EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
Welcome to a fusion of New Zealand adventure!
Ice Axe guide and New Zealand local Mark Sedon, leads this 9-day ski touring trip starting in the picturesque alpine town of Wanaka. From there you will travel north to New Zealand’s biggest mountains near Aoraki/Mount Cook before returning to Queenstown. Each day is spent ski touring New Zealand’s amazing alpine tree-less terrain with stunning views down to the grass and glacial lake filled valleys over 3,000 feet below.
Access is always an issue in New Zealand where the snow is a long way from the towns and villages. This trip utilizes the local ski areas with single lift rides to get into the backcountry’s most amazing terrain. We will occasionally use helicopters to access some of Mark’s favorite alpine ski and snowboard touring areas for day trips returning to lodgings each night.
Mark is an IFMGA climbing and ski guide with over 40 winters experience in the ski industry all over the globe. He is a senior guide for New Zealand’s biggest heli-ski operation based in Wanaka and a keen ski tourer and ski mountaineer with several first ski descents in the mountains around Wanaka. Mark is well versed in the skiing and weather in New Zealand and is one of the countries most experienced ski guides and avalanche forecasters.
Tours will depend on the groups fitness and abilities, but expect upwards of 2,000 to 3,000 feet a day. There is the option of doing big or small tours depending on the weather and conditions. The skiing in September will be spring like with great corn, or even fresh powder. Sometimes both on the same day (different aspects)!