Ball Pass Fire and Ice
The 'Big 50' inspires Andy to expand beyond fastpacking and tackle a new type of adventure -- ski touring. After taking an alpine skills course, he and his mates head to Ball Pass in Mount Aoraki.
Ski Touring
Ski Touring Mt Stephenson Traverse with E-Bike Access, Gammack Range
With our snowlines edging upward and helicopter access carbon adding to the problem, using an e-bike (where permitted and practical) is a good solution for access to slightly more remote ski tours. James Shoshoni and his mates have a successful go at e-bike ski touring and traverse fresh powder on Mt Stephenson.
Poor man's Mt Cook Skiing off the top of the North Island
Video footage of this trip exists, and I will pay good coin to ensure it never sees the light of day.
On the tools Beginner ski mountaineering on Ruapehu
Take two ice axes, a rope, some rack and a ski touring setup, and you have the ingredients for a frivolous day out on the magical maunga.
DIY Europe The Craigieburn Haute Route
Take one group of North Island ski tourers, add the Craigieburn Range, and stir briskly.
Volcano of ice Conquering Sweary Pants Gully (not its real name)
My ski club mates call it Sweary Pants Gully. There's a good reason for that.
Will it go? Steep and loose on Ruapehu’s Ringatoto
A big day out on the east side of Ruapehu, with plenty of moments of 'will it go?' and 'holy smokes, it does'.
Tour with respect Make room
Sometimes the back country terrain behind the ski field can get a few groups at once. Local Craigieburn Ski Guide Anna Keeling offers some thoughts and advice on how to avoid putting each other at risk as you enjoy your foray from the safety of the ski field.
On the divide Skiing Mt Cross
Here we were, about to ski off a named summit on the main divide; where else in NZ can you do that without a helicopter, in a day trip?
Ski Touring The Fox Neve
The west coast neve's are a magical ski touring destination. Whilst there's plenty of scope for very intense lines, there's also plenty of mellow terrain for when the snow isn't quite in condition. Regardless of the skiing, it is an incredible place to visit.
Ski-Tour Sweet turns on Poseidon Peak
Forget Bill English's 'walk-run', Emily Forne explains how to 'ski-tramp', on Poseidon Peak
