What Training Is Required for an Ascent of Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring is a technical alpine ascent but is achievable for most people with a good fitness. Benchmark goals include being able to ascend 1000m in 3 hours and trek up to 20km in a day over rough ground with up to 15kg of weight.

After the summit day, the walk-out involves another 1000m of descent down technical terrain and a 20km walk out down the valley with full packs.

Fitness preparation can be achieved through:

Strength training and conditioning: Focus on legs, core, and upper body to improve stability for steep ascents, descents, and carrying gear.

Cardiovascular endurance: Long hikes, running, cycling, or swimming to improve strength, stability, and stamina for long mountain days

Flexibility and balance: Yoga or targeted exercises to improve flexibility and stability on uneven terrain.

Simulated training: Regular day and multi-day hikes carrying a loaded backpack on rough and uneven terrain to mimic real conditions. To preserve knee, water can be carried uphill and jettisoned for the downhill.

Training in all the technical skills required to safely undertake an guided ascent of Mount Aspiring can be covered during the ascent program. Coming with some experience of these skills will allow you to take the opportunity to pick up more tips and tricks from your guide.

Skills include:

Cramponing and ice axe use including self-arrest

Some familiarity with knots and rope systems for belaying. These can easily be picked up with a few visits to a local climbing gym (which is fun too).

For ascents from the New Year, most of the route is on exposed rock. It is useful to have some recent experience scrambling and climbing on moderate rock to be comfortable with exposed sections.