Glacier Skiing Course
Who is this course for?
The NZAC Glacier Skiing Course (GSC) is a five-day course designed for strong intermediate (or better) skiers with experience skiing in steep slackcountry/backcountry terrain and with excellent aerobic fitness wanting to learn the core skills to safely ski on glaciated terrain. Basic-level familiarity with the use of an ice axe and crampons is required and can usually be learned from a local NZAC Section Snowcraft Course.
This is not a 'learn to ski' course so ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
Telemarkers and split boarders are also welcome but must be of a high skill/experience level. Boarders must also have ski crampons as part of their touring setup just like the skiers. When you submit your registration, provide as much detail of your experience as possible, and we will run it past the instructors before confirming your spot.
At a minimum, those wishing to register for the Glacier Ski Course must be capable of:
- Confidently skiing all the 'black diamond' runs on your local ski field in all conditions.
- Confidently skiing very steep slack country and backcountry terrain.
- Making turns in heavy wet snow on steep ground.
- Confidently performing kick-turn on steep ground to get out of trouble if needed.
- Slide-slip confidently to get down a slope too steep or rocky to turn on.
- Being fit enough to ski hard for five days in a row.
- Fitting and adjusting crampons.
- Putting on a harness.
- Tying the rope into a harness with a figure-8 know and be familiar with other knots; bowline, prussik, clove hitch, italian hitch (munter hitch), tape knot, alpine butterfly.
- Basic use of an ice axe and crampons, including self-arresting and step cutting.
- Carrying a heavy pack for several days at a time.
COURSE SYLLABUS
- Equipment - what to carry and why. How to look after your gear.
- Trip planning and preparation.
- Skins - getting them on and off quick smart without holding too many people up.
- Skinning - good technique - how to lay a good track others will enjoy.
- Mountain travel - choosing a safe route - terrain analysis.
- Glacier ski travel and crevasse extraction.
- Sno - different snow conditions. What to expect in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
- Navigation - map and compass, altimeter, basic GPS. Navigating in a white out.
- Weather - general and specific to NZ glaciated areas.
- Avalanches - about them and how to avoid the damn things.
- Transceivers - how to use them.
- Searching for an avalanche victim/s - shovel and probe.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 5 days
Season: September
Location: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Course Tutors: Fully qualified IFMGA Guides
Ratio: 1:4
Cost: Set by NZAC Head Office
GEAR LIST
Gear needs to be modern, not outdated, and not borrowed. You must be very familiar with your gear; gear that is borrowed or hired you are most likely not familiar with, unless you have used it multiple times prior. Ski crampons are mandatory as well as modern bindings with brakes and well fitted skins.
| ITEM | SPECIFICATION | |
| Skis | With touring or telemark bindings, and proper brakes. 95mm waist + is recommended. | |
| Ski boots | Touring specific boots are preferable. Comfortable downhill boots work but are not ideal. | |
| Poles | Ideally adjustable however fixed length are fine. A spare pair should be taken if possible. | |
| Ski skins | Must have adequate glue and are cut to fit the ski. Ski edges must be exposed when fitted (2/3mm). | |
| Harness | Mountaineering harness with adjustable leg loops. Must fit over ski clothing. | |
| Rope | 4-60 metres. (1 per pair is sufficient). Dry treated. Single/double rated dynamic or static (ski touring) rope. | |
| Ice axe | 50-70cm | |
| Boot crampons | Crampons fit securely onto boots. Antiballing plates compulsory. These are mandatory as well as ski crampons. | |
| Ski crampons | Well-fitting to ski bindings and skis. These are mandatory as well as boot crampons. | |
| Sling | 120cm. | |
| Prussik loops | 5-6mm in diameter. 1 x short prussik (bellybutton to eyes) 1 x long prussik (foot to chest). | |
| Locking carabiners | Not magnet lock. | 4 |
| Snapgate carabiners | 5 | |
| Ice screw | 22cm length. | 1 |
| Avo kit | Modern transceiver (digital unit with 3 antennas) with fresh batteries, probe & shovel. | 1 |
| Head torch | Plus spare batteries. | 1 |
| Sunglasses | AS/NZS cat 3-4 preferred. | 1 pair |
| Ski goggles | 1 pair | |
| Sun protection | Sunscreen and lip balm. | 1 |
| Alpine pack | 50-70L. | 1 |
| Day pack | 35-50L for daily skiing. (optional, heli space dependent). | 1 |
| Sleeping bag | 650 Fill minimum. | 1 |
| Helmet | Ski or rock-climbing helmet (Black Diamond Vapour or Vector or Petzl Sirocco recommended). | 1 |
| Cooker | Plus fuel for 5 days, for 2 people (1 per pair is ok). | 1 |
| Water bottle | 1.5L minimum. | 1 |
| Personal toiletries | Including toilet paper. | 1 |
| Personal first aid kit | Guide will carry a group first aid kit. Bring only personal items. | 1 |
| Insulated jacket | Down/synthetic. | 1 |
| Alpine shell jacket | GoreTex or equivalent. | 1 |
| Alpine overtrousers | GoreTex or equivalent. | 1 pair |
| Hat or balaclava | Warm. | 1 |
| Sunhat | 1 | |
| Thermal tops | Polypro or merino. | 2 |
| Thermal leggings | Polypro or merino. | 2 |
| Gloves insulated waterproof | Wrist retainers & removable inners best. | 1 pair |
| Gloves lightweight | Leather gardening gloves work. | 1 pair |
| Socks | Skiing or high cut tramping. | 2 pairs |
| Jacket or jersey | Warm midweight wool or fleece. | 1 pair |
| Face covering | Buff/face mask. Suitable for use on the helicopter in case of Covid regulations. | 1 |
| Hut shoes/slippers | Dependent on heli space | 1 |
OPTIONAL EXTRA ITEMS
Compass, Altimeter, GPS, Personal Location Beacon (PLB),