Remarkables Winter Climbing

Remarkables Winter Climbing offers the most accessible ice and mixed climbing playground in the country. The challenge of winter climbing is accessible regardless of previous mountaineering or rock climbing experience. We offer day trips from WÄnaka or longer multi-day trips based in Frankton or Queenstown for private guided climbing or winter mountaineering instruction.

Itinerary

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Remarkables Winter Climbing

Meeting in Queenstown or with an early start from WÄnaka 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.

Remarkables Winter Climbing Objectives

Telecom Tower

The West Face of Telecom Tower, accessed from the top of Shadow Basin and the Queens Drive, is home to the classic gully routes of ‘Fridays Fool’ and ‘MK’ as well as a variety of modern mixed routes.

Touchdown

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.

Wye Creek

The ice crags of Wye Creek provide one of New Zealandâ€™s most accessible and varied winter climbing venues. In good conditions, these are accessible during a day trip from the ski field or it is possible to camp for a number of nights on a private trip or our scheduled group Ice Climbing Courses.

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Grand Traverse

Double Cone and Single Cone

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’.

Fitness and Difficulty Requirements

WÄnaka Mountain Guides - Remarkables Winter Climbing

To get the most out of a day in the Remarkables, participants should have good fitness.

Participants should have some experience with rock climbing and ropework, including knots and belaying.

Developing winter climbing skills at these easily accessible venues provides the confidence to attempt more technical alpine climbing routes in the higher mountains.

For advice on equipment and clothing see preparation for ice climbing.

Pricing and Dates

Duration: 1 – 4 days

Maximum ratio: 1:2.

This is the optimum ratio for winter climbing. For group mountaineering and climbing courses, check out the Remarkables Mountaineering Course.

2025 Price:

Day trips from $1390 / $750 per person for 1:1 / 1:2

2 day trips from $2490 / $1350 per person for 1:1 / 1:2

3 day trips from $3690 / $1950 per person for 1:1 / 1:2

Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, technical equipment, and transport from WÄnaka.

Excludes: Accommodation in Frankton/Queenstown for multi-day trips. A variety of options are available and price is confirmed on booking. Optional helicopter access.