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Upcoming Expeditions |
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Mt. Aspiring Guided Climb
Dec 2012 Aspiring Climbing News: See MtnRec News
Mt Aspiring-(3028 metres) - an icon amongst New Zealand's peaks.
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Mt. Aspiring/Tititea:: Hidden from general view and
surrounded by three spectacular glaciers the classical
"horn" of Mt Aspiring dominates the sky-scape
from the Hollyford to the Haast. The Bonar, the Therma
and the Volta glaciers provide limitless mountain
terrain. Most of the snow flows westward, hiding it's
towering, awe-inspiring faces from general view....
Geoff Wayatt,
Mountain Guide, 88 ascents (1967-2014). (see GW profile)
Walking access is via the West Matukituki Valley. The valley floor tramping is easy and the views improve from spectacular to awe inspiring at the valley head. Mountain Recreation, School of Mountaineering provides accommodation from it's Shovel Flat base. Two new NZ Alpine Club huts, French Ridge (1465metres-20 persons) and Colin Todd Hut(1725metres-12 persons) provide alpine shelter and a climbing base. Accessing Colin Todd hut requires a crossing of the Bonar Glacier with rope, crampons and ice axe.
A steep, rough track leads to French Ridge Hut( elev. gain 900m - 2 1/2hrs+) The upper valley and access to Colin Todd Hut is a steady and arduous climb. The track deteriorates towards the end of the forest opening up into a bouldered meadow and 1300 metre walls or rock and ice, streaming waterfalls and regular snow avalanches. Rock slabs are climbed towards Hector Col and finally long snow slopes to Bevan Col and a fantastic view of Aspiring
TRAVEL TIMES: Raspberry Flat road-head to Aspiring Hut - 2 hours; to Shovel Flat 3 hours; to Pearl Flat 3 1/2 hrs. Pearl Flat:- To French Ridge Hut-2 1/2hrs+; to Colin Todd Hut-7hrs.French Ridge Hut to Colin Todd Hut - 5 hrs (alpine)
THE CLIMB: A 10 -13hr. climb from Colin Todd hut or a bivouac on the Bonar Glacier. A 16hr day from French Ridge Hut. It involves roped glacier travel to the base of the peak. A choice of routes includes: The 10 pitch, 50deg. snow ramp to the shoulder or the rock Buttress route. From the Shoulder the climb is less steep and follows the NW Ridge to the Summit. The South West Ridge - a serious but classic 14 pitch climb with a spectacular steep 4 pitch finish to the summit. For further details see: mountain essays
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Aspiring Climb -Asp 013 |
| DURATION & COST: Valley to Peak, Walk in/Walk out: | 4 1/2 DAYS | $3,800 |
| Use of helicopter access to Bonar glacier/walk-out | 3 1/2 DAYS | $3,800 |
Included:
Food, transport from Wanaka & hut fees, group and
personal alpine eqt., Nat.Park concession fee and GS Tax.
Additional days are charged at: $595/day. The 2nd person
cost is $1850
Southern Alps 3,000m Peaks
All other climbs are priced similar to above, but do not include air access
costs which vary between air charter companies.
(Trek/Course & Rental Notes) (Equipment List)
BOOKING: Must be confirmed with a 50% deposit on our Registration Form. See Cancellations & Refunds. We will endeavour to allow a window of five/six days availability for the trip.
FITNESS: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE IN
STRONG PHYSICAL FITNESS WITH A HIGH ENDURANCE CAPACITY TO ENSURE A SATISFYING EXPEDITION.
Training: Nothing beats a 3-5 day hill tramp with a 15-20kg pack. Long
uphill mtn bikes are also recommended to build endurance for 1,000-1500m
on Aspiring.
Details of experience & fitness are required with
booking.
MOUNTAIN RECREATION, EQT LIST www.mountainrec.co.nz
Equipment is basically designed to enhance our experience and protect us from harsh climates. Too
often people think that the quantity of gear and personal
pleasure are directly proportional. Some have the notion
that equipment buys safety. Safety has more to do with
experience and risk taking. Over-equipping is like siege
climbing and the cutting of "bucket" steps;
boring, laborious and totally detracting from the freedom
of the sport. Select your clothing and equipment
carefully, according to personal experience. We have
listed the essential items based on our experience. Lay your gear out 2
weeks before the trip and consider every item carefully for function and
necessity.
USE
THIS AS A GUIDELINE for a Mt Aspiring Climb:
REMEMBER: "An
implement shouldn't be an impediment."
Parka
Wind and waterproof - Buy gortex w/ waterproof guarantee, its
comfortable and expensive.
"First Layer" Top: Polypropylene or alt. A turtle
neck with zip gives neck protection.
3 Socks: Seamless, sports, wool mix for
warmth. Only 1pr w/Plastic boots for smaller fit.
Hat -Sunhat: for bright neves (Mtn Rec
Cap.) Balaclava/Ski hat for blizzards. (MtnRec T-shirt
(or reflective business shirt/blouse) for glacier travel, heat
reflection and sleeping (to avoid polyprop smell)
Gloves, Mitts,- 3 pairs -
Polyprop./light wool gloves for mod. temps. &
technical climbing. Pile Gauntlets for blizzards. Wrist
elastics prevent loss Over-mitts Prevent wetting, increase
warmth & snow-caving.
Overpants Zip sided (full-length)
lightweight. For blizzards. Pref. micro-porous material. -Pullover
Fleece/pile with high collar. We have 100 wt/wMtnRec
logo & MtnRec Vests
Gaiters Knee-length.
Zips or buckles for snow. Velcro/domes for mud. Avoid
elastic at ankles.
Sunglasses Dark (Amber) In robust
container. Goggles tend to fog. Glacier glasses with
removable shields are best. Suncreme Strong; plus zinc
creme, lip salve and moisturiser. Bandanas
: Large & lightweight for cover-up of neck & face
on the "sun bowl" glaciers. 1st Aid Kit: For
cuts, burns, blisters, abrasions. Incl: Spenco blister kit
Crepe bandage and "athletic" tape for feet/hot-spots.
Sleeping Bag Compact. Down w/water resistant outer.
Silk liner for extra warmth.
Knife, fork, spoon, cup, bowl
Water-bottle: One litre, preferably with
wide mouth Toilet Gear
Pack, Large enough for 20kgs. Must have
straps for ice axe, crampons, and sleeping pad.
Headlamp: For early
starts and late returns.
Access boots: To avoid blisters we wear
light footwear in the valleys. Rec: Salomon X hiking or lightweight
running shoes. (Hut footwear alt: Lightweight Crocs.)
Repair Kit: S'driver, pliers, wire, wax etc
(1 per group/Guide supplied) Map, Compass Altimeter, GPS Optional
Ice Axe: Metal Shaft.
Shorter axes are preferred by shorter climbers and on
steep climbing. Average length:65cm /75cm. A tie on 20mm
webbing wrist sling is rec. Crampons:
Clip on versions suit plastic boots best. Long
spikes are more versatile for NZ conditions. The fit must
be secure with adequate toe point length.
Climbing Harness: Lightweight
with adjustable leg loops.
Prusik Slings: 2 each (Full set
of slings/10metres, 5mm rope)
Pulleys: min. 2 per rope
Karabiners Two locking, two
lightweight.
Mountain Boots: High quality leather or
Plastic. Toes should not quite touch the front. (Leather
boots, rigid)
Sleeping Pad: Essential for bivouacs and
snow-caving.
Hard Hat/lightweight: To protect
No.1 (a neoprene brim helps Sun protection.
Bivouac Bag: For sleeping in
snow-caves-Microporous material.
Belay Plate: Stitch plates
& Air Traffic Controls are currently the best.
Maps: Mt
Aspiring region NZMS 273 1:150000 Mt. Aspiring Guidebook, Al Uren (New Ed.)$30
(Available from MtnRec. Mail-order
Equipment Sales)
Also see Private
Expeditions Also see MtnRec's: Mt. Aspiring Expedition Photo Gallery