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By alpinism, April 11, 2012 5:11 pm

Autumn colors are here again and the Alpinism & Ski team is preparing to change location to the Northern Hemisphere. Alpinism in Europe is on the program, starting with ski touring – but a few projects at the base are to be finished before departure at the end of April. Another sustainable goal is achieved: double glazed windows are installed in the Alpinism Studio and a brand new econo heat panel is mounted on the wall. For those looking for charming and reasonably priced Wanaka Winter accommodation, still available are both house and studio, each ideal for a couple, so email Iris if you are interested.

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By alpinism, March 29, 2012 3:57 pm

Colin Todd hut

A variety of huts, a combination of high alpine and tramping accommodation plus some amazing rock bivvies. The collection of photos so far only includes huts on the South Island. The majority of mountain huts in New Zealand do not have a hut warden and trampers and mountaineers need to carry in their own cooking gear e.g. stove, fuel, pots, plates, etc.. You can pay the hut fees to DoC – Department of Conservation – or the NZ Alpine Club. Continue reading 'Mountain huts in New Zealand'»

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By alpinism, March 29, 2012 11:00 am

The Darrens in Fiordland Nat. Park

March is coming to an end and with it a New Zealand mountain guides course of two weeks. Fully Internationally qualified and senior mountain guides Gary Dickson and Nick Cradock are running this two week course in the Southern Alps. They spent some time in the Darrens in Fiordland, Continue reading 'Mountain Guiding in New Zealand'»

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By alpinism, March 29, 2012 10:25 am

Colours are changing and the first frost has come and gone. In one month we’ll be sorting ourselves from our base in Switzerland to go ski touring. But the next few weeks left here bring some exciting moments with the Wanaka Easter airshow, Autumn Art School and the Epic Mountain Bike race around lake Hawea. Talking of races, our friend Simone just won the Gold Rush, she’s looking for sponsoring to pursue her racing career, so if you have what it takes to sponsor a worthy person, check her out here

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By alpinism, March 15, 2012 10:41 am

Private mountain guiding adventures

Alpinism on a private mountain guiding trip

Climbing Dent Blanche - private mountain guiding

As summer in New Zealand is disappearing, our minds are turning to the mountain guiding season in Europe where we’ll be based again until end of August. This year, given that Gary is president of NZMGA at the moment, he’ll be representing his favorite country at the international mountain guides festival in France during the first week of May. Iris & Gaz look forward to their personal ski touring while there too. However, before the departure in six weeks, we have some more Alpinism in New Zealand on the program.

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By alpinism, March 5, 2012 10:50 am

The last week of February: mixed weather with fresh snow up high and here some shots of what Michelle from Jindabyne and Gaz got up to: rock climbing, abseiling, refreshing alpine skills…

Traverse of the Remarkables, a fantastic alpine climbing experience

Abseiling - part of alpinism skills

Mountaineering accommodation in Mt Aspiring Nat. Park

further on, that fresh snow and clouds were hanging around for a while. The alpine traverse of Single and Double cones of the Remarkables near Queenstown provided excellent terrain to “get back into it” for Michelle while the team waited for the sun to come back. Then they were off with ice axe, crampons, bivy bags and all..

Michelle, high above Queenstown on the traverse of the Remarkables

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By alpinism, March 5, 2012 10:40 am

Views from the guided hiking excursion to Rob Roy glacier

February guided hiking included visits to Rob Roy glacier and here some feedback:

“Iris, thank  you for a terrific day! We got a lot more out of the hike to Rob Roy glacier by doing it with you. We hope we can remember half of what you told us! We will be sure to recommend you. Bart & Jean Alfano”

and more from where they stayed in Wanaka: “The guests absolutely loved their time with you- we wanted to pass on the written comments that they left from their stay…..

“Iris, of Alpinism + Ski (recommended by Craig) did a great job guiding us on the Rob Roy Glacier hike- a good choice for a couple in their mid 60’s who are reasonably fit. “

Thank you for providing our guests such an enjoyable excursion!

Warm regards, Carole, Whare Kea Lodge

Guided hiking photos can be seen here and more comments this last summer:

” Dear Iris, Today was a brilliant hike, thanks so much for guiding me on the trek, it was brilliant to be able to learn about the local flora and fauna, something I’ve always been curious about! All the best, Atif” 13.12.2011

” This is one of my best one day hikes. The weather is nice and the scenery is beautiful and of course the guide Iris was so knowledgeable on plants, birds and history etc. It was memorable, I will come back again.” Yang Yue from Singapore, 3.12.2011

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By alpinism, February 25, 2012 2:09 pm

Christy on a guided walk around lake Diamond loop track

Hiking in native beech forest near Wanaka

Brilliant scenery up in the Remarkables

February 2012 by Christy Thompson: ” Dear Iris, I am so glad I found you in the Lonely Planet. I thoroughly enjoyed our walks + talks together and the hikes and the education of the birds, plants and animals. I also really enjoyed staying at your home stay and all the fresh fruit and delicious sandwiches with avocado and brie. The next time I come to the Wanaka area I will let you know. Hopefully it will work out for Chamonix too!”

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By alpinism, February 25, 2012 11:53 am

As the sun is out again, mountain guide Gaz and Michelle headed off on a climbing trip. Here at the Alpinism & Ski base, the home stay accommodation has once more extended to fly fishing lodge. Iris has gone fishing with friends, here at the Ahuriri river:

Hawkeye & Karen looking good, a magnificent alpine area in the back ground of the Ahuriri river

Preparations for alpinism in Europe have started, we look forward to once again go climbing in the Northern Alps; this time ski touring will be on the menu too. But for now, walking, tramping, trekking and hiking is part of Iris’ summer based in Wanaka: Diamond lake loop track, Rob Roy glacier cirque, even lake Alta in the Remarkables. Just lately a visit to Liverpool hut and a fabulous overnight trip in Mt Aspiring National Park. Photos on facebook, Lake Alta, Liverpool but here a selection:

Enjoying alpine wonderland in the Southern Alps

on a guided trekking excursion looking down at lake Wakatipu

Phil on a day trip from Wanaka

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By alpinism, February 14, 2012 1:14 pm

The last couple of weeks have been most enjoyable for a number of good outings. Iris was checking out the latest flowers, berries and other fauna & flora subjects: with Christy from the US a quick trip around Diamond lake loop track, also called Rocky Mountain, 775 m with incredible views:

Christy taking in the views at 775 m altitude

one of the best half day excursions near Wanaka

Snow berries, sweet and delicious, gaultheria crassa var.

then off to visit Fern Burn hut in Stacks conservation area in the Motatapu valley, Remarkables next and another visit to Rob Roy glacier cirque with Jean & Bart from the US. Keas in the air,  avalanche activity and bird watching plus more edible berries on the treks were all part of great little missions.