Remarkables Winter Mountaineering Course

Meeting in Queenstown or with an early start from Wānaka a 1-2 hour walk from the ski field car park provides access to the ice and mixed climbing venues of the mountain range and a variety of climbing objectives for all levels of experience. A number of routes can be packed into a day before returning to the comforts of ground level.

Due to the long climbing days, short daylight hours, and winter driving conditions, multi-day winter trips are based from accommodation in Frankton or Queenstown. A short drive down the hill allows climbers to warm up and dry off after a full day out and maximise recovery and climbing opportunities. If conditions allow, it may also be possible to camp or bivi for a night.

Further afield ‘Touchdown’ on the South Face of Single Cone provides reliable ice throughout the season. Often both the earliest and latest ice that is in condition.

Access is possible by ski or splitboard touring to maximise the time on the ice. In thin early season conditions, or deep snow, expect up to 2 hours challenging approach from the ski field.

In the right conditions, it is also possible to do the Grand Traverse taking in the twin summits of Double Cone and Single Cone.

Early and mid-winter, the ice flows of the Alta Cirque look down on the frozen-over lake and ski field beyond. These provide the easiest accessible ice with classic routes of ‘Scottish Jockey’, ‘Altered States’, and ‘White J’.