Intro:
Mount Sealy
This is an intermediate ski mountaineering trip with the main objective being to climb Mt Sealy.
This trip will be a great opportunity to combine your ski touring, intermediate mountaineering and snow camping skills all in one weekend! And, with the added bonus of some of NZ’s finest alpine vistas!
Leader: Jamie Macalister
Date: 29-31 August
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Friday 29th August): Depart Chch by 5PM, drive to Wyn Irwin lodge (Mt Cook village). Around 4hrs driving. We will arrange carpooling via WhatsApp group in advance. Everyone will be encouraged to carpool so people can share the driving on the way home.
Day 2: Early start, hike/skin up to the Annette plateau via the Sealy tarns track. Set up camp on Annette plateau. This will take most of the day but hopefully we will have a little time for a ski lap or two on the plateau!
Day 3: Early start, ski over the Metelille glacier and Sladden saddle. Drop onto the Sladden Glacier and climb Mt Sealy via the West Face. Return to camp the same way (aim to be back at camp by midday). Pack up camp and head back down to the village via Sealy tarns track. Drive back to chch in the evening.
Previous experience required:
Participants must have either completed an Intermediate Mountaineering course or have climbed at least three Grade 2 peaks in winter conditions. Participants must also have at least 5 days ski touring experience and be fit enough for two big days with heavy packs.
Gear required:
Helmet
Ice Axe
Ski touring boots with compatible crampons
Avalanche rescue kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
Overnight camping gear (sleeping mat & sleeping bag)
Participants must have their own personal climbing and ski touring equipment. We may take one or two ropes between the group (I can provide these as well as any pro we might need) but you will need your own harness, ATC and crevasse rescue equipment.
We will also need to make sure there is enough shared equipment within the group (tents, cookers etc).
Plan B:
Postpone to 19-21 September.
Questions: If you have any questions about the trip, feel free to contact:
[email protected] or WhatsApp +64 21 918 203
Resources:
Topomap: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-43.770908,170.027161&z=13
ClimbNZ: https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aoraki-tai-poutini/sealy-range/mt-sealy/west-face
https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aoraki/sealy-range/sladden-saddle/sladden-saddle-traverse-ski-touring
Blog articles: https://www.southernalpsphotography.com/Tramping/Mt-Cook-Westland/Mount-Sealy/i-ktvP8P9
Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Ollivier/forecasts/1933
https://www.metservice.com/mountains-and-parks/national-parks/aoraki-mt-cook
