Intro to Mountaineering
Keen to go further and climb higher? Learn the key skills to move on snow and in the mountains above the bush line in winter conditions!
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Introduction
1 evening + 2 days
Location:
Fox Peak – Two Thumbs Range, Canterbury
Time:
Arrive by 8pm at Fox Lodge on the first night for a brief on the following 2 days
Ratio:
1 instructor to 6 participants
Age requirements:
Appropriate for ages 16 and up
Minimum 4 people required for course to run.
Programme Overview
The course is for those looking to start exploring the mountains. A moderate level of fitness is needed and experience in the outdoors is helpful.
The course will cover
Gear choice
Basic navigation
Moving on snow
Walking with an ice axe
Cramponing
Self-arresting with and without an ice axe
Accommodation
2 nights of accomodation is provided at Fox Peak Ski Club Lodge
Access
2wd vehicle access to the lodge
Chains will not be required
We will arrange transport from the lodge to the top of the road each day in a Peel Forest Outdoor Centre vehicle.
If snow is forecast to be below the lodge and chains or 4wd is needed, we will be in contact to arrange transport to the lodge from the valley floor.
Food
Bring food for 2 nights and 2 days. Lots of hearty snacks and a packed lunch for during the day. The lodge has good cooking facilities with an outside cool store.
Our Guarantee
No cancellations. We have many sites to choose from to help make our courses resilient. We’ll do our best to run no-matter the conditions. In the unlikely event we have to postpone due to extreme weather, we’ll find a date that works for you.
No stress. Feel like you need a bit more time to soak in the learning? We can arrange private instruction at a discounted rate to help you get that bit further – so you don’t need to pay for another identical course.
Please note we require a minimum of 4 people to run this course effectively.
Look at some of our participants in action!
Course Schedule
Friday Evening
Arrive by 8:00 pm on at Fox Peak Lodge for briefing
Day 1
8:30 am Start
(Actual time may be determined by weather and conditions)
Cover skills
Preparing for a trip in the hills
Gear Choice
Avalanche awareness and an introduction to using avalanche rescue equipment
Moving on snow
Walking with an Ice Axe
Cramponing
Self-Arresting with and without an ice axe
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Return to Lodge
Day 2
8:30 am Start
(Actual time may be determined by weather and conditions)
Practice, practice, practice the skills from day one – aim to go on a journey and sumit a high point as conditions allow.
Other Skills that maybe covered
Basic Navigation
Finish 4pm at Fox Peak Lodge
Ready to book!
Book through our Rezdy booking site
If we have an active course you can book here.
Group bookings are welcome.
Otherwise contact us or look below for our other upcoming courses
Compulsory:
Boots – these must be a minimum of 3/4 shank. (Ideally full-shank is best.)
Gaiters
Hard shell jacket (A seam-sealed raincoat type jacket. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
Hard shell pants (A seam-sealed raincoat type. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
Thermals – polypro or 200 weight merino top and bottoms
Fleece top x2
Fleece or soft-shell pants
Pack – 30l minimum with waist and chest strap
Thick wool socks x2
Warm hat
Light gloves x2 (Niga Freezer work well)
Warm gloves x1 (Windproof gloves/mittens)
Buff/balaclava
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Sunscreen
Torch and spare batteries
Water bottle (ability to carry 2l)
Any medication you take
Overnight
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Food
Toiletries
Gear We Will Supply:
(or BYO if you already own the following equipment)
Avalanche Rescue Equipment
Avalanche Transceiver (digital)
Probe
Shovel
Technical Equipment
Helmet
Ice axe (walking axe)
Crampons (minimum 10 points)
Optional Gear:
Camera
Warm hat or gloves (winter)
Thermals
Tramping poles
Puffer jacket
We are registered as an Adventure Activity Operator (AAO) with WorkSafe NZ. The Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016 established a safety audit and registration process. The regulations aim to enhance professionalism and ensure consistent good practices across the sector.
Get in Touch
Peel Forest Outdoor Centre
1222 Peel Forest Road, RD22, Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand
Call us: 03 696 3832
Linkedin: peel-forest-outdoor-centre
YouTube: Peel Forest Outdoor
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