Mountain Skills Courses
Ice Climbing Course
The Ice Climbing Course is based at the upper crags and cirque of the South Branch of Wye Creek. The area provides one of New Zealand's most accessible and varied winter climbing venues. Satisfying the criteria of altitude, drainage, and cold aspect gives this area reliability for good ice formation during the coldest periods of winter. Develop your climbing skills with expert instruction from New Zealand Mountain Guides.
Meeting at our base in Wanaka for briefings and gear checks. It is also possible to be picked up from your accommodation in Wanaka or Frankton. From Frankon it is a short helicopter ride deep into the Remarkables mountain range.
Campsites are situated right under the ice provide easy daily access to a wide range of classic climbs to develop your skills over four intensive days of climbing and instruction. At the end of the trip, the helicopter returns to transport the group back to Frankton. All flights are included.
Accommodation
The upper Wye Creek is remote and there are no huts in the area. We fly in and out with expedition-style camp equipment including large base camp tents, heated cooking tent, extra blankets, and cooking equipment. This allows for a comfortable winter camping experience.
All food and snacks are included to keep you fully fueled up on this winter adventure.
Mountain Skills
The Ice Climbing Course is one of our Specialist Mountain Skills courses. Check our our Knowledge Base for more advice to plan your mountain training progression.
Equipment
Personal technical climbing equipment including harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice axes are available for use and included. Group technical equipment including ropes are provided.
Participants will need to be equipped with suitable personal clothing for winter climbing and camping.
For more information regarding equipment selection, check out our article on preparing for ice climbing in New Zealand.
The variety of climbs at Wye Creek allows the course to cater to all levels of previous ice climbing experience. With previous rock climbing experience, it is possible to quickly progress into leading ice climbs and develop the skills to attempt sustained routes and alpine ice routes in the high mountains including multi-pitch ascents and descents.
A specialist ice climbing course is an excellent complement to previous alpine or winter mountaineering courses.
Topics covered include:
- Preparation for ice climbing
- Equipment selection
- Managing ice climbing and winter hazards
- Steep ice climbing techniques
- Placing ice screws, building anchors, and leading
- Multi-pitch climbing and abseil descents
- Avalanche awareness and emergency preparedness
- Winter camping
Visit our Downloads page for the Course Resources.
Fitness
To get the most out of the course, participants should have good fitness.
Technical Skills
Participants should have some experience with rock climbing and ropework, including knots and belaying.
Ice Climbing
No previous ice climbing experience is required.
Availability
These dates are available for group or private bookings. If you can't make these dates, get in touch to arrange other dates or private guiding trips.
25th - 28th July: Places available
31st July - 3rd August: 1 place available
10th - 14th August: Places available
Pricing
Inclusions & Exclusions
Includes: GST, NZMGA certified guide, compliance costs, technical equipment, all food, tents and cooking equipment, transport from W?naka, helicopter flight in and out
Booking Conditions
The course venue is dependent on the weather so we offer 2 days of weather contingency. Participants will need to be available for 6 days from the start date. Flexible accommodation options are available at our Kea Lodge.
If the weather does not allow helicopter access into Wye Creek for the entire duration of the trip then accommodation can be provided at Kea Lodge in Wanaka and unused flight expenses will be refunded.
It will be possible to undertake day or overnight trips to ice and mixed climbs in the Remarkables using the ski field road for access.
A great guide and I learned so much from him. I would happily work with him again... Â A phenomenal trip!
— Mike, Ice Climbing Course
