Aim for the summit on this intensive 7-day mountaineering course. Designed for fit, motivated adventurers, this package provides the technical foundation to safely attempt a guided ascent of one of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks.
We pack a massive amount of training into a single week, blending rigorous alpine instruction with a training climb before pushing for the summit. Your objective is Mount Aspiring (Tititea)—the "glistening one." Rising 2,500 meters from the Matukituki Valley floor, this classic horned peak stands high above all others in the region.
The Aspiring Course is a focused, high-impact mountaineering experience. Within seven days, we balance intensive training with a major ascent—perfect for those targeting a specific peak.
If you have further mountaineering aspirations, we recommend checking the Alpine Skills Course (ASC), or a Private Guiding trip. These options allow for a more balanced and comprehensive platform for launching your further mountain adventures, without the limitations of focusing on just one peak.
Often called the "Matterhorn of the Southern Alps," Mt Aspiring sits 180 km southwest of Aoraki Mount Cook. Your journey begins in Wānaka, where we meet to start your adventure.
The course content will be tailored to your experience. The wider your base skillset, the greater your chance of a successful summit.
Previous mountaineering or rock climbing experience is not necessary, but it will be a great advantage if you have it.
What you will learn:
What equipment to bring and how to use it
Knots and hitches for mountaineering
Snow and ice climbing
Abseiling, belay techniques, and rope systems
Essential snow, ice, and rock anchors
Glacier travel and crevasse rescue
Basic avalanche hazard evaluation
Price
NZ$10,495 per person.
Contact us to check for availability.
Are you Ready?
To make the most of this intensive week and set yourself up for a successful summit push, you should bring:
Mountain-Ready Fitness: Expect 8-to-10-hour days in rugged terrain while carrying a 12–15 kg pack. A high level of aerobic endurance and "tramping legs" are essential for the approach and the climb.
Agility & Awareness: You are "good on your feet" with excellent body awareness and superb balance.
A "Fast-Track" Mindset: While no prior mountaineering skills are required, a positive attitude and a keenness to learn are vital to absorbing a massive amount of instruction in just seven days.
Focused and Adaptable: You are ready to work with your guide to transition from a hiker to a climber, with the goal of safely attempting one of New Zealand’s most dramatic and iconic peaks.
North West Ridge Route
The standard North West Ridge route is a long day of climbing 1,220 vertical metres over 10-12 hours. This includes crossing glaciated terrain and pitched climbing from Colin Todd Hut (1,800 metres).
We climb via the “Ramp” in the earlier parts of the season (October through December). The Ramp involves sustained moderately-angled, pitched climbing with two ice tools. The route meets with the full North West Ridge about halfway along the ascent. From here, it is technically straightforward, but exposed climbing for the last 300 vertical metres to the summit.
The upper part of the mountain is climbed via the North West Ridge. This involves moderate snow and ice up to the summit. Your guide will usually short-rope you up on this, depending on conditions. Expect fantastic views from the summit; Aoraki in the North, glaciated valleys to the West and beyond to the Tasman Sea.
The descent is via the same route. After a long climb it requires concentration and good crampon technique.
Full North West Ridge - The Late Season Variation
The full North West Ridge is normally climbed later in the season (January onwards) after the rock is clean from snow. The route follows the long NW Ridge, requiring a number of pitches and exposed traverses around rock pinnacles before meeting the top of the Ramp, and on up to the summit.
