Intro: Mt Guinevere is a 2042m high peak in Arthur’s Pass located on the west side of the Crow Valley, a great weekend trip in early season conditions.
Leader: Tom Hawkins, Sam Leary
Date: June 4-6th 2022
Itinerary: Meet at Tom’s place (Wigram) at 7.30 am Saturday. Drive to Klondyke Corner. Walk up the Crow valley aiming to camp at the tarn below Guinevere, which will either have liquid or frozen water nearby. Sunday early start up Guinevere, back to camp and then down and out Sunday PM. Pack food for an extra night in case people are knackered and need to crash at Crow Hut Sunday night.
Previous experience required: This is an intermediate trip, the minimum level of prior experience in the snow is on grade 2 objectives (Philistine, Otira Slide or similar). It’ll be more like a shorter version of the Fairie Queene trip last July (with less snow). In terms of conditions, the route from the tarn is loose scree and the odd scramble if not snow covered, or reasonable snow slopes (30 degrees) with not much exposure.
Gear required: Winter gear and proper boots, crampons and at least 1 ice axe, shovel for snow camping. Bring avalanche gear, will make the call on the weekend if it is necessary. Winter camping gear, warm clothes, helmet.
Plan B: The Marquee in the Arrowsmiths, via Cameron Hut, Cameron Valley. Same meeting time and place as above, walk into Cameron Saturday. Sunday: Up and down The Marquee. Monday: Back to the cars.
Resources: Topomap, ClimbNZ, Arthurs Pass Webcam
