Barron Saddle Ski Tour

Difficulty

Tough

Duration

3 Days

Season

mid-August to October

Gearlist

View gearlist

PRICE FROM $2,650 NZD

Barron Saddle Tour is one of Mount Cook region's classic ski tours: from Barron Saddle Hut at the head of the Mueller Glacier, back to Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

This is a mission for fit, competent and experienced ski tourers, preferably with some basic alpine climbing experience. The tour cost includes a professional guide, helicopter access, and hut fees.

Three days allow for a relaxed pace and time to work around weather and snow conditions.

This tour is available from mid-August into spring when snow conditions are at their best.

Route

High Traverse Route via Sladden Saddle

Based at 1995 metres, Barron Saddle sits between the Mueller and Dobson Valleys. It sleeps 8 and is most often visited in early summer for climbing instruction.

The trip from Barron Saddle to Mueller is easily achievable in a day for fit parties. With the right team, it is possible to summit Mount Sealy (2,557 m) on the way out.

The trip’s “crux” is the sidle between the Williams and Sladden Glaciers. In firm conditions, this short section may need to be done using crampons, and your guide may belay you through.

This is where previous cramponing/front-pointing experience really pays off!

Itinerary

Itinerary

Every trip is different due to weather and snow conditions. This is a typical schedule.

Day 1: Meet your guide at Alpine Guides’ base at 08:30 AM on day one. Sort gear, pack, and discuss the weather and options. Fly to Barron Saddle from Glentanner or Mt Cook Airport. Unload at the hut and head out for an afternoon tour.

Day 2: Leave early, touring via Sladden Saddle to Mueller Hut

Day 3: Ski and walk down to Mt Cook Village.

Possible Side Tours
If you have time, and weather/conditions allow, a side tour into the Mueller and Welshman Glaciers makes a great afternoon diversion.

Alternative Exits

Strong parties may ski to the valley floor via Sawyers Stream if snow and avalanche conditions will allow.

On rare occasions, poor conditions/weather may require an exit via the “low route”. This involves skiing down the skiable length of the Mueller Glacier, then a climb of the moraine wall and skin up to Mueller Hut.

You need to be fit and strong for this ascent of 600+ metres.

Prices and Inclusions

Prices - Winter 2024

Prices are per-person, in NZ Dollars

Group Size Price per person
1 person $4,625
2 people $2,650

All tours start at 08:30 AM on day one and finish at 5:00 PM on the final day.

Check-in at Alpine Guides office in Mount Cook Village.

Please read our booking Terms and Conditions.

NZAC Discount

New Zealand Alpine Club Members can receive a discount on this trip.

Check with us before booking, with your membership number, and we can supply a promo code.

What’s Included

  • Professional Mountain Guide

  • National Park fees

  • All meals, from lunch day 1 to lunch day 3

  • Helicopter access to Barron Saddle

  • Hut fees

  • Free use of a range of technical equipment

  • Local accommodation for any nights necessary during the trip

  • Weather contingency day

The maximum guide-to-participant ratio is one guide to 2 participants. Please contact us for prices for parties of 3 or 4 (with 2 guides)

A one-day weather contingency is included at no cost in order to roll back the start date by a day if the weather is bad.

How to Book

Please talk to us about guide availability and your preferred dates before making a reservation.

Advance bookings (several weeks) are strongly recommended for dates in August and September.

MOuntain Huts and Aircraft

Barron Saddle Hut

Constructed in 1981, Barron Saddle Hut sits at 1995 metres at the head of the Mueller Glacier, on the saddle looking into the Dobson Valley. It is the 3rd hut at (or close to) this location.

The hut sleeps 8 but is seldom visited through winter, making it a “cozy barrel on the hill”. Provisions include blankets, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, pots, water tank, toilet, park radio, and solar-powered lights.

View the hut details on the Department Of Conservation website.

Mueller Hut

Built in 2003, (the 5th edition) Muller Hut, sitting at 1800 metres is the busiest hut in the Park during summer, but it is much quieter in winter.

Mueller hut has 28 bunks and is provisioned with water tanks, toilets, park radio, solar-powered lights, and LPG stoves.

View the hut details on the Department Of Conservation website.

Aircraft Use

We use helicopter access to reach Barron Saddle to start the tour. If an exit flight is required due to injury, lack of fitness or ability, this will be an additional cost.

There are no permitted aircraft landing sites in this area of the National Park, except at Barron Saddle Hut.

Experience Needed

Minimum requirements:

  • A high level of aerobic fitness

  • Be at least a strong-intermediate to advanced downhill skier/snowboarder

  • Experienced ski tourer or split-boarder, comfortable in all conditions

  • Basic alpine climbing skills

  • Used to touring with a backpack

A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking

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