Alpine Skills Courses
South Island, New Zealand
Learn. Experience. Achieve.
Professional alpine training in Aoraki / Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland & The Remarkables.
Develop real mountaineering skills in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps — Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Our Alpine Skills Courses are designed for people who want more than an adventure: they want mastery, confidence, and decision‑making ability in true alpine environments.
Led by highly qualified NZMGA mountain guides, you’ll learn practical techniques directly on snow, ice, and mixed terrain — in small, personal groups that guarantee safety and hands‑on experience.
Why Choose Us?
Your Learning, Our Priority
We maintain a maximum ratio of one guide to four participants. This ensures your instructor can coach you individually, adjust plans to match group fitness and ambitions, and provide continuous feedback throughout the course.
If you already have some experience
We recommend 1:2 guiding ratios as it enables you to attempt more difficult objectives such as some 3000m peaks such as the Minarets, Mt Lendenfeld or Elle du Beaumont
NZMGA‑Certified Guides The Industry Standard
Our instructors are certified by the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association , holding both national and international qualifications in mountaineering and avalanche safety. Combined, they share decades of professional guiding experience across New Zealand, Nepal, Antarctica, and Europe — you’ll learn from genuine alpine professionals.
Immersive Venues
Real Mountains
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
The birthplace of New Zealand mountaineering, offering excellent access to the Tasman, Mueller, and Hooker Glaciers
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
A dramatic West Coast region of fast‑moving ice, waterfalls, and dense rainforest below the world‑famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Close to Wanaka, renowned for its glaciated valleys, alpine huts, and New Zealand’s cherished Mt Aspiring (3,033 m).
Fiordland National Park
With its towering granite peaks and long, wild approaches make this area ideal for advanced and expedition‑focused training.
Remarkables / Queenstown
Easy access and consistent spring snow make these peaks perfect for short or introductory alpine sessions.
Wanaka & Queenstown rock climbing
Climbing on single or multi pitch routes provides good training venues for rock skills
Safety and Decision Making
Alpine conditions change fast. You’ll learn to interpret weather systems, assess snow stability, and make informed calls about when to climb, when to turn back, and how to recognise avalanche hazards. Each evening includes a review of skills learnt.
Ethically and Responsibly
We teach an alpine skillset grounded in environmental and cultural respect. You’ll practice low‑impact travel, hut etiquette, waste management, and an awareness of kaitiakitanga — guardianship for the mountains that host us.
Course Structure
Learning Progression.
Our courses form a clear pathway, designed to carry you from your first snow slope to independent alpine climbing
Best for:
Trampers, trekkers, and rock climbers entering snowy terrain for the first time.
Locations: The Remarkables, Mt Aspiring National Park, Westland Tai Poutini
Goals:
Introduce fundamental movement, safety, and mountain awareness, preparing you for simple alpine crossings, guided ascents, or no technical ascents.
Key Topics and Skills:
Outcome: Participants can safely navigate non technical snow climbs or alpine passes, understanding basic risk management.
Remarkables
2 days 3 days
1:1 $1700 $2650
1:2 $ 950 $1375
1:3 $ 700 $1000
1:4 $ 600 $ 900
*Cost per / person
* Accommodation not included
Best for:
People ith basic snowcraft skills who want to lead or travel independently on medium‑grade alpine routes or cross glaciers
Locations:
Aoraki / Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring National Park, Westland Tai Poutini
Goals:
Develop competence in technical ropework, glacier travel, and route planning. Suitable as preparation for independent ascents such as Mt Aspiring, Mt Sefton, or Minarets.
Key Topics and Skills:
Outcome: Confident independent climber capable of planning and completing moderate alpine routes safely with a partner.
Aspiring / West Coast
4 days 5 days
1:1 $4400 $5500
1:2 $2600 $3250
1:3 $2000 $2500
1:4 $1600 $2000
*Cost per person
Best for:
Experienced climbers or wanting intensive, expedition‑style training.
Locations:
Fiordland · Aoraki MtCook · Westland Glaciers
Goals:
Build leadership, endurance, and decision‑making skills through a real alpine expedition — including climbing multiple peaks, establishing high camps, and managing risk in remote conditions.
Key Topics and Skills:
Outcome: Practical readiness for multi‑day expeditions anywhere in the world — from the Southern Alps to the Andes or Himalaya.
COURSE COST
Aspiring / West Coast / Aoraki
5 Days 7 Days
1:1 $5500 $7700
1:2 $3250 $4550
1:3 $2500 $3500
1:4 $2000 $2800
*Cost per person
What to Expect Conditions and Preparation
Course Inclusions
Your course includes:
Participants bring personal mountain clothing, sturdy boots, sleeping bag, and meals unless otherwise stated. Pre‑trip gear list supplied upon booking
Not Included
Reading topos, route finding.
Placing gear and anchors.
Rope techniques, climbing techniques.
Equipment.
Descending route.
Safety and ice quality.
How to swing an axe.
How to use crampons.
Placing ice screws and anchors.
Rope techniques.
Equipment.
How to read a glacier.
When and how to use ropes.
Crevasse rescue.
Cramponing skills.
Equipment.
