Hey guys,
The week long midwinter trip to Lewis Pass in the South Island is coming up fast - just a month away! If you're interested please sign up soon so we can start sorting out transport - either by emailing me at patonomatic@gmail.com or by turning up to the Tuesday meeting and having a word.
It's definitely one of the best tramps of the year - 7 days of quality tramping round valleys, passes and snowy tops in the Southern Alps. There will be a range of groups (easier, medium, harder/climbing) to suit most people. Obviously it does take a certain level of fitness and experience (even for the easier group), so we expect you to have come on a couple of trips with the club beforehand. And since some special skills are required up in the snow you will also need to attend the Alpine Instruction Course (AIC 1) on 25-27 June - unless you already have experience using crampons and ice-axe (even if you do its a great trip to come along on, more info soon). AIC is also a great chance to test your gear!
Anyway, here are the details for the South Island trip:
Leaving: Saturday 3 July (likely to be a morning Ferry, then bus to the road end to camp)
Returning: Sunday 11 July (evening ferry)
Cost: to be confirmed - likely to be around $200 ($50 deposit by 15 June please to confirm place)
Gear required: see http://vuwtc.org.nz/cs/content/gear.aspx In particular you will want good waterproof boots and gaiters to keep the snow out, and overtrousers. Lots of thermals/polypro is good, and down for the hut if you have it (Macpac is having a sale on down jackets right now). Not to mention a warm sleeping bag! The club will provide the usual cookers, pots, tents, etc. Let me know or put up a post if you have questions about gear.
Routes: TBC (in and around Lewis Pass, which roughly is south of the Nelson Lakes area and north of Arthur's Pass)
Kieran,
Co-Treasurer