Barron Saddle Ski Tour
Difficulty
Duration
3 Days
Season
mid-August to October
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 5% discount on this course.
Use the promo code NZAC2324 when making your booking. Proof of membership will be required when you check in.
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
