Leader: Yif Swery [[email protected]] or find me on social media for questions
Date: Saturday 21st Sept (or Sunday 22nd sept weather dependent)
Itinerary/Plan
Friday 20th Sept: Carpool from Christchurch in the evening after work and spend the night in Kennedy Lodge in Arthur’s Pass Village (Optional, you are welcome to drive from Christchurch on the day of the climb if you are happy to wake up earlier)
Saturday 21st Sept: Start our walk-in at the Otira Valley Track Car Park at 4:00am Climb up the Otira Slide route eventually reaching Low Peak of Mt Rolleston, returning back down roughly the same way.
Expect the climbing day to take between 8-11 hours return
If the conditions are good and the group makes great time all while feeling strong there is an optional extension to gain High peak of Mt Rolleston. This will be decided as a group based on how the group goes on the day.
Party Size: Maximum of 5 additional people
If trip ends up being popular you may be put on a waiting list
Previous experience required:
The Otira Valley Slide route is a grade 2 route.
Good level of fitness
Good head space for exposure (multiple steep narrow sections)
Experience and confidence with steep cramponing and utilizing your ice axe(s) as support.
Rope skills (knowledge how to use your rappel device and be self sufficient and safe with ropework)
Gear Required:
Helmet
Rigid Boots
Crampons & Ice Axe(s)
Harness, rappelling device, prussik (ATC/Figure 8)
Transceiver, probe, shovel
Sleeping Gear/Food if staying at Kennedy’s Lodge the night before
Plan B: Postpone to the following day (Sunday 22nd Sept) however if avalanche risk is too high or weather isnt ideal for both days plan C will be to go do Mt Cheeseman -> Mt Izzard -> Mt Cloudesley loop in the Craigieburn region instead (grade 1, full day alternative)
Resources:
https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/arthurs-pass/main-divide/mt-rolleston-low pk/otira-slide
