Snowcraft 2010
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. 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:
| In Auckland | On the Mountain |
|---|---|
| Theory Night 1: TBC 2010 | Mountain Weekend 1: TBC 2010 |
| Theory Night 2: TBC 2010 | Mountain Weekend 2: TBC 2010 |
| Theory Night 3: TBC 2010 | Mountain Weekend 3: TBC 2010 |
This course is very popular and the limited places typically fill up quickly. A non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place.
Have a look at last year's registration form and more details, click here for the PDF version (127KB) or click here to download the Word document (52KB). We are currently confirming the details for 2010 course, so check back soon.
For the list of gear required for the course, please click here (Word doc 720KB).
If you have further questions, contact the Snowcraft Organiser, Chris Munro, by email: chairperson@aucklandclimber.org.nz
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!