Alpine Skills Tune - Up

PRICE $325 NZD

The Tune-up is an optional one-day addition to the Alpine Skills Course (ASC). A Tune-up course runs before every ASC. The Tune-up ensures everyone on the ASC meets a basic standard of rope skills.

Learnings & Outcomes

Should you take a Tune-Up:

Yes, you need to do a Tune-up if:

  • If you do not rock climb or do not rock climb on a regular basis.

  • If your rope skills are “rusty” - or if you meet (or exceed) the other ASC prerequisites, but have little roped climbing experience, 

What you will learn

There is a lot to pack into a short time! All instruction focuses on practical application, and learning by doing:

  • Introduction to your gear

  • Rope basics: rope construction, how to handle, coil, and look after your rope

  • Harnesses and safety

  • Knot refresher

  • Belaying principles

  • Abseiling principles and safety

  • If time allows, we may also include prusiking

Schedule and Specifics

Price: NZ$325 per person

All Tune-Ups start at 08:30 AM and finish at 5:00 PM .

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

How to book a Tune-Up

Just select the “Tune-up” option when booking your Alpine Skills Course online. Alternatively, get in contact with us once you have booked your place on a course.

You need to provide:

You must provide your own accommodation and meals for the day of the Tune-up. We recommend Unwin Lodge for lodging within Mt Cook Village, but other options are available.

We look after accommodation once the Alpine Skills Course starts.

Information on Mt Cook accommodation providers.

Equipment Provided and Required

We provide all of the following equipment but feel free to bring any of your own rock climbing equipment.

  • Rock shoes

  • Harness

  • Helmet

  • Belay device

  • Karabiners— large screwgate x2

  • Karabiners — snap-link, at least 4

  • Prusiks, 1 long and 2 short

Other items to bring:

  • Small backpack (a 20 - 30 litre day-pack)

  • Water bottle

  • Comfortable climbing clothing (for warm or cool temperatures)

  • Sun hat

  • Sunblock

  • Lunch and snacks

Three people wearing helmets and harnesses are performing rope activities on a wooden bridge in a mountainous area.
Two people wearing helmets and harnesses preparing climbing gear on a bridge, with a mountainous landscape and river in the background.
Person wearing a helmet and red jacket smiling on a climbing expedition with mountainous landscape in the background.
People practicing rock climbing techniques on an artificial climbing wall, wearing helmets and harnesses.
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Group of people sitting on railing above sign reading 'ALPINE GUIDES' with mountains in background.
Two men in outdoor gear and sunglasses smiling in a snowy mountain setting.
Two climbers with gear on a snowy mountain peak, embracing and pointing at the distant snow-covered mountain range.
A clear plastic compass placed on top of a topographic map, showing elevation lines and labeled geographical features.
Camping and hiking gear laid out on a wooden floor, including a backpack, clothing, sleeping bags, climbing gear, shoes, carabiners, water bottles, food items, a Pakistani flag, books, and electronics.