Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course Learn ropework and crevasse rescue to move safely on glaciers in this immersive 2-day course. / Public Courses / Alpine Courses / Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course Overview This two-day course equips you with the vital skills for safe travel on glaciated terrain. Day one begins in Christchurch at a rock climbing crag in the Port Hills, where you’ll gain foundational knowledge and techniques. On day two, you’ll take to the snow, confidently applying everything learned to navigate the terrain effectively and perform a safe and effective crevasse rescue. Course Details Prerequisites Since this course is delivered in the snow, you must have the skills to walk in crampons, use a walking axe, and self-arrest. Course Location This course is delivered in Christchurch and in the Craigieburn Range, close to Castle Hill Village. The course’s practical components are delivered both at a crag on the Port Hills in Christchurch and in the Craigieburn Range. We access the snow via Broken River or Mt Cheeseman ski field on day two. Your instructor will decide the exact location for the second day. The course finishes at approximately 4:00 pm in Castle Hill Village. Accommodation You will need to arrange your own accommodation in Christchurch for the duration of the course. Food Food is not provided in this course. We recommend packing plenty of snacks and lunches that do not require cooking. Free Transport from Christchurch If You’re Travelling From Out Of Town: Free transport is available from Christchurch for those travelling to attend our courses. Check our FAQ’s for a list of hotel pickup locations. We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. At the end of the course, we are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly to the airport. Meeting locations (catch a ride with us): Day 1 – We will be heading to the Port Hills to practice rope work. The meeting options for the first day are: Opposite Princess Margaret Hospital Carpark, Cashmere Road – see on Google Maps Sign of the Kiwi – see on Google Maps Rapaki Rock Carpark – see on Google Maps Day 2 – We will be heading into the Craigieburn Range. The meeting options on the second day are: Outside Zeroes Cafe – see on Google Maps Yaldhurst McDonald’s carpark – see on Google Maps OENZ Vans Gear & Equipment All you will need for this course are waterproof boots and normal outdoor clothing. We will supply all the mountaineering and avalanche equipment for you if you don’t have your own. Gear List Alpine Boot Guide Is this the right alpine course for me? OENZ Alpine Training Pathway OENZ Alpine Courses Flow Chart Download Flow Chart Course Outline This comprehensive 2-day training course focuses on the ropework skills and rescue techniques needed to travel safely on glaciated terrain. Day 1: Ropework Skills Today is all about learning how to rope up for glacier travel, practicing holding falls and transferring the weight onto a snow anchor (escaping the system). Ropework Alpine knots Roping up for glacier travel Escaping the system Day 2: Crevasse rescue in snow Today our focus is on moving around in the snow, building a snow anchor & building An assisted haul system and an unassisted haul system that can be used for crevasse rescue. Terrain travel Practising safe movement for glaciated terrain Crevasses crossing techniques Haul Systems Assisted hoist (drop loop) 5:1 Unassisted hoist Rescue Scenario’s Holding falls Buddy rescue Small-party rescue scenarios Snow Anchors T- Slot snow anchor for crevasse rescue Meet Some of Our Alpine Instructors Alan Haslip Sarah English Kieran Mckay Andy Thompson Frequently Asked Questions Do I need prior experience to attend this course? Since this course is delivered in the snow, you must have the skills to walk in crampons, use a walking axe, and self-arrest How many people will be on my course? We believe that small groups are better for this type of training. So we have a maximum client to instructor ratio of just eight clients to one instructor. Does this mountaineering course have minimum numbers? Yes, the minimum number for the course to proceed at the advertised price is two clients. We won’t cancel your course if we don’t meet the minimum numbers, though; instead, we will offer you the following options: A shorter private course with one-on-one tuition – e.g., with one person, we can cover the course content much faster, so fewer days are needed. You will be offered to continue with the course as planned and cover the extra cost. We can transfer you to another date when the course is running again. Note: In the unlikely event that the course length is shortened due to insufficient numbers, we will provide accommodation for you in Arthur’s Pass Village for the full duration of your original booking. i.e. any extra time following the course being shortened. What gear do I need to attend an OENZ alpine course? You will need to bring your own clothing, waterproof gear, and boots; OENZ will provide the rest. A complete packing list is available here. Gear list Alpine boot guide Do I need to provide my own avalanche gear for the course? No, OENZ will provide all avalanche gear free of charge. You’re welcome to bring and use your own gear if you wish. What type of boots do I need? For the second day of the course, you will need good waterproof boots that have ankle support. Trail shoes are not appropriate for alpine use. Click here to download our Alpine boot guide. Can I hire boots for my alpine course? OENZ does not have boots available to hire or borrow. Boot hire is available from several outdoor stores in Auckland and Dunedin. If you are hiring or borrowing boots, please get waterproof leather boots. Plastic mountaineering boots are not suitable for general mountaineering in New Zealand. What is the minimum age? 18 years old or 16-17 years old if accompanied by a full-paying adult. Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course photos Enjoying the mountains. Mt Rolleston in background Roped up for glacier travel Gearing up for a climb Customer Reviews “OENZ are a fantastic organisation to help any avid outdoorsmen get the skills they require to be out and about!” Nick, New Zealand “Great to have practical applications and demonstrations in real world scenarios.” Jack, New Zealand “Awesome experience. Exactly what I needed before going into glacial terrain. Thanks.” Adrian Gamble Still Have Questions? Get in touch with our team — we’re happy to help you prepare for your alpine adventure. Contact Us
