The potential for high alpine mountain climbing in New Zealand is, in a word: Limitless. There is everything from the ballsy classic to long ridge traverses for the peak bagger. It doesn't matter where you are on the South Island, you are almost never little more than an hour or two's drive from some awesome 2000 meter (or even 3000+) peaks. The mountains here definitely deserve some respect. The rock, much like the cascade volcanoes, often has the structural integrity of potato chips, and the snow conditions are frequently soft. As Owen tells me, you end up using snow stakes more often than ice screws for protection. The weather is predictably unpredictable. All this adds up to high potential for some adventurous times way up high. Don't let me discourage those of you thinking about coming here for some mountain climbing. The South Island peaks have a savage beauty, and when you are amidst a sea of them as we were, you can hardly observe any evidence of humankind's passing save your own footprints. I'm heading back there someday to be sure, when I have a bit more experience. Success is anything but guaranteed but with a little luck, a head as cool as a cucumber, and great..."testicular fortitude", there are some epics here just waiting for the next hardman and hardwoman.
Owen and Kristin on our first day out in Arthur's Pass
(L to R) Inga, Stephanie, Stephan, Ingrid, Tom and Kristin. This is on our first half assed attempt at Mt. Rollestone. We ended up playing with gear and making anchors. All in all a great day.
Owen gearing up
The beginning of the real meat of the route. It's basically a steep ridge climb, and yes it is pretty classic.
Back down in a great lunch meadow below snowline
Avalanche peak
Our high point that day
Our S. Island snow school
Some curious keas came up to check us out. A well timed snowball can make for some great shots. I love the orange under their wings.
some descending climbers
Daybreak on our second attempt (Owen, Inga and myself)
Rackin' up. Awesome scenery
Looking over at Goldney ridge
Inga on our way down
Our last rappel before some downclimbing. Inga was the last to come down on what was a slightly dodgy anchor.
I wish I had a shot of my miner's helmet
1 comment:
Those were awesome. I miss looking at the mountains there. I really enjoyed them the afternoon we spent at Castle Hill. They are very powerful and gorgeous. Nice description of them too...well done S.C. :P
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