5 Day Basic Instruction
This course is designed for people as their first experience into the world of mountaineering. It is based at the Remarkables Scenic Reserve tent camp at 1800 metres. The initial access is by road to 1600 metres and then an hours walk to your camping spot. From here is very easy access to our technical climbing and instruction venues.
The course will cover basic ropework, knots, abseiling/rapelling, snow and rock anchors, climbing techniques, self arresting, ice axe use, cramponing, map and compass, snow shelters and of course climb as many peaks as our time and energy allows.
Much of the course equipment will be supplied by IMG . You the participant will need to supply your own clothing, (see list) alpine climbing boots, crampons and ice axe (can be hired $15/day/person/item), food and fuel for your stove. You must also supply your own food for overnight camping. Transport will be provided. The drive is approximatley 45 mins. from Quenstown. Wet weather gear can be hired but must be booked in advance.
The course will meet at 8am on day one to check gear,final payment to be made, and to meet other course participants and your guide /instructer. The course will finish at 4pm on day five followed by a debrief and beers. Meet at the Independent Mountain Guides Shop.
A likely schedule of events is:
Day 1 Leave IMG and drive to the Remarkables carpark. Hike to Lake Alta and pitch camp. The afternoon will be spent learning the art of rockclimbing and the safety net that supports this activity. Back to camp for dinner and a knot tying session.
Day 2 Rise early and away by 7.30am. Your goal today is the highest point on the Remarkables Range 2319 metres. Your guide/instructer will supervise your ascent placing the emphasis on safety techniques. The view from the top is outstanding. On a fine day you will see Mts.Cook, Aspiring, Earnslaw, Tutoko and the lush Central Otago basin. Today you will learn about mountain movement, route finding, rope management, and decision making. A very informative day.
Day 3 Another early start will see you on the snow .Today is learning about self arresting, step cutting, and snow anchors.You will demonstrate how to hold falls from the anchors you build. You will also learn about roping up for easy but exposed terrain. A vital technique in mountaineering. Belay training will also be taught.
Day 4 Today will be a tough day. This is when you take your instructor the the top of the Middle peak.You will make the trickey choices of route, gear, anchors, timing, and the finer points of other detail necessary as a mountaineer. It will be tiring and rewarding.
Day 5 Map and compass day today and a a chance to review aspects of the course. Other lecture topics will be weather, snow shelters and topics of your choice Pack up and head down for a de brief and presentation of certificates.
In the event of poor weather rope skills systems will be taught at the indoor climbing gym between mad dashes up to the snow!! Be flexible!
COSTS FOR FIVE DAY BASIC ALPINE INSTRUCTION:
ONE PERSON $1800
TWO PEOPLE $1500 each
THREE PEOPLE $1350 each
FOUR PEOPLE $1250 each
DEPOSITS need to paid to secure your place (50 % of the course cost). In the event of participants paying full price and then other people showing up for the course a rebate will be paid to balance the costs as above.
Course venues will differ depending on weather patterns, seasonal snow cover, and where you guide favours. Locations are the Remarkables, the Darran Mountains, the Mount Brewster region and the Mt. Earnslaw area.
Enquire about our ROCK CLIMBING DAY TRIPS
e-mail:
Mobile 0274-140-544
Small Planet Sports . 17 Shotover Street
Queenstown . New Zealand
www.independentmountainguides.co.nz
