7-day Alpine & Avalanche Course - OENZ

This 7-day Alpine & Avalanche Course is the ideal next step for those with basic crampon and ice axe experience, ready to progress toward independent mountaineering. Designed to equip you with the essential alpine climbing and avalanche safety skills, this course blends technical ropework, anchor systems, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and avalanche rescue scenarios with real-time mountain decision-making. You’ll spend time in the field applying safe travel techniques, learning to evaluate avalanche conditions, and building confidence climbing steep snow and mixed terrain using ropes.

Based out of Temple Basin Lodge in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, this course gives you access to an incredible alpine training ground, including peaks like Mt Temple, Mt Phipps, and Mt Cassidy. You'll work closely with our highly experienced guides in small groups to develop the skills and judgment required to plan and undertake classic winter routes in New Zealand and abroad. Whether you're heading toward technical alpine ascents or looking to lead your own missions, this is a comprehensive, hands-on course that sets the foundation for true independence in the mountains.