Rupert reports nice travel up the north ridge of Single Cone. There was minimal snow/ice cover on the actual ridge to the summit. The standard gully route on the eastern aspect has a reasonable amount of snow packed in the gully and crampons are advised. A word of caution that the fixed ropes on the bolted anchors down the gully are unsafe and should not be used. A real contrast currently between northern and southern aspects!
Dave moving on…
Dave Bolger the Operations Manager for Climbing Queenstown is moving on after working for the company for 6 years. Dave will continue to be involved and work as a contract guide from time to time and he looks forward to making some cameo appearances.
Current Conditions
Ice condition are currently thin and warm temperatures over the weekend really affected area like the alta ice flows. However Wye creek rock climbing area on the main wall is getting heaps of sun and is quite the little sun trap in winter! Therefore if you are keen to get out and have an adventure on the rock give us a call or email. Currently we will operate with one person!!
Early Season Adventures
The crew at Climbing Queenstown have been enjoying early winterconditions. With every adventure possible at this time i’ve year guides have been out ski touring, ice climbing, rock climbing and enjoying the fantastic friction at Jardines bouldering area. If you want to join us for an adventure get in contact…good times!!!
Winter Trekking Queenstown
Welcome to winter in the Southern Lakes 2010. Often in winter we get beautiful clear cold days which are perfect for trekking. We have a great selection of treks that will take you to some of the best vantages points to view over lake Wakatipu and the surroundings mountains. Our guides are local, knowledgble, approachable and qualified, they have a real passion for the environment and love being in the mountains.
Our trekking trips run on demand and with 2 people you can have your own private guide for the day. All you need is moderate fitness and a desire to step out into the wilderness. We have a great selection of trekking options that are suitable for most people’s fitness level.
If you would like to discuss further give Dave an email dave@climbingqueenstown.comor phone +64 34502119 or you can just book online via our website. We look forward to taking you on an adventure.
Claire trekking
Remarkables 29/05/10
The Snow continues to fall on the Remarkables with some large wind drifts of 70cm +. Certainly has been a large turn around from two weeks ago when we were experiencing some warm temperatures for May. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday looks great and we should get a better idea on conditions and how any ice is forming up. Keep ya posted.
Single Cone Conditions 16/05/10
Rupert reports nice travel up the north ridge of Single Cone. There was minimal snow/ice cover on the actual ridge to the summit. The standard gully route on the eastern aspect has a reasonable amount of snow packed in the gully and crampons are advised. A word of caution that the fixed ropes on the bolted anchors down the gully are unsafe and should not be used. A real contrast currently between northern and southern aspects!
Conditions on the Remarkables 3/5/10
The days of alpine rock and approach shoes to the top of Single Cone are over for the season. Again new snow over night and the southern aspects are holding reasonable amounts of snow at higher elevations ( above 2000m ).
Rupert and Client David found a little ice on the decent ramp to the south face of Single Cone on Saturday. He also made a comment the standard gully route on Single Cone is filling up. Therefore time to brush of those crampons and ice axe and get into the hills for some early training.
Age no barrier for the rock!
Rupert & Dave have recently been up the Remarkables with slightly older clients (+50). Both trips were to climb the fantastic accessible alpine rock up there. If it’s been a while since you have been on the rock or wanting to step it up a notch in an alpine situation, the Remarkables is the perfect location for a day trip. The routes are generally of the long easy nature and get lots of sun at this time of year! Book your private trip on the alpine rock today (:
Abseiling
Our Queenstown local Instructor Rupert Gardiner had a great crew out abseiling yesterday. Need a break from skiing/boarding or maybe the mountain is closed. Did you know you can abseil in all weather! Call us today for an adventure.
Via Ferrata
Dawned with heavy rain, you conemplate not going out but a fairer forecast and a keen team from the QT Resort College saw us out on the cliff.
Small waterfalls accompanied our ascent and waterproofs kept most of the water out, the rain relented and with that came more smiles and the forecast payed off.