About a Guided Climb 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, we 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 climb 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. A person with an intermediate level of skills may attempt a guided ascent of Mt Aspiring on the SW ridge route if conditions are suitable, ratio 1:1. Usually, good conditions for the SW ridge are during November and December.

For bookings please e-mail us first, thanks.

Logistics
Price:	Northwest Ridge NZ $ 1 person 3650          2 people 2360 each Southwest Ridge $ 4050 ratio 1:1 only Price includes GST (New Zealand's goods and service tax of 15%)
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, walk 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.

Keen to climb Mt Aspiring but need some help? simply e-mail us

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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 Dec. 2010

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"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, March 2008

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Mt Aspiring Images

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Guiding Qualifications

To become an internationally fully qualified alpine 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).