Ski and Splitboard Touring Courses
We offer group or private touring courses for skiers and splitboarders. Beginners could start with a one-day Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course, which can also be combined with an Avalanche Skills Course 1 for a weekend program to set you up to start heading out on your own trips. Alternatively, there is the more comprehensive three-day Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring Course. For the next step, we have a number of specialist courses focusing on advanced Avalanche Skills Course 2, Glacier Ski Touring, or Ski Mountaineering.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Ski Touring Courses](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Mzg4OjE2MDk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTA4MCAxMDgwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTA4MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDgwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Ski Touring Courses 1")
Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course
1 day, price from $350 per person
Introductory one-day ski touring courses based out of local ski fields for skiers and splitboarders with an experienced local guide is an excellent way to get used to new gear, familiarise yourself with the local backcountry, get up to speed with the latest safety techniques and fast-track your skills for your own winter day trips and multi-day adventures.
Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring Course
3 days, price $990 per person
More comprehensive backcountry ski touring courses for skiers and splitboarders to develop the skills you need to undertake your own winter day trips or overnight tours in the local area or further afield.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Ski Touring](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDM4OjMwOTg=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Ski Touring Courses 3")
Glacier Ski and Splitboard Touring Course
4-5 days, price from $2890 per person
Travel to the glaciers of Aoraki / Mount Cook or Westland National Parks to learn the ski touring and splitboarding skills to safely explore the remote glaciers and peaks. Helicopter into a base at a high alpine hut for days of fresh terrain.
Avalanche Courses
1.5 – 4 days
Avalanche skills courses provide the skills to keep you safe on your backcountry adventures. These NZ Mountain Safety Council-endorsed courses are run as day trips from Wānaka or staying overnight in the mountains for skiers and snowboarders.
![Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue Course [] Wanaka Mountain Guide](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDg4OjU2Ng==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMjU2MCAxOTIwIiB3aWR0aD0iMjU2MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxOTIwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Ski Touring Courses 5")
Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue Course
1 – 2 days, price $550 per person
This short local course is preparation for planning and carrying out travel over glaciers as part of ski touring or mountaineering trip. 2-day courses comprehensively cover all the skills or 1-day refresher course can update skills prior to a season’s adventures.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Ski Mountaineering](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTEyOjI5NDY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Ski Touring Courses 6")
Ski Mountaineering Course
5 days, price from $2750 per person
Develop mountaineering skills including glacier travel, crevasse rescue, multi-pitch climbing, and abseiling to be able to undertake the Southern Alps classic ski mountaineering objectives. Ski or splitboard touring provides easy access to spring summit objectives and big descents.
Front Line Medical Conference
17th – 22nd August 2025
In collaboration with Dr Sam Bartholomew. This mini-medical conference allow a small group to share learning experiences and ideas in the winter backcountry environment relevant to Front Line Medical work. The conference explores risk management and acute medical care both in the winter environment and workplace.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Mountaineering Courses](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTYxOjIxMzc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Ski Touring Courses 8")
Mountaineering Courses
1 – 5 days
Also, check out our range of mountaineering courses covering all aspects of mountaineering skills from beginner to advanced. Running November to April including summer mountaineering, technical ropes skills, and rock climbing. Short locally based courses to intensive multi-day mountain-based courses.
Our team of certified mountain and ski guides are committed to mountain education and sharing our knowledge of safe and enjoyable backcountry travel. Their experience demonstrates significant industry experience and practical knowledge in fields including instruction, guiding, ski patrol, and avalanche forecasting. This ensures that participants receive industry-leading instruction covering the latest techniques.
Register now for advice on the most suitable ski touring courses for you or your group:
‘Myself and two friends (who’d never done any back-country touring before) skied/boarded with Wanaka Mountain Guides at Treble Cone a couple of days ago. He did a great job with finding some fresh powder and managing the day in a way that meant we all had fun and ended the day with some great memories.’
— Mark, Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course
‘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
’10/10. Extremely Knowledgeable. Fantastic Group Facilitation Skills. Great Teacher. Passionate about Skiing, Mountains/ Weather/ Snow Pack. Incredibly Patient. Cool, Calm, and Collected.’
— Fiona, Avalanche Skills Course