Ski and Splitboard Touring
Whare Kea Luxury Ski Tour
The Whare Kea Chalet experience redefines the ski and splitboard touring experience in New Zealand. The Chalet, in association with Aspiring Helicopters, offers luxury accommodation and a spectacular base for touring in an exclusive location high in the Buchannan mountains on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. After a day out skiing or riding, relax in comfort and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner whilst watching the sunset over Tititea / Mount Aspiring and the Southern Alps / Ka Tiritiri o te Moana.
The Chalet is located at 1750 metres above the Albert Burn Saddle on the north side of Dragonfly Peak. From the deck, you can watch the sunrise on the northern ramparts of Tititea / Mount Aspiring and on clear nights, it is a fantastic place to observe unobscured stars and the Southern Lights / Aurora Australis.
Albert Burn Saddle is a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight from the Aspiring Helicopters base in the Matukituki Valley near the bottom of the Treble Cone Ski Field road. This is just a 20 minute drive from central Wanaka.
Whare Kea Chalet
With two double bedrooms and a spacious loft, the Chalet provides comfortable accommodation for up to six guests. Facilities include down duvets, a lounge, a gas fire, and a full kitchen.
The Chalet’s is designed to maximise the opportunities of the incredible location whilst minimising the impact on the environment. Its green credentials include solar cells for power and a roof designed to hold snow for insulation.
The large windows frame astounding views of Tititea / Mount Aspiring with its tumbling glaciers through to Aoraki / Mount Cook far to the north.
The trip takes place in a remote mountain environment so participants need to have some experience touring and be familiar with their touring equipment.
Splitboard crampons are mandatory.
Further advice on equipment can be found in our Knowledge Base articles: Equipment for Ski and Splitboard Touring.
Ski touring equipment can be hired from MT Outdoors in Wānaka.
Splitboards can be hired from Wanaka Splitboard Rentals. Contact us with your requirements.
If hiring equipment, we recommend having a few warm-up days around Wanaka before the trip.
Ski and Splitboard Ability
Some experience skiing or riding off-piste in a variety of snow conditions and blue or red runs on a ski field.
Some experience ski or splitboard touring.
Fitness
Ascents and descents of up to 500m and up to 15km distance per day. 10 – 15kg packs. 6 – 8 hours.
Availability
Private groups by arrangement July to September.
Pricing
Please contact us for more information and to receive a quote specific to your requirements.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Optional extras include helicopter transfers from Queenstown or Wanaka accommodation (including Whare Kea Lodge), additional scenic helicopter flights including Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook, chef-prepared dinners, and heli-skiing packages in collaboration with Harris Mountains Heliski.
Trips are also available for winter trekking and snowshoeing and throughout summer for trekking or just relaxing away from it all. Fore more information see our Whare Kea Luxury Trek.
‘A relaxing getaway with an old mate combined with a cool lodge and back country skiing. Awesome slopes. Staying at the 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
