of the most spectacular mountain environments in the Southern Hemisphere.
Highlights:
- Learn safe glacier travel in a ski touring / split-boarding context
- Practice crevasse rescue techniques and snow anchor systems
- Understand avalanche terrain and apply decision-making frameworks
- Gain confidence moving in high alpine terrain using crampons and ice axe
Kelman Hut
Kelman Hut sits at 2460m on the ridge above Tasman Saddle, between the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers. It provides a base for Glacier Trekking, Guided Ascents and Specialized Alpine Climbing Courses in the summer, and Glacier Ski Touring and Split-boarding in the winter.
It is a public hut that cannot be booked and works on a first-come first-served basis.
Equipment:
Participants must carry their own sleeping bags, personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us).
Tasman Saddle Hut
Tasman Saddle Hut is perched above the Tasman Glacier on a rocky knoll at 2400m. It provides a base for Glacier Trekking, Guided Ascents and Specialized Alpine Climbing Courses in the summer, and Glacier Ski Touring and Split-boarding in the winter.
It is a public hut that cannot be booked and works on a first-come first-served basis.
Equipment:
Participants must carry their own sleeping bags, personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us).
Plateau Hut
Situated at 2200m opposite the East Face of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. A popular base for ascents of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Dixon and Specialized Alpine Climbing Courses.
It is a public hut that works on a first-come first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
Equipment:
Climbers must carry their own sleeping bags and food to the hut as well as some party equipment and their personal equipment.
This course blends technical alpine instruction with practical backcountry ski touring experience. You'll develop essential ski / split-board mountaineering skills needed for safe travel in glaciated, high alpine terrain.
Glacier Travel Fundamentals:
- Introduction to safe glacier travel on skis / split-boards
- Roped team techniques for glacier crossing
- Proper use of equipment including ski crampons, crampons, and ice axes
Crevasse Rescue Training:
- Self-rescue and partner rescue techniques
- Practical drills in crevasse rescue scenarios
- Roped systems for glacier travel and emergency response
Snow Anchor and Rope Systems:
- Techniques for building snow anchors
- Effective use of rope systems for protection in mixed terrain
- Practice setting up secure belay and rappel systems
Avalanche Awareness and Terrain Analysis:
- Understanding avalanche conditions in alpine terrain
- Decision-making and risk management techniques
- Terrain analysis and safe route finding in exposed areas
- Avalanche rescue in more complex scenarios, eg. multiple burial
Navigation and Route Planning:
- Reading maps and GPS in high alpine environments
- Identifying safe paths through glaciated terrain and over high passes
- Incorporating weather and snow conditions into your plan
Practical On-Snow Drills:
- Guided sessions on actual glaciated terrain
- Applying learned skills in real-world conditions
- Continuous feedback from experienced IFMGA / NZMGA guides
This hands-on, field-based course is designed to empower ski mountaineers and split-boarders with the technical skills and confidence necessary to travel safely in New Zealand’s high alpine terrain during ski mountaineering 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 |
|---|---|
| 20 - 26 Jul 2025 | 4 |
| 27 Jul 2025 - 2 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 10 - 16 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 24 - 30 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 7 - 13 Sep 2025 | 4 |
| 14 - 20 Sep 2025 | 4 |
| 28 Sep 2025 - 4 Oct 2025 | 4 |
| 5 - 11 Oct 2025 | 4 |
| Updated: 2 May 2025 at 2:05 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 | 5 days price per person | 6 days price per person | 7 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$5485 1 per guide * | NZ$3645 2 per guide * | NZ$3645 3 - 4 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
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
- National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Aoraki Mt. Cook 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.
- Flights are NOT included
Flights
Flights are not included in the price, as costs vary according to the venue, type of aircraft and occupancy. Depending on the venue, it is often possible to be picked up from a lower landing site on the return flight or to combine flights with other groups heading in to and out of the mountains to significantly reduce flight costs.
Weather dependent: As there is no guarantee of being able to fly (due to weather) and no obligation to fly, we like to be able to pass on any potential savings directly to our guests.
| Price per flight (the cost is split equally amongst guests) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Aircraft | Spaces | Price |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Murchison Glacier Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Plateau Hut | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,101.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Tasman Saddle / Kelman Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
Please note: Flight prices are given as examples only and are subject to change by aircraft operators at any time. In addition to guests, each aircraft will also transport the guide and gear.
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 1 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$1,840.00 for 7 days ) - rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 4 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Optional Extras
A course completion certificate is available on request.
The following books are available for purchase at time of booking:
Alpine Guides Technical Manual
A resource for alpinists | 2014 Edition
Avalanche Awareness in the New Zealand Backcountry
2nd Edition 2013
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.
Technical Mountaineering: 2 - Introductory-intermediate mountaineer
In-depth crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and climbing skills instructed by guide. Basic rope skills, knots, abseiling, anchor placement, belaying skills instructed if applicable. Ability to apply skills with coached practice and demonstrate proficiency required to progress to next grade. Prior rock climbing experience beneficial.
Technical Ski Ability: 3 - Experienced ski tourer / split-boarder
Able to link turns confidently and continuously in most snow and to control speed and follow a precise line in restricted terrain (e.g. crevasses, amongst trees, near gullies or in confined spaces). Able to link turns on longer slopes up to 35° in favourable snow. Comfortable with uphill kick-turns in favourable conditions. Climbing 350m+ per hour with tours of up to 1000m of climbing, with a rest / break each hour. Likely to have own touring kit and is proficient in using pin-tech bindings, heel lifters, ski crampons and avalanche safety equipment.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoPrevious Experience
Participants should have prior experience backcountry skiing or split-boarding on day tours or multi-day trips. You should be confident linking turns and controlling speed in variable off-piste snow, with some familiarity using touring equipment such as pin-tech bindings, ski crampons, heel lifters, and avalanche transceivers.
While rope and crampon skills will be taught on the course, a solid foundation in backcountry travel — such as navigation, skinning techniques, and managing changing snow conditions — is highly beneficial.
Previous multi-day trips carrying a pack in remote or mountainous areas are recommended. Some basic mountaineering experience is an advantage but is not essential.
Most importantly, participants should arrive ready to learn, adapt, and be challenged in a high alpine environment.
Recommended Fitness Training
Ski mountaineering is a physically demanding activity that requires endurance, strength, and agility. Preparing well will greatly enhance your experience and safety in the mountains. We recommend the following training guidelines in the 6–8 weeks leading up to your course:
Aerobic Conditioning
- Aim for 4–5 sessions per week of aerobic exercise (hiking, trail running, cycling, or uphill walking with a pack).
- Build up to sustained efforts of 6–9 hours to simulate long ski touring days.
- Include hilly terrain or stair climbs to prepare for vertical ascents of 800–1200m/day.
Leg & Core Strength
- Incorporate strength training 2–3 times per week focusing on legs and core:
- Squats, lunges, step-ups, and deadlifts (bodyweight or light resistance).
- Core work such as planks, leg raises, and mountain climbers.
- Stability and balance exercises (e.g. single-leg squats) help with agility on variable snow.
Ski-Specific Preparation
- Get out ski touring or split-boarding with your full kit whenever possible.
- Practice transitions, kick-turns, and using ski crampons in different conditions.
- Aim to carry your full pack (8–10kg) while skinning or hiking uphill to simulate real touring days.
- Include trips where you need to carry your skis on your pack.
Altitude & Weather Conditioning
- While pre-acclimatisation to altitude is not required, training in cold, exposed, or variable conditions helps prepare mentally and physically for alpine weather.
- Include some training in the early morning or in rougher terrain to simulate mountain environments.
Arriving fit and well prepared means you’ll conserve energy, enjoy the challenge of alpine terrain, and get more out of the course.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 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 glacier 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, but otherwise we can provide all other equipment. Please see the equipment section for details.
First Day - Flight to hut & on-snow orientation
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo.
Drive one hour to Mount Cook airport. Safety briefings and flight to Kelman, Tasman Saddle or Plateau Hut.
After settling into the hut, we head out for a half-day orientation tour around the glacier to familiarise ourselves with the terrain, glacial features, and safe movement techniques on skis. The afternoon includes basic skills refreshers and risk awareness for travel in crevassed terrain. In the evening, we introduce key concepts in mountain weather and trip planning, laying the groundwork for the practical learning to follow. An avalanche beacon training session is common practice on the first 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.
Example days are as follows:
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Day
- Field instruction on safe glacier travel and rope systems.
- Practice moving roped-up on skis and with boot crampons.
- Introduction to snow anchors and crevasse rescue techniques.
- Afternoon: Rescue practice in a controlled environment.
- Evening: Snowpack structure and avalanche risk factors.
Avalanche Safety & Terrain Management Day
- Companion avalanche rescue drills with transceivers and probing.
- Snowpack observation and decision-making.
- Route finding and group travel strategies in avalanche terrain.
- Guided ski tour applying terrain assessment, route finding and terrain management.
- Evening: Case studies of avalanche incidents and human factors.
Navigation & Weather in the High Alpine Day
- Navigation using map, compass, altimeter, and GPS.
- Whiteout travel techniques and route-finding in poor visibility.
- Introduction to weather forecasting: interpreting isobars, cloud types, and incoming fronts.
- Application: Plan a safe tour based on current conditions and forecast.
- Evening: Group planning session for summit attempt.
Alpine Ski Ascent & Summit Attempt Day
- Early start for a summit attempt (e.g., Hochstetter Dome, Mt Aylmer, or Glacier Dome).
- Application of crampons and ice axe for boot-pack sections.
- Team-based decision making and real-time hazard management.
- Emphasis on travel efficiency, pacing, and summit transitions.
- Ski descent with terrain management and avalanche mitigation.
Emergency Scenarios & Advanced Rescue Day
- Simulated crevasse fall scenarios with team response.
- Improvised hauling systems and anchor setups in complex terrain.
- Emergency bivouac and communication training.
- Backup navigation and group shelter strategies.
- Evening: Reflection and peer feedback session.
Last Day – Final Tour & Exit
On the final day, we take the opportunity for a short ski tour or a focused skills session to consolidate what you’ve learned throughout the course. This may include navigation practice, companion rescue review, or refining glacier travel techniques. It’s also a chance to reflect on how your decision-making and technical abilities have progressed. After returning to the hut, we pack up and prepare for the aircraft pickup - it may be possible to ski down for a lower pick-up.
Fly to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village and drive back to Lake Tekapo. The course concludes with a debrief, feedback session, and a look at next steps for your personal mountaineering journey.
Ski Mountaineering 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. All food, cookers, fuel, etc. 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 While Alpine Recreation can provide all other ski mountaineering and avalanche safety equipment, it is strongly advised that you invest in your own ski touring setup. We are happy to advise on equipment choices pre-purchase.
*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 |
| lightweight polypro / fleece gloves | 1 |
| mountaineering equipment helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners, slings, prussics | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 2 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 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 gloves / mitts with removable inner for quick drying | 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 |
|---|---|
| 4 season sleeping bag lightweight | 1 |
| alpine ski touring boots with removable liners for easy drying | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | 1 |
| drink bottle / thermos flask wide-mouth, minimum 1 litre | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| lightweight insulated sleeping mat if not going to a hut | 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 |
What are the best day hikes and walking trails in Tekapo?
We've put together a list of Tekapo's top day hikes and walking trails. A great way to get your legs warmed up before your mountain adventure with Alpine Recreation!
→ Tekapo's best day hikes and walking trails
Where can I find information about visiting Lake Tekapo?
There's many things to see and do in Lake Tekapo. An afternoon hike after your arrival is a good way to stretch the legs and a soak in the Tekapo Alpine Springs is the perfect way to unwind and ease tired muscles after your mountain adventure. We've put together some helpful information on our recommended activities in Tekapo to get you started.
→ The best activities in Tekapo
What else can I see/do in Lake Tekapo?
We are located in a beautiful alpine village. If you have spare time, it is worth spending an extra day or two to check out some of the highlights.
→ Lake Tekapo activity recommendations
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.
When is the gear check?
All trips start with a gear check at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. For your specific trip gear check and start times, please refer to the Itinerary section of the relevant product page.
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.
How do I get to/from Lake Tekapo?
The easiest way to get to Lake Tekapo is to catch the bus from Christchurch or Queenstown, or hire a rental car. Most buses arrive in Tekapo around midday.
→ Lake Tekapo Transport recommendations.
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.
