Wānaka

7-DAY SKI MOUNTAINEERING COURSE - NEW ZEALAND

Ski Touring

What you'll do

Embark on a 7-day ski mountaineering course in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Designed for those with ski touring experience, this course enhances your skills in alpine climbing, glacier travel, and avalanche safety. With expert guidance, you'll train in remote mountain terrain, aiming to summit a 3,000-meter peak and ski from its summit, all while immersed in breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Pre-Trip Evening

Meet at Aspiring Guides’ Wanaka office at 4:00 PM for a gear check, equipment rental if needed, and a briefing on the upcoming adventure.

Day 2 - Arrival and Helicopter Access

Gather at the Wanaka office at 8:00 AM for a final gear check. Travel to either Fox Glacier or Mount Cook Village, then embark on a scenic helicopter flight into the mountains. Upon arrival, receive instruction on avalanche and glacier safety, and begin exploring the surrounding terrain.

Day 3 - Foundations & First Turns

Start with comprehensive training on ski touring basics—efficient skinning techniques, transitions, and gear setup. In the afternoon, apply these skills on a short tour with light turns, focusing on movement efficiency, group travel, and terrain recognition.

Day 4 - Avalanche Awareness & Technical Terrain

Dive into avalanche safety, including beacon drills, snowpack evaluation, and terrain management. Practice rope skills and movement on steeper slopes. The day includes touring and skiing more challenging terrain to reinforce safe travel in avalanche-prone areas

Day 5 - Glacier Travel, Navigation & Alpine Descents

Learn the fundamentals of glacier travel—roped movement, crevasse rescue, and route planning. Practice navigation with maps, compass, and GPS. Ski a high alpine circuit that includes both glacier terrain and off-piste descents, emphasizing decision-making and group coordination.

Day 6 - Summit & Skill Integration

Put everything together with an attempt to summit a 3,000-meter peak (conditions permitting). The ascent includes touring, bootpacking, and technical sections. Cap the day with a long, rewarding descent—your final chance to apply all the skills you’ve developed throughout the trip.

Day 7 - Descent and Return

Ski tour down to a lower hut for helicopter pickup. Return to Wanaka by late afternoon (6 PM), concluding the course.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Skiing Instructor

Use of all technical gear except for boots

Hut accommodation

All meals

Transportation from Wanaka to the staging area

15% New Zealand GST

Helicopter transport into and out of the mountains

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Ski and boots rental

Extra transfer

Extra food and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Personal equipment

Pre & Post activity accommodation

Guide expenses (meals and lifts)

Accomodations

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Alpine Huts

Stay in alpine huts situated in remote mountain locations, providing a base for training and summit attempts.

Guides

Aspiring Guides

Aspiring Guides is a premier mountain guiding company based in Wanaka, New Zealand, offering expert-led adventures in the Southern Alps and beyond. Specializing in ski touring, mountaineering, rock climbing, and trekking, Aspiring Guides is known for its professional IFMGA-certified guides, small group focus, and commitment to safety and skill development.

Meeting point

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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