Adventures in the mountains can provide some tricky moments and last May an evacuation was needed for one participant of a 9 day private mountaineering instruction course. We have just received positive news from him:

“I just wanted to write and thank you for all that you did for me during a recent course with you, the instructors and their training abilities were second to none and most specifically after I suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax up on the hill the team from Alpinism really came into their own. The expert Medical and rescue assistance provided by your organisation was absolutely first class and at all times I was in good hands, I have found this to be somewhat of a rare occurence with other companies but all of the alpinism staff are stand out operators. Of note I would like to thank the guides Dave, Callum and Gary, Iris and of course the fantastic Mountain Rescue Team who trudged up the hill in inclement weather to assist me. Also I would like to thank all of the NZ rescue/medical services who made my extraction and subsequent operations and return to health possible, You have my appreciation.

I am home now, healing quickly(running again) and back at work.

Thankyou Alpinism crew, your abilities and professionalism made a potentially dangerous situation a benign one and for that I am extremely thankful, the beers are on me.”

Jim H

Dear Gary and Iris,

a wonderful experience and thank you for making me so welcome in your home and your hospitality. Gary, thanks for opening up such a wonderful place which I have always dreamed about venturing into. Greatly appreciated being able to feel so relaxed and totally confident in your skills and experience when venturing out into such a challenging environment. Your use of a minimal equipment to achieve maximum function is something I really value and enjoyed learning from you. Look forward to many future climbs. All the best with your future adventures together, best.

February 22nd 2010, Craig Anderson

The Icelandic Mountain Guides team has just informed us that they have received the Icelandic tourist industries award for training. Yvar says: ”It was awarded for the work we do with you (Gary Dickson) on training our glacier guides.” Cool!

ice climbing in Iceland and a local troll

Malcolm Wootton from Ashburton on 15th Jan. 2010:

“Dear Dave, Gary and Iris,

Thanks for a wonderful 5 days in the mountains. It’s been a while since I’ve been there and it was great being back. I’ve enjoyed it all and cannot wait to repeat the experience, many many thanks.”

New this last European season was a guided hiking excursion in the magic limestone hills and towers above Leysin. Nicola came over from Great Britain and the weather was perfect for trekking even though many alpine flowers were past their prime: “Just a little note to thank you very much for an extremely enjoyable few days in Leysin.  Thank you for showing me your little corner of the world, and all the plants growing in it.  It was exhilarating to get away from London and up in the mountains for a few days. I wish you every success for the coming season and hope to see you again soon. Thank you again for a very happy few days.”