Winter Ice and Mixed Climbing
Ice and mixed climbing opportunities abound throughout the Southern Lakes region. Venues include the crags of Wye Creek and the Remarkables mountain range near Queenstown. Later in winter and into spring, it’s time to head to the classic alpine ice ascents of the Tasman, Fox, or Franz Josef Glaciers.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Wye Creek](https://i0.wp.com/wanakamountainguides.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230804_114754-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Wye Creek Ice Climbing Course
The Upper Wye Creek basin provides the Southern Lakes’ most reliable and accessible winter climbing venue. A range of crags from beginner to advanced for instruction and private guiding. Fly-in access allows a comfortable winter camping experience.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Ice and Mixed Climbing](https://i0.wp.com/wanakamountainguides.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/p7140361.jpg?resize=3968%2C2976&ssl=1)
Remarkables Winter Climbing
The Remarkables mountain range near Queenstown offers the most accessible winter playground in the country. The ski field provides easy access to the climbing venues of the West Face of Telecom Tower, Alta Ice, and Touchdown on the South Face. A number of routes can be packed into a day.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Ice and Mixed Climbing](https://i0.wp.com/wanakamountainguides.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/P1070715.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
Remarkables Grand Traverse
The Grand Traverse is New Zealand’s premier alpine day trip. The route, accessed from the Remarkables ski field, takes in the summits of Double and Single Cone with jaw dropping exposure and views down to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, almost 2km vertically below.
![Alpine Ice Climbing [] Wanaka Mountain Guides](https://i0.wp.com/wanakamountainguides.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/p1090437.jpg?resize=4320%2C3240&ssl=1)
Alpine Mountaineering
In late winter, the high glaciers provide access to the country’s best alpine climbing. The Fox névé with a base at Pioneer Hut offers a mix of short technical routes and longer classic outings such as the South Face of Douglas. Alternatively, Tasman Saddle Hut on the eastern side provides a base for the East Face of Mount Walter.