Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
Ski Touring
Explore Aoraki Mount Cook Winter Adventures Ski Glacier Touring & Ski MountaineeringSki Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers
New Zealand's best hut-based glacier ski & split-board touring destinations
Backcountry Ski & Split-board Touring amongst the glaciers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
We typically base ourselves at Kelman, Tasman Saddle, Centennial, Pioneer or Plateau Huts, and undertake day tours from there. The glacier runs are spectacular: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers in the west and Tasman and Murchison Glaciers in the east - all provide access onto a myriad of surrounding smaller glaciers. Depending on conditions and group ability some very fine peaks may be climbed on skis: Elie de Beaumont, Minarets, Hochstetter Dome and many more...
The itinerary is completely flexible and can be customized to suit your needs. You can opt for an instruction based course to improve your winter mountaineering skills, or the focus can be on climbing peaks or skiing as many different runs as you can!
The trip was amazing - a great venue and wonderful terrain to ski! New Zealand is a truly special place. I am extremely impressed with your operation - the trip was VERY well organized, executed, and was very well-tailored to all of our needs, abilities, interests etc. The guide was PHENOMENAL! He…Read more
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).
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 July 2025 | 4 |
| 28 July - 1 August 2025 | 4 |
| 4 - 8 August 2025 | 4 |
| 11 - 15 August 2025 | 4 |
| 16 - 20 August 2025 | 3 |
| 30 August - 3 September 2025 | 4 |
| 6 - 10 September 2025 | 4 |
| 15 - 19 September 2025 | 4 |
| 22 - 26 September 2025 22 September 2025 South Canterbury Day | 4 |
| 29 September - 3 October 2025 | 4 |
| Updated: 3 March 2025 at 11:00 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 infoSki 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.
