February’s mountaineering highlight for us was Mark’s Pure Alpinism week in the Southern Alps of NZ. The team was able to fly up to Pioneer hut as planned on a Monday morning and the weather turned out to be much better than expected during the six days. Only another couple of people were up there during that week. For IFMGA/NZMGA Mountain Guide Gary Dickson and Mark it was the third mountaineering trip together in New Zealand and he promised it won’t be the last.
- Pioneer Hut, @2400m above sea level. The climbing base for the week.
Early morning start from Pioneer hut
- Ascent of Mt Grey, Mt Haidinger in the back ground
Mark on the ascent on Mt Grey
- Helicopter ride from Pioneer hut to Fox Glacier
- refreshing some technical mountaineering skills at Pioneer hut
Mark upon arrival at the Pioneer hut, refreshing his skills with rope and knots
- A happy climber, Mt Cook in the back ground
Mark enjoying the moment with Mt Cook in the back ground
- Climbing Mt Lendenfeld
Mark on the ascent of Mt Lendenfeld
- Looking down to Plateau hut from the ascent of Mt Lendenfeld
Mountain guide Gary Dickson's shot of the rock fall near Plateau hut
- Climbing the North East ridge of Mt Lendenfeld
Mark ascending Mt Lendenfeld
- on the ascent on Mt Lendenfeld, alpinism at its best
Mark negotiating ice and snow