Images from previous year's courses

The group of 2010 at Mt Ruapehu

Learning to make anchors on the 2010 course

Practicing snow anchors belay points. Note Mt Taranaki in the background

Instruction in the important skill of tying the correct knot.

Summit Day on the Alpine Instruction Course

Snowcraft Course  2016 Season

Alpine Sports Club continues its popular Snowcraft Course again this winter, dates to be advised. Check the Trips page as well.

Mountaincraft is skill of being able to travel safely in dangerous places in the mountains. At its extreme is Alpine climbing, a huge adrenalin rush, fantastic scenery and teamwork based on preserving each other's life.

For most people it is the skill necessary to enjoy the mountains safely and includes such skills as :-

• Assessment of weather and snow conditions

• Climbing skills to tackle obstacles & travel safely

• Navigation in poor visibility or unfamiliar terrain

• Skiing and ski touring (skins and touring bindings in NZ)

• Gear and food planning

• Trip and route planning

If you want to step out into the mountains, move up to alpine climbing or be more adventurous with your skiing then this is the series of courses you should consider.

This year there will be 1 weekend on Mt Ruapehu learning basic snowcraft and climbing skills combined with a series of opportunities to put the whole package into practice on Ruapehu and later in the year, on some real mountains.

The next dates for the 2016  Snowcraft 5/7 August 2016 based at the Ruapehu Hut.

The snowcraft course is an introductory level course intended for trampers and others interested in gaining skills, confidence and experience in alpine conditions. The course runs over one weekend at the Clubs’ Ruapehu Hut a few minutes walk from the Top of the Bruce road end at Iwikau Village, Whakapapa.  You should also be available for one Wednesday theory night.

There are no particular minimum requirements for attendees. Participants need a good level of fitness and to have clothing and equipment suitable for alpine weather conditions and prolonged exposure. We will spend a full day on the mountain - good clothing is important.

Course structure

The course covers:

• Movement on snow

• Ice axe and crampon technique and use

• Self arresting on snow

• Safe terrain selection

• Snow shelters and construction

• Basic use of avalanche equipment

Course Dates

Alpine Sports Club inc.  P.O. Box 131, Auckland 1140, New Zealand.  email   email@alpinesport.org.nz

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