ATC Snowcraft Course

Regrettably, the ATC Snowcraft Course will not be run this year, and will not resume until further notice. However, we can recommend the popular NZ Alpine Club course: see http://www.aucklandclimber.org.nz/instruction/snowcraft.htm

The aim of the Snowcraft Course is to give the novice alpinist a sound knowledge of the skills required for trips in high altitude areas.

It is also an excellent refresher for those needing to brush-up their snowcraft skills.

If you have a good level of fitness and want to expand your tramping horizons, this is the course for you!

See below for an overview of the course, or go to the separate website http://atcsnowcraft.110mb.com/ which has the full details.

Snowcraft Course, Memorial Hut, Mt Ruapehu

The course is typically run over three weekends (approx July, August, September) on Mt Ruapehu, any of which you may attend. A field trip and locally held theory evenings are also included.

Stage 1 (1st Weekend)
Walking in snow, kicking steps, ice-axe use, cutting steps, crampon use, self-arrest, mountain weather, mountain navigation.

Stage 2 (2nd Weekend)
Steeper snow slopes, building snow shelters, snowpack analysis, avalanche awareness, avalanche transceivers, introduction to snow anchors.

Stage 3 (3rd Weekend)
Option 1. Technical snow anchors, roping up for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, belaying, pitching, abseiling.
Option 2. "Putting it all together" in simulated real life scenarios. Exercises in navigation, outdoor first aid, emergency shelters, crisis management and communications.

A field trip to Mt Ngauruhoe also takes place between Stages 2 and 3.

Course Location: Memorial Hut at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu.

Further Information is available on this website http://atcsnowcraft.110mb.com/.

Or Email the Course Administrator, Diane Dowle snowcraft@aucklandtramping.org.nz