Remarkables Winter Climbing

Remarkables Winter Climbing offers the most accessible ice and mixed climbing playground in the country. The challenge of winter climbing is accessible regardless of previous mountaineering or rock climbing experience. Available as day trips from Wānaka or multi-day trips based in Queenstown.

Itinerary

Meeting in Queenstown or with an early start from Wānaka a 1-2 hour walk from the ski field car park provides access to the ice and mixed climbing venues of the mountain range and a variety of climbing objectives for all levels of experience. A number of routes can be packed into a day before returning to the comforts of ground level.

Due to the long climbing days, short daylight hours, and winter driving conditions, multi-day winter trips are based from accommodation in Frankton or Queenstown. A short drive down the hill allows climbers to warm up and dry off after a full day out and maximise recovery and climbing opportunities. If conditions allow, it may also be possible to camp or bivi for a night.

Remarkables Winter Climbing Objectives

Telecom Tower

The West Face of Telecom Tower is home to the classic gully routes of ‘Fridays Fool’ and ‘MK’ as well as a variety of modern mixed routes.

Touchdown

Further afield ‘Touchdown’ on the South Face of Single Cone provides reliable ice throughout the season. Often both the earliest and latest ice that is in condition.

Access is possible by ski or splitboard touring to maximise the time on the ice.

Wye Creek

The ice crags of Wye Creek provide one of New Zealand’s most accessible and varied winter climbing venues. In good conditions, these are accessible during a day trip from the ski field or it is possible to camp for a number of nights on a private trip or our scheduled group Ice Climbing Courses.

Double Cone and Single Cone

In the right conditions, it is also possible to do the Grand Traverse taking in the twin summits of Double Cone and Single Cone.

Early and mid-winter, the ice flows of the Alta Cirque look down on the frozen-over lake and ski field beyond. These provide the easiest accessible ice with classic routes of ‘Scottish Jockey’, ‘Altered States’, and ‘White J’.

Fitness and Difficulty Requirements

To get the most out of a day in the Remarkables, participants should have good fitness.

Participants should have some experience with rock climbing and ropework, including knots and belaying.

Developing winter climbing skills at these easily accessible venues provides the confidence to attempt more technical alpine climbing routes in the higher mountains.

For advice on equipment and clothing see preparation for ice climbing.

Pricing and Dates

Duration: 1 or more days

2023/24 Price:

From $1050 / $590 per person per day

Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, technical equipment, and transport from Wānaka.

Excludes: accommodation in Frankton/Queenstown for multi-day trips.

Maximum ratio: 1:2

‘A relaxing getaway with an old mate combined with a cool lodge and back country skiing. Awesome slopes. Staying at Whare Kea Chalet was an amazing place with awesome facilities and luxury beds with a view of the Milky Way! Back country ski touring with a guide in remote locations takes all the stress out of making decisions.’

— Murray, Whare Kea Chalet Ski Tour

‘Really good no1 fun day. Perfect conditions, great guide, got everything out of the trip that we wanted and more: fresh tracks, beautiful scenery, stunning weather, great company, and very safe and knowledgeable guide.’

— Wayne, Treble Cone Backcountry Tour