High Alpine Skills Course (HASC)

Who is this course for?

The NZAC's High Alpine Skills Course (HASC) is designed for enthusiastic intermediate mountaineers who are looking to learn the skills to travel safely on glaciated terrain and lead climbs on New Zealand's high alpine peaks.

Participants should be competent in all of the course outcomes from the NZAC's Intermediate Snowcraft Course and have put these skills into practice on moderate (non-glacial) peaks.

Please do not apply if you are not competent in the course outcomes from the NZAC Intermediate Snowcraft Course or do not have climbing experience.

Course Syllabus:

Preparing For The High Alpine Environment

• Clothing/equipment
• Trip planning resources (avalanche forecasts/weather forecasts/guidebooks)
• Weather
• Navigation
• Using aircraft for access
• Selecting appropriate objectives

Being And Moving In The Alpine Environment

• Pitched climbing on rock and snow
• Glacier travel
• Snow anchors
• Rock anchors
• Route section in the high alpine environment
• Snowpack observation and avalanche hazard evaluation
• Descending technical terrain

Changing Circumstances

• Crevasse rescue
• Use of avalanche safety equipment including transceiver search
• Techniques for emergency shelters (snow shelters/bothy bag) in the high alpine environment
• Emergency procedures for the high alpine environment

COURSE OVERVIEW

Duration: 6 Days

Season: October-January

Location: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Course Tutors: NZMGA Climbing Guides/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Ratio: 1:4

Cost: TBC

Progression: NZAC Leading on Technical Ice Course

FITNESS

It is crucial that all participants have suitable fitness for the course. Feedback from participants shows that those with a higher level of fitness not only enjoy the courses mores, but they also have a greater capacity to learn whilst in the mountain environment. As a rough guide for fitness, you should be able to:

• Jog at a moderate pace for 5-8kms without stopping and/or
• Hike 300 metres uphill (1000 ft) in less than an hour, with a 12kg pack
• The ability to carry a 7-10kg backpack up hill in both hot and cold conditions, over an 8-10 hour day is vital

PUBLICATIONS

We recommend that people do some pre-course reading. This gives a good theoretical understanding of the techniques taught on the course. Taking the time to read one of the books below is recommended, available to purchase in our web shop Products | NZAC.

• A Climber's Guide to NZ Mountaineering
• Alpine Guides Technical Manual

GEAR LIST

Please ensure the gear is modern and fit for purpose as there will not be time to remedy any gear issues prior to flying in. Some NZAC Sections hire mountaineering equipment. It is the individual participants responsibility to hire and return the kit.

Please be careful purchasing any climbing or mountaineering equipment online. The NZAC recommends kit is purchased from a reputable outdoor retailer. This ensures your kit meets international standards and is not fraudulent. See https://www.theuiaa.org/uiaa/is-your-equipment-really-certified/ for more information.