3191 Snowcraft Course; One

Once again, we will be holding a number of snowcraft-related events in 2025. First up, is one of the most popular trips we run each year and that is Snowcraft One/Basic. Aimed at introducing you to the alpine environment, you will learn valuable skills to safely enjoy that experience. 

The group will meet up at Whakapapa on Friday night and the basics of snowcraft will be taught the following day and Sunday. Trainees will be taught how to use crampons and ice axe, self-arrest, how to walk on icy slopes, navigation tips, basic avalanche awareness plus what to wear etc. This instruction will be done in areas close to the Club lodge, but we will spend most of the day out weather permitting.  A full assessment will be done by the instructors of those learning the skills that are taught. If anyone is having difficulty, extra training will be given the next day where necessary. If the weather is too bad on Saturday, we will do instruction in our cosy lounge as far as practical. On Saturday evening, there will be a sumptuous meal in our large dining room. 

Sunday’s instruction depends on how much we managed to cover on Saturday. If all went well, we have a chance to try out our new-found skills by climbing to the crater or as far as the Alpine Club Hut, the highest inhabited building on the maunga. We plan on being out for most of the day, returning to our Lodge by about 2.00 pm at the latest to clean up and get back to Hamilton at a reasonable time. 

Given good weather, by the end of the weekend you will understand the principles behind the rather complex concept of “Snowcraft”. It takes a lot of practice and genuine understanding of what is real and perceived danger when entering the snow and ice heights of Ruapehu. Our Leaders have been doing this sort of thing for years and yet they never fail to be fascinated by the world of snow and ice. On satisfying our instructors that you have completed this Course with competence, you may attend our follow-up Snowcraft Two which will be held over the weekend of 9-10 August. The third event is our Winter Tramp (date to be determined). 

The departure time will be early Friday evening 11 July. Most will go in vans from our weekend departure point at Waikato University Gate One carpark. We can pick up others en-route (main highway only via Te Awamutu and Te Kuiti please) and will be based in our large and comfortable Lodge Friday and Saturday nights. All meals will be provided.  

A full list of gear will be provided on registration (get in early as you may miss out).  Crampons and Ice axes can be hired from the Club or Bivouac. Mike, who is the Manager of Bivouac in Hamilton, is the Principal Instructor and he can answer any queries you may have pre-Course. 

Please Note: To participate in this Course, you must be a member of the Waikato Tramping Club. Application details are on the Club website. Spaces for this Course are limited, and a deposit is required to confirm your booking. You must also attend a Gear Evening prior to the Course. Held at Bivouac on a date to be determined this gives you a good chance to sort out your gear needs, especially footwear. Light-weight boots/shoes are a problem when it comes to wearing crampons for example. 

Leaders: Allan Wickens (Co-Ordinator and Instructor). Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Mike Peck : Principal Instructor : email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; phone 021 369 256 

Cost : TBA.  Includes transport, food and Lodge fees plus gear hire where applicable. (Note: our Course  cost per trainee represents excellent value when compared to identical course both commercial and through other Clubs).