Remarkables Alpine Rock Climbing Course
The course is based at the local and easily accessible W?naka single and multi-pitch crags. and the alpine rock climbing and classic ridge traverses of the Remarkables near Queenstown.
The alpine rock climbing skills syllabus can be covered over three days or a customised shorter refresher can be provided for those with previous experience.
If conditions allow, it may also be possible to camp or bivi for a night at Lake Alta. This his requires carrying in your overnight gear for an hour or so to the campsite.
The culmination of the course is usually an ascent of the summits of Single or Double Cone or the Classic Remarkables Grand Traverse.
Familiarity with ropework is important for all areas of alpine rock climbing and mountaineering. From simple pitching and abseiling to safeguard short sections of a route, or for emergency rescue use. Rock climbers and mountaineers should first be familiar with the fundamental building blocks and tools before then expanding their skills in more complex situations. General rules of keeping it simple and neat apply to all stages.
Syllabus includes:
Equipment selection.
Placing traditional protection on the crags and in the mountains.
Multi-pitch skills including tactics for climbing in a pair or three.
Anchor configurations, belaying, stance management, and techniques for protecting the anchor for multi-pitch climbing.
Descent and abseiling systems.
Ropework for scrambling and ridge traverses including shortening the rope, simulanteous climbing, security and speed considerations.
Vertical upwards and downwards rescue including, escaping the system, load transfers, lowering, raising
Shortened private courses can be tailored to individual goals.
2025/26 Price:
1 day: from $590 per person for 2 people ( Wanaka based) or $750 (Remarkables based).
Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, technical equipment, and transport from W?naka.
Excludes: Lunch, snacks and dinners, accommodation in W?naka, rock shoe hire (if required). Rock shoes can be hired from MT Outdoors.
‘A great knowledgeable instructor. He made sure each participant understood the material. Friendly and made you feel comfortable asking any questions. I would highly recommend [the guide] and would love to be a part of another one of his instructional courses.’
— — Tom, Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue Course
