Based on the success of the 2019 training, this is proposed to be a combined Golden Bay Alpine & Tramping Club, Waimea Tramping club, Marlborough Tramping Club and NTC trip.
Still to confirm venue...
Walk in to Robert Lodge early Saturday, and stay the night. Kerosene heating and gas cooking are provided in the lodge, but no showers. No candles are to be lit, so bring your head torch. Toilets are flushed by bucket. Self catered, but some may wish to pool their food for Saturday evening. Open to ideas on this. The fee for Robert Lodge is $20, additional to the transport charge. Maximum capacity of Robert Lodge is 30. If the weather forecast is dire, the trip will be postponed.
Learn French, German and American techniques. The object of the training is to;
- hone existing snow skills or develop them if you are new to snow travel using gear
- practice movement on different types and gradients of snow slopes
- gain confidence in what is comfortably doable, and avoiding what is not.
- practice self arresting technique in varying conditions.
- snow travel using walking poles will also be covered.
- recognition and avoidance of avalanche risk.
- snow shelter theory.
- plan a snow trip.
- escape routes.
I will endeavour to find experienced mountaineers who might or might not be members, to ensure a good ratio of instructors, and a good range of ideas and techniques.
Ice axes and crampons required. CHRIS LOUTH STILL HAS SOME AVAILABLE. MTC may be able to hire out crampons and ice axes for $10 a set.
