Ski
Course
4 Day Avalanche Skills Course Level 2 - Hut Based
Aspiring Guides’ NZ Mountain Safety Council accredited avalanche skills course will teach you how to be a competent member of a ski or splitboard touring group. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to plan trips appropriate to the group and conditions, have the tools to begin to make your own assessments of the avalanche danger based on information gathered from past and current weather observations, and contribute to safe decision-making as you venture into more remote areas of the NZ backcountry.
enquire nowTrip Overview
With the syllabus supplied by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, the Avalanche Skills Course Level 2 is designed to deliver quality avalanche education This hut based avalanche course allow you the opportunity to combine an epic hut-based touring trip with avalanche safety education in remote terrain.
This course is designed for people who want to ski and split-board outside patrolled ski area boundaries and in the big hills. The focus is on preparation for a backcountry ski or snowboarding trip, decision-making in avalanche terrain, and rescue skills. While the ultimate goal is to not get caught in an avalanche, time will be spent learning and practising companion rescue.
To get the most out of this course you should have some knowledge of backcountry touring and be familiar with transitioning and travelling on ski touring gear. Note that there is no requirement to attend the Avalanche Skills Course Level 1 prior to this course, but some touring previous experience is encouraged. Our 4-Day option simply offers more opportunity to train and learn the skills. If you haven’t used touring equipment before, check out our Intro to Backcountry Touring Course.
Course syllabus includes:
-Assessing avalanche danger and understanding specific avalanche problems and characteristics
-Terrain assessment, route selection and safe travel techniques
-Decision-making in avalanche terrain
-Companion rescue; including group management, transceiver searching, probing and shovelling
-Mountain weather
-Navigation strategies
-Trip planning and preparation
Pre-trip evening meeting prior to scheduled trip
- Meet your guide at Aspiring Guides’ Wanaka office at 5:30pm on the evening prior to our scheduled departure. Your guide will check all your clothing and equipment to ensure that you have everything that is required for the 4 days of the course. Rental equipment is issued and last minute purchases can be made. Plans are finalised for an early morning departure.
Days 1-4: Course
- We depart our Wanaka office early on Day 1 and fly into our mountain hut location, ski touring for most of the day.
- After a day on the snow, we conduct night sessions covering theory
- The next day, we undergo practical rescue training. Then it's rinse and repeat for the next few days as you drill the skills and practice moving in avalanche terrain in line with the forecast.
- On Day 4 we fly home in the afternoon and catch a drive back to Aspiring Guides’ office from a debrief and a bevy.
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Practical Information
Course Inclusions
Trip Inclusions
Beacon, shovel, probe
Ski touring / Splitboard set-up, boots and poles
(If required)
New Zealand 15% goods and service tax
Cooked meals and snacks for duration of trip
Transporation from Wanaka to and from the staging area
IFMGA or NZMGA certified ski guide
Equipment List
Throughout the winter season, a full range of conditions and temperatures can be expected in the New Zealand Mountains. Due to the remote nature of the the terrain, clients need to be suitably prepared. Your guide will do a comprehensive gear check at your pre-trip meeting.
These are usually fly-in, fly-out trips based at backcountry huts. You will need to carry your personal gear as well as avalanche safety gear and will be asked to assist in carrying some food and group equipment from the heli-landing site to the hut.
We include avalanche safety equipment, food and snacks for the duration of the trip. Touring equipment is not included and will need to be hired locally if required.
Frequently asked Questions
They’re there as you accomplish lifelong ambitions, reach new heights, and dig deep as you pursue the grittiest of adventure experiences. Overcome your limits, and discover the moments that lead to enduring achievement and pride of what you can accomplish with us.
What is included with the trip cost?
We try to keep most of our trips all-inclusive to take all of the work out of it for our clients.The price generally includes your qualified and friendly guide, all meals and snacks, terrain and hut fees, communications with Aspiring Guides Operations base, technical equipment, ground transport and jet boat / helicopter transports, and 15% Goods and Services Tax. See each individual trip description to see if there are any exclusions from the price.
Do I need a rental car?
No. Most people use shuttle bus transport or a taxi service from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka. If you stay in accommodation in central Wanaka then you will not need to rent a car. Most cafes, restaurants and activities are within easy walking distance, or your guide can pick you up the day of your trip. Please let our team know if this would be required.
How do I get to Wanaka?
The closest airport to us is in Queenstown. There are regular shuttles between Wanaka and Queenstown airport (one-hour drive).
For shuttle and taxi information:
Ritchies Transfers
Yello Taxi Service
Wanaka Transfers
Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are in the hills?
Yes, no problem. We have storage for anything you aren't taking on your trip. There's no electricity, internet or phone connection available on any of our trips - so it's best to leave most of your electronic gear with us for the duration of your trip.
Do I have to pay if the weather is bad for our trip?
New Zealand is famous for its changeable weather. The mountains here are characterised by long sunny fine periods mixed with sudden and sometimes heavy rain or snow. Our experienced guides are well equipped to provide the best possible trip and have many years experience in judging the conditions. Travel in bad weather is an art in itself. By using Aspiring Guides you give yourself the best chance of success dealing with whatever the weather may throw at you.
If the weather remains adverse and prevents the trip from operating as originally planned, you have the opportunity to carry out sub-alpine adventure and skill development activities. The guide fee applies and any trip costs not utilised will be refunded.
It is important that you have read and understood our booking terms and conditions. Once a trip begins there are no refunds.
What if I don't fit in with the group ability or otherwise?
This tends to be one of the major concerns of clients going on group trips. However, in our experience, it is very rarely a problem. Due to our small group size, we largely avoid compatibility issues.
However, almost all of the trips we offer are physically demanding. It is very important that you are realistic in the self-assessment of your skills and experience. If you are not familiar with the NZ mountain and wilderness environment it is hard for you to judge how you will go. Our Lead Guide and all our guides are widely travelled and can give a good assessment before you join a trip whether your experience in other countries will work well for NZ conditions.
If you are joining a group, tolerance is an important personal quality. Tiredness from lack of fitness or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment can take its toll over a long trip. But it is important to remember that while you might be the fastest, you might be the weakest at tying into your harness, crossing a river or making turns in deep powder snow. Inevitably every person on a group trip will have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. An upbeat temperament and accepting attitude go a long way in the mountains.
If you are really concerned about your compatibility with others and you have not done many group trips then we are happy to offer private options on request.
What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
We put a lot of work into supplying you with wholesome meals with a variety of healthy and tasty ingredients and snacks catering to common preferences.
Where possible, we provide fresh vegetables and real coffee. However, there will always be limitations when cooking in an alpine or wilderness environment. Meals like salads are limited or not possible to provide. Some trips/ courses are not recommended for people with very restrictive or complex dietary requirements. If you do have a restrictive eating regime we ask that you disclose this to us at the time of booking and we may ask you to provide us with an advance copy of what you would typically eat on a wilderness trip and our team will shop and cook accordingly.
Where is the Aspiring Guides located?
Aspiring Guides is based in the small & scenically beautiful town of Wanaka. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park - a World Heritage Area.
Wanaka is a 1-1.5 hour drive from Queenstown (which has an international airport for flights from Australia), 5 hours from Christchurch (with an international airport) and 3 hours from Dunedin. Wanaka has ample accommodation to suit all budget types and a wide range of outdoor sports stores necessary to equip you for a mountaineering, skiing or hiking trip with us.
We are located at 58 McDougall St, Wanaka, a short 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town.
Can I hire equipment through Aspiring Guides?
You will be provided an equipment list at the time of booking your trip. We can provide any technical equipment such as ice axes, crampons, climbing equipment, climbing helmets, ice axes, avalanche equipment, trekking poles etc. for no additional cost. For items such as backpacks and clothing, we encourage clients to bring their own or source the appropriate layers. We don't provide ski touring equipment but can provide recommendations for retailers that do.
A gear check will take place the evening or morning before your trip, at which you will have the opporutnity to check over any items you might need to hire.
Why should I get trip insurance for my trip with Aspiring Guides?
We request that all clients purchase travel insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Aspiring Guides due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has IMG signature travel insurance as an option which includes a "Cancel for any Reason" policy. Global Rescue is a subscription type model for insurance for rescue and medical extraction, however this is covered in New Zealand by ACC. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. These policies will range from $200-$700 per person. You can learn more and get a free quote here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/aspiringguides/index.html
Where do we meet for our trip?
Our offices are located at 58 McDougall St, Wanaka. We are a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town.
For summer trips, we typically meet at 8:30am the day of your trip start.
For winter and summer trekking, unless otherwise instructed, your guide will meet you at 4.30 pm the day before the start of your trip for a great check. If you need a pick-up from your accommodation, please let us know. At this meeting, your clothing and equipment will be checked and final details of your trip discussed. There will be time for last-minute gear purchases if required.
Planning your trip
Choosing your trip length
New Zealand weather can be unpredictable and it is likely you will experience at least one weather day on your trip. We structure our trips as 3-7 days to ensure we’re setting you up for success.
Optimal trip lengths:
- Glacier ski/climb trips: no less than 5 days
- Rock climbing: 3-5 days
- Ski Trips: 4-5 days
- Trekking Trips: 3-6 days
When it comes to choosing your trip length for ascents or glacier trips, we recommend talking with our team and they will be able to recommend the best option for you depending on your skills, objectives, seasonality, and availability.
In New Zealand, the best plan is a flexible one.
Having a flexible plan might include a roll date on either side of your trip to shift if needed, or have flexi flights booked.
Pre-Trip Prep
Avalanche Awareness
It's always good to be prepared. If you haven't joined us for an Avalanche Safety Course, we highly recommend familiarising yourself with Avalanche Awareness. These videos from Mountain Safety Council are a great starting point to look over before your trip.
Getting to Wānaka
The easiest way to get to Wānaka is to fly into Queenstown airport and take one of the shuttles to Wānaka that run several times a day (1.5 hour drive).
-Ritchies has regularly scheduled transfers direct from Queenstown airport to Wānaka each day for about $40 per person.
-Taxis, are also available from KT Sightseeing and Yello if the shuttle schedules don't suit you.
-You can also look at Wanaka Transfers as a great option should you prefer a private transfer.
Trip Insurance
It's always good to be prepared for any unforeseen incident. For any adventure activity or trip that is dependent on weather conditions, we HIGHLY recommend getting trip insurance.
We work closely with Global Rescue which offers great options for international as well as domestic clients for medical/accident coverage, trip interruptions or cancellations due to weather. There is also offer a "cancel for any reason" policy. Costs will typically range from $200-$700 depending on your trip length, cost and your age and trip insurance needs to be purchase within 20 days from first deposit/payment was made.
You can view the Global Rescue offerings here, or please feel free to source through your own providers.
Accommodation
We recommend staying in Wānaka the night before your trip as we will have a gear check at the office the evening before then leave from our Wānaka office the morning of your trip.
Wānaka offers a vast range of options for your pre and post trip accommodation. It can be busy over the winter and summer season, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.
We do have special arrangements with some Wānaka accommodation providers. Get in touch with us should you like some recommendations.
*For day hikes, we can provide pickup form your Wānaka accommodation if you need. Please get in touch with our team to let us know where you're staying if you would like a pickup.
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