Tramps
If you wish to lead one of the suggested trips (or your own trip idea) please
email trips@cutc.org.nz and let us know. We are often short of people willing
to lead trips. The trips listed below are suggestions only. The availability
of trip leaders and snow/ weather conditions during this term will ultimately
determine which trips go ahead. Be aware that it is still snowy out there. As
spring approaches, the weather will often become very active. Have fun out there!
Cheers,
Vaughan (Trips Officer)
Weather
Tramps are weather dependent , the following is just a guide. For the current
weather forecast check out www.metvuw.com or
www.metservice.co.nz
Gear
Make sure you have the necessary gear before going out. It is MUCH better to
be over prepared, then under prepared if things turn to S***. Check out the
gearlocker and the HIGHLY recomended gearlists
(day overnight)
or ask a commitee member/experienced NZ tramper for more info.
The tramp grades can be viewed here
Leaders
We need trip leaders and co-leaders, Check out the full
and abbreviated tripleaders guides
for more info. Email trips(at)cutc dot org dot nz to volunteer.
Term Three, 2008
Welcome to the coldest term of the year, and be prepared to cope with short days and frosty starts. As things warm up towards spring (especially in the august-September holidays) be aware of the potential for avalanches to run out onto valley floors, and spring melt/storms to flood rivers. Below is a list of possible trips. Depending on weather and how many people are wanting to go away etc there are plenty of other good places to visit, so come along to the meetings and suggest leading a trip of your choice to somewhere interesting! Come and talk to your trips officers Brian and Vaughan, we are there to help. Email us: trips@cutc.org.nz
18-19 July
A classic trans Alpine crossing. Two long hard days, with snow skills a necessity at this time of year. Ideal for those of you who have recently done a snow skills course. Going East to West is easier. Waimak falls hut is newly refurbished! Be careful of the avalanche danger, and prepare for a long snow plug.
An easy track leads up the spur through varied forest to Bealey Spur Hut. For a longer and slightly harder trip (easy-moderate), continue further up the spur until you reach the tops, with great views towards Arthur's Pass.
This is a good introductory overnight tramp to a hut situated by a large lake and surrounded by attractive beech forests. Track starts at Marble Hill. Thompson Flat, to the north of the lake, can be explored as a side-trip.
This popular trip is more interesting and scenic with some snow on Mt Oxford and the nearby ranges. There are several 1-2 day options which include an ascent of Mt Oxford in this area.
A pleasant walk through beech forest on a well formed track. Hamilton Hut has to be one of the best big huts around. Good views to the upper Waimak from Lagoon saddle and then the raigieburns from Cass saddle. Do the loop anticlockwise to ensure you are going gently down hill for most of the time.
This misnamed peak has very steep south and east faces. The easiest route begins at the Mingha-Bealy confluence. A ridge is then followed through pts 1484 and 1920 to the summit. The last part is scrambly. A major scree opposite 'The Spike' gives a quick route back to the Edwards Valley floor.
16-17 August
Starts from Hawdon shelter then follows the river into Sudden Valley gorge (rapidly becomes impassible after only a little rain). Following track, scramble up Devil's Chute and continue around Barrier Falls. Continue upstream where the valley opens out and there are great views and camping spots. It is possible to climb various peaks from here, but these are medium-hard to hard.
A relatively easy walk up through beach forest and then snow tussock/ snow to a summit with a commanding view.
