Client Reviews

Backcountry Ski Course

"I just wanted to again say thanks for the organisation of the guided course for me. Elke was extremely helpful, patient and it was a real privilege to spend time and receive guidance in the mountains with an absolute professional."
- M. Flynn, New Zealand. August 2013.

"I would like to say: Thank you so much for the hospitality, friendliness and inspiring and professional experience. It was amazing and definitely the highlight of my trip to NZ. Elke is an amazing guide and well prepared. First of all I would like to say that it was great the flexibility you offered and I felt very welcome when I arrived and I was offered to have breakfast and a tea at your office, thanks again for looking after me. The experience at the Hut was unique for me and breath- taking. The food was perfect, all the gear provided was great and very useful to not have to purchase or hire every item separately. Thanks again for lending me the gear I needed. I would highly recommend you to my friends and I would like to do it again when I go back to NZ."
- C. Poblete, Australia. August 2012.

"Thanks for making the trip enjoyable and informative. Considering the different standards in our group you did a great job in keeping us all satisfied and interested. Key for me was a little more knowledge on avalanche risk assessment - in particular the compression tap testing using a wider slab to check for propagation. I've already got my rope with 30cm markers sorted. Also revision on transceiver use and navigation was really good. Not to mention digging the Taj Mahal of snow caves. The hut and services at the hut were a pleasant surprise, very comfortable - a really great set up."
- R. Hosking, Australia. August 2012.

"I just want to say a Big thank you for an amazing time I've had in NZ. I really enjoyed and can say with certainty that was my biggest and greatest adventure so far. Can not wait for the next one..Thank you for creating great atmosphere :-)"
- M. Sydlak, Australia. August 2012.

"The Two Thumb range had lots of surprises and provided great skiing and views. I have been waxing lyrical about the trip all week to anyone that would listen. In particular the benefits of being out there with people that have such intimate knowledge of the area. I know we would not have got in the same quality of skiing with out your guidance. I must also congratulate you on working so well will a bunch of shall we say, mature clients...you managed us well and were very inclusive in taking everyones opinions and skills into account. I had a great time brilliant skiing, great laughs, conversations and it was a real treat being cooked for every night!. I would talk up the Two Thumbs Range for skiing as it has a much greater range of skiing than I expected and better weather than the Southern Alps."
- P. Burridge, VMTC Australia. September 2015.

"We had a thoroughly great time in New Zealand and Ski touring in the Two Thumbs Range was definitely a highlight for both of us. Thanks Elke for taking us on some lovely tours around your high country backyard. The scenery is truly spectacular and skiing was equally great. We were both impressed by the professionalism of your guiding and interactions with Alpine Recreation and would not hesitate to recommend Alpine Recreation to friends wishing to experience New Zealand's mountains in a safe and enjoyable way."
- G. & K. Roberts, Australia. August 2012.

"Booking: The reservation, payment and experience prior to arrival was top. Info on your website was plenty and clear. Nothing left out. You were quick to respond to emails, always accomodating and friendly. Getting there: The location is a little off the tourist path but this was exactly what we wanted. The town and surroundings were amazingly beautiful. Gear and pre-checking: The gear provided was perfect, good condition, clean and appropriate for the excursion and needs. Nothing to add or improve. Food and hut: There are obviously menu preferences but what we received was perfect to our tastes. Even considering I had two youngsters which are picky in their choices. The hut was clean, and comfortable. The location was perfect for what we wanted to do, some nordic skiing. Guide: He was very professional, attentive to every detail. Most importantly we felt at all times safe and contained in an open environment."
- F. Badessich, Argentina. September 2011.

"Dave Crow was an exemplary guide. Our daily excursions gave me, a newcomer to the area, a very satisfying overview of the layout of the land, and seemed well-judged to make the best use of the hours available, the variable weather and the presence of a rank amateur in the party. Back at the hut, the stove was lit, tea and biscuits appeared, followed by a more-than-adequate meal, all with a quiet efficiency that was almost embarrassing to a client who found he could sit back and watch it all being done - but was sufficiently weary to be mighty appreciative of the service. The morning routine was a similar exercise in culinary expertise. Toast and marmalade in a mountain hut!"
"Rex Simpson hut: such a lot of positives to mention. The setting is a winner, with uninterrupted views to the mountains across the lower Godley , then down-valley to the lake, the whole scene constantly changing in response to the vagaries of light and weather. The hut itself strikes a nice balance between well-appointed comfort and back-country simplicity - solar power and a pot-belly wood burner! I also thought several smaller features and procedures were very successful and added qualitatively a lot to hut life, especially the supply of hut shoes, and toilet gumboots, the provision of hand-washing fluid, and the sensible disposal of waste water."
-- P. Aimer, Auckland. August 2010.