Introduction
$550 inc gst
1 evening + 2 days
Location:
Fox Peak – Two Thumbs Range, Canterbury
Time:
Arrive by 8pm at Fox Lodge on the first night for a brief on the following 2 days
Ratio:
Age requirements:
Appropriate for ages 16 and up
Programme Overview:
The course is for those looking to start exploring the mountains. A moderate level of fitness is needed and experience in the outdoors is helpful.
The course will cover
- Gear choice
- Basic navigation
- Moving on snow
- Walking with an ice axe
- Cramponing
- Self-arresting with and without an ice axe
Accomodation
2 nights of accomodation is provided at Fox Peak Ski Club Lodge
Access
2wd vehicle access to the lodge
Chains will not be required
We will arrange transport from the lodge to the top of the road each day in a Peel Forest Outdoor Centre vehicle.
If snow is forecast to be below the lodge and chains or 4wd is needed, we will be in contact to arrange transport to the lodge from the valley floor.
Food
Bring food for 2 nights and 2 days. Lots of hearty snacks and a packed lunch for during the day. The lodge has good cooking facilities with an outside cool store.
Our Guarantee
- No cancellations. We have many sites to choose from to help make our courses resilient. We’ll do our best to run no-matter the conditions. In the unlikely event we have to postpone due to extreme weather, we’ll find a date that works for you.
- No minimum numbers. Even if you’re the only person on the course – we’ll run! Lucky you.
- No stress. Feel like you need a bit more time to soak in the learning? We can arrange private instruction at a discounted rate to help you get that bit further – so you don’t need to pay for another identical course.
Course Schedule
Arrive by 8:00 pm on at Fox Peak Lodge for briefing
8:30 am Start
(Actual time may be determined by weather and conditions)
Cover skills
Preparing for a trip in the hills
Gear Choice
Moving on snow
Walking with an Ice Axe
Cramponing
Self-Arresting with and without an ice axe
Avalanche awareness and an introduction to using avalanche rescue equipment
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Return to Lodge
8:30 am Start
(Actual time may be determined by weather and conditions)
Practice, practice, practice the skills from day one – aim to go on more of journey as conditions allow.
Avalanche Rescue – a first look into how it works and how to use the gear
Other Skills that maybe covered
Basic Navigation
Finish 4pm at Fox Peak Lodge
Ready to book!
Gear List
We will be spending lots of time outside exposed to all elements. Come prepared for the weather and the season knowing that we may be adventuring into unsheltered terrain and cold temperatures.
Any gear highlighted can be provided to you when you arrive if you do not have your own.
Compulsory Gear:
- Boots – these must be a minimum of 3/4 shank. (Ideally full-shank is best.)
- Gaiters
- Hard shell jacket (A seam-sealed raincoat type jacket. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
- Hard shell pants (A seam-sealed raincoat type. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
- Thermals – polypro or 200 weight merino top and bottoms
- Fleece top x2
- Fleece or soft-shell pants
- Pack – 30l minimum with waist and chest strap
- Thick wool socks x2
- Warm hat
- Light gloves x2 (Niga Freezer work well)
- Warm gloves x1 (Windproof gloves/mittens)
- Buff/balaclava
- Sun hat
- Sun glasses
- Sunscreen
- Torch and spare batteries
- Water bottle (ability to carry 2l)
- Any medication you take
We Provide:
(or BYO if you already own the following equipment)
Avalanche Rescue Equipment
- Avalanche Transceiver (digital)
- Probe
- Shovel
Technical Equipment
- Helmet
- Ice axe (walking axe)
- Crampons (minimum 10 points)
Overnight
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag
- Food
- Toiletries
Optional Gear:
- Camera
- Warm hat or gloves (winter)
- Thermals
- Tramping poles
- Puffer jacket