Snowcraft 2008
An introductory course focused on taking participants new to the alpine environment into the mountains to gain skills, confidence and experience in alpine climbing.
The course consists of 3 weekends down at Mt Ruapehu (July, August, September) and 3 theory nights in Auckland prior to each weekend. To get the most out of the course, you need to attend all 3 weekends and all 3 theory nights, and be prepared to acquire (beg, borrow or hire) the necessary gear (some hire gear available) and suitable clothing/boots.
Techniques covered:
- Moving on snow
- Using ice-axe and crampons on snow and ice
- Self arrest
- Mountain navigation and route-finding
- Mountain weather
- Snow anchors, abseiling and belays on snow
- Building snow shelters
- Avalanche awareness
- Crevasse rescue
- Equipment selection
- Introduction to multi-pitch climbing
- Summit experience (weather permitting)
Dates:
Theory Night 1: 15 July
Mountain Weekend 1: 26-27 July
Theory Night 2: 12 August
Mountain Weekend 2: 16-17 August
Theory Night 3: 9 September
Mountain Weekend 3: 13-14 September
This course is very popular and the limited places typically fill up quickly.
To secure a spot on the course see Chris Munro (Instruction Organiser) at a club meeting or contact him by phone or email. A non-refundable deposit will be required.
For the registration form and more details, click here to download the PDF form (123KB) and post it, or click here to download the Word document (43KB) and email it.
For the list of gear required for the course, please click here (Word doc 720KB).
If you have further questions, contact the Instruction Organiser, Chris Munro, on 029 238 6230 or email: NZACSnowCraft@gmail.com
Find out more...
Browse this website to find out what trips are happening, local and national Alpine Club news, information about instruction courses, how to get to the Ruapehu hut, and who to contact on the committee if you'd like to volunteer!