Mount Cook & Westland
Glacier Ski & Split-board Adventures
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular glacier touring terrain
Explore Aoraki Mount Cook Winter Adventures Ski Glacier Touring & Ski MountaineeringSki Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular glacier ski & split-board touring destinations
Join us for an unforgettable guided ski touring adventure across the dramatic glaciated landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This is New Zealand’s most classic and stunning glacier ski touring terrain – a true Southern Alps epic for experienced backcountry skiers and split-boarders.
A High Alpine Playground
From the moment your ski plane or helicopter touches down on the glacier, you’re immersed in the heart of the Main Divide. Towering peaks, sprawling glacier basins, and remote alpine huts set the stage for high-quality ski touring and ski mountaineering objectives. Depending on conditions and the group’s experience, we may explore the upper Tasman, Murchison, Mannering, or Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, ski off peaks such as Hochstetter Dome, Mt Alymer, Drummond Peak or Von Bulow or make cruisey day missions through Canyon Lands and explore crevassed terrain.
"She's on Skis"
Our glacier ski touring is also available as "She’s on Skis" – a women’s-only glacier ski touring adventure designed to empower and inspire female backcountry skiers in a supportive, all-women environment. Led by New Zealand’s top female IFMGA guides, this trip ventures into the heart of the Southern Alps, exploring glaciated terrain, remote alpine huts, and classic ski mountaineering objectives. Whether you're looking to build confidence on skis, refine your glacier travel skills, or simply share the stoke with like-minded women, this is a unique opportunity to push your limits, learn from the best, and experience the magic of ski touring in an all-female crew. If this sounds like you, look for the pink icon in the Scheduled Dates section or get a group of friends together and request dates that suit you.
Based high on the glaciers in the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Westland / Tai Poutini National Parks, our Glacier Ski Touring trips are typically based at Kelman, Tasman Saddle or Plateau Huts on the eastern side of the Main Divide, or Centennial or Pioneer Huts on the western side.
Surrounded by dramatic peaks, expansive glaciers, and world-class ski mountaineering terrain, this trip is ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and split-boarders ready to take on a new challenge.
Staying in a remote alpine hut perched at the top of New Zealand’s largest glaciers, you’ll ski with experienced IFMGA and NZMGA qualified ski guides in one of the most spectacular mountain environments in the Southern Hemisphere.
Highlights:
- Ski touring and ski mountaineering on New Zealand’s largest glaciers
- Breathtaking views across the Southern Alps to the West Coast
- Learn safe glacier travel in a ski touring / split-boarding context
- Gain confidence moving in high alpine terrain using crampons and ice axe
- Ski mountaineering and avalanche equipment provided FREE of charge
- Guided by experienced IFMGA and NZMGA qualified mountain guides
Tasman Saddle Hut
Tasman Saddle Hut is perched high above the Tasman Glacier on a rocky knoll at 2400m in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, vast snowfields, and glacial icefalls, 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. Whether you're here for a guided trip, instructional course, or high-mountain adventure, Tasman Saddle Hut offers unparalleled access to some of the country’s most remote and dramatic alpine terrain. Access is typically by helicopter or ski plane from Mount Cook Airport.
Facilities
Tasman Saddle Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 16 bunks with mattresses, solar lighting, cooking utensils, a water tank, and a long-drop toilet. While there is no heating, the hut provides basic shelter for high-altitude stays. On guided trips, all meals, cooking, and equipment are taken care of by your guide, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience. Don't forget to pack a warm sleeping bag and down jacket!
Kelman Hut
Fondly known as the "Kelminator" due to its temperature, Kelman Hut is one of New Zealand’s highest alpine huts, perched at 2,430 m on a ridge above Tasman Saddle at the head of the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, vast snowfields, and glacial icefalls, it serves as a key base for alpine climbing courses, ski mountaineering, glacier skiing, and glacier hikes / treks in the heart of the Southern Alps. Whether you're here for a guided trip, instructional course, or high-mountain adventure, Kelman Hut offers unparalleled access to some of the country’s most remote and dramatic alpine terrain. Access is typically by helicopter or ski plane from Mount Cook Airport.
Facilities
Kelman Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 22 bunks with mattresses, solar lighting, gas cookers, cooking utensils, a water tank, and a long-drop toilet. While there is no heating, the hut provides basic shelter for high-altitude stays. On guided trips, all meals, cooking, and equipment are taken care of by your guide, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience. Don't forget to pack a warm sleeping bag and down jacket!
Centennial Hut
Centennial Hut sits dramatically on the Franz Josef Névé at 2,400 m, offering unparalleled access to the glaciated heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Overlooking the sprawling upper reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier, the hut is a strategic base for guided alpine climbing, glacier touring and ski mountaineering, glacier trekking, and mountaineering instruction in the rugged West Coast ranges of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. With panoramic views stretching from the icefields to the Tasman Sea, Centennial Hut offers one of the most breathtaking alpine settings in the country.
Facilities
Centennial Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 20 bunks with mattresses, solar lighting, cooking utensils, a water tank, and a long-drop toilet. While there is no heating, the hut provides basic shelter for high-altitude stays. On guided trips, all meals, cooking, and equipment are taken care of by your guide, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience. Don't forget to pack a warm sleeping bag and down jacket!
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 |
|---|---|
| 21 - 25 Jul 2025 | 4 |
| 28 Jul 2025 - 1 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 6 - 10 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 27 - 31 Aug 2025 | 4 |
| 4 - 8 Sep 2025 | 4 girls-only group |
| 15 - 19 Sep 2025 | 4 |
| 22 - 26 Sep 2025 22 September 2025 South Canterbury Day | 4 |
| 29 Sep 2025 - 3 Oct 2025 | 4 |
| 4 - 8 Oct 2025 | FULL no availablity |
| 10 - 15 Oct 2025 | 2 guaranteed departure |
| Updated: 28 June 2025 at 3:01 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$3020 2 - 4 per guide * | NZ$3500 2 - 4 per guide * | NZ$4099 2 - 4 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Group discounts: get a group of family and friends together and book as a group. The amount of discount you will be eligible for, will depend on the group size - the more people you book, the more your discount will be. If our scheduled dates don't suit your group's travel plans, please contact us so we can reschedule a trip to suit (subject to guide availability).
Please note that group bookings are not private bookings - if you wish to keep your group closed and have a private guide just for your group, a surcharge will apply.
| Group Discounts | 5 days price per person | 6 days price per person | 7 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group booking of 3 | NZ$2,870.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,325.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,895.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 4 | NZ$2,720.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,150.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,690.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 5 | NZ$2,930.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,395.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,980.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 6 | NZ$2,870.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,325.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,895.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 7 | NZ$2,780.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,220.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,775.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 8 | NZ$2,720.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,150.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$3,690.00 2 - 4 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
- National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Aoraki Mt. Cook return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- 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 trip 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 Centennial Hut Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Murchison Glacier Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Pioneer Hut Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,284.00 |
| 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 |
| Fox / Franz Josef Airports to / from Pioneer / Centennial Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | H 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$770.00 |
| Fox / Franz Josef Airports to / from Pioneer / Centennial Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | AS 350 Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,050.00 |
| Fox Airport to / from Chancellor Hut | H 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$420.00 |
| Fox Airport to / from Chancellor Hut | AS 350 Helicopter | 5 | NZ$575.00 |
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 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$1,895.00 for 5 days, NZ$1,895.00 for 5 days, NZ$2,210.00 for 6 days, NZ$2,600.00 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.
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 as required, a solid foundation in backcountry travel — such as skinning with ski crampons, gear management, and adapting to 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
Glacier touring and 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 trip:
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 trip.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:30 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-trip Evening – Gear Check & Trip 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 trip plan, and review safety protocols, packing tips, and logistics for the days ahead.
You need to bring your own alpine touring boots (or split-board setup if you're a boarder), 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 on the eastern side of the Main Divide, or Centennial or Pioneer Hut on the western side.
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. An avalanche beacon training session is common practice on the first day.
Subsequent Days – Glacier Touring
Trips are typically 5–7 days, with flexibility to match weather and conditions. Your guide will choose the best objectives based on the latest forecasts, snowpack and group ability. Typical day trips include:
- Touring the Darwin Bowls and returning via Canyon Lands on the Tasman Glacier
- Ski descents of Hochstetter Dome or Mt Alymer (from the Tasman Glacier)
- Skiing the Darwin and Bonney Glaciers
- Touring the Murchison, Mannering and Aida Glaciers
- Ski descents of Sydney King or Mt Acland (from the Aida Glacier)
- Exploring the Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers from Centennial or Pioneer Huts
- Ski mountaineering peaks like Grey Peak, Mt von Bulow, Drummond Peak, or Glacier Dome
Each day includes a mix of skinning, glacier travel, optional summit attempts, and thrilling descents.
Last Day – Final Tour & Exit
On the final day, we take the opportunity for a short morning ski tour. 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, returning around 5pm.
Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers - 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 |
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.
Articles
Features and editorials about the Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
Daring to be Lydia
Empowering women ski‑touring in New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Thirty years ago this October, something extraordinary happened.
Above Worry Level
Mid-winter ascents of Elie de Beaumont and Mount Tasman
A gripping account of two high alpine winter ascents in New Zealand’s Southern Alps — Elie de Beaumont and Mount Tasman — made during a perfect mid-winter weather window. A family expedition filled with glacier travel, summit challenges, breathtaking scenery, and reflection on the contrast between everyday life and the magic of the high mountains.
