With NZ currently in the grip of a strong disturbed westerly flow its feeling good to be re-gathering after returning from Nepal and the Cholatse Expedition rather than rushing back into the mountains to work.
In mid Dec – during the height of the Christmas weather, Trent came back to visit Mt cook for the 3rd time. Wx once again was not on Trent’s side for a summit attempt. SW – SE flows had put down at least 1.5 feet of snow over a 48 hour period and with poor […]
New Zealand An alpine grading system adapted from the grades used in the Aoraki/Mt Cook Region is widely used in New Zealand for alpine routes in the North and South islands. Grades currently go from 1–7. The grading system is open ended; harder climbs are possible. Factors which determine grade are (in descending order of […]
A fairly intense weather system had just rolled through and there was a significant amount of snow on Aoraki. At times we were concerned that the avalanche hazard might be too high and that the almost knee deep snow would slow us down too much but in the end we managed a 18 Hour Day […]