About a Guided Ascent of Mt Aspiring

A guided ascent of Mount Aspiring usually ascends the North West ridge. A 1:1 ratio is common on this route, although a 1:2 ratio is possible if both mountaineers have previous snow and ice climbing experience together. Later in the season, some basic rock climbing skills are essential.

Route Description for Climbing Mt Aspiring

We will fly by helicopter to Bevan Col and after a 2-3 hr glacier hike base ourselves at Colin Todd hut. Tent camping is our option if the hut is full as it is relatively small and often busy mid season. Early in the season, we access the mountain via the Ramp which involves 'pitching' about 10 rope lengths up moderate angled snow and ice. When this route is cut off by the Bergschrund, we climb via the Kangaroo patch, scramble up the rock Buttress and onto the upper NW ridge section.

During mid/late summer we climb up the Shipowner ridge, along the rocky, lower part of the NW ridge, ascend the Buttress and finally climb the upper part of the NW ridge to the summit ice cap. The summit day is anywhere between 8-13 hours in duration. Due to the fact that there are several 'NW ridge route' options for different parts of the season, Gary can guide you on Mt Aspiring anytime during summer. Click here to see a picture of guided routes for Mt Aspiring

Pre-requisites for a guided ascent of Mount Aspiring with a mountain guide

Climbing Mount Aspiring requires moderate fitness. Some basic mountaineering experience and technical skills are desirable for an ascent of Mt Aspiring.

For bookings please e-mail us first, thanks.

Logistics
Price:	Northwest Ridge NZ $ 1 person 4200          2 people 2650 each   Price includes GST (New Zealand's goods and service tax of 15%) all trips fly in and fly out
Length of trip:	5 days
Difficulty	Grade 2 NZ alpine grading, approx. PD-/F+ European alpine grading
Season:	November - April
Transport:	Drive from Wanaka up the Matukituki valley, fly to Bevan Col, after climbing fly out and drive back to Wanaka
Price Includes:	5 days guide fees, hut fees, accommodation at the Alpinism & Ski base during the 5 days, local transport, high quality food, party technical equipment, e.g. rope, stove, fuel, tent
Price doesn't include:	Personal equipment, clothing, rental gear and flight. The price varies as per loadings on the day and if we can share the helicopter with other climbers. More about flights and please ask for the latest.

Summer 2017 -18
All guided mountaineering trips in New Zealand

with Gary Dickson IFMGA/NZMGA mountain guide, are now in collaboration with

Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd.

Bookings will go through their office and will be subject to their booking conditions. Trips with Gary will be run as per AGL's concession and safety management system requirements.

Pre-trip information and discussions are available from us anytime.

 

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Mount Aspiring Clients say

" Thanks so much for an amazing trip. Great hospitality, great food, some good laughs and amongst all that we managed to climb Mt Aspiring!! I'll be back again"
Mark Carrodus, Christchurch

more on our blog

"Words cannot adequately describe my appreciation of your expert guiding both in NZ and Europe, your patience, your friendliness and your warm hospitality. Our recent ascent of Mount Aspiring was only one of many mountaineering adventures for which you have my heartfelt gratitude."
Doug Ball, New Plymouth, NZ

article about Doug

Mt Aspiring Images

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Guiding Qualifications

To become an internationally fully qualified mountain guide takes approximately five years of training and assessment. Kiwi guides are trained and assessed through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) which is overseen by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).