MT PHILISTINE TRIP - NZAC Members.
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MT PHILISTINE:
Saturday 30 August 2026
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This is a great day trip for confident graduates of NZAC Basic snowcraft, looking for a great day to practise on steeper snow terrain. Probably staying at the Club Lodge in Arthurs Pass the night before our climb, for an early start on the day to maximise the chances of good cramponing conditions.
We will not be going if the avalanche hazard is considered too high by the Trip Leader. We will select an alternate objective if snow conditions are deemed unsuitable for Warnocks bluff - which is not a good place to be in slushy, marginal snow.
TRIP GRADE AND GRADE DESCRIPTION
NZAC Arthur’s Pass Guidebook - Grade II,1+
Walk up the Otira valley, cross the footbridge and ascend the ramp to the foot of Warnock's bluff.
navigate the rocky bluffs onto the snow slopes approaching the east face of the summit.
A short steep section leads to the summit ridge.
Return by the same route.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Moderate rock and snow terrain, possibly icy, so you will need crampons. Over 1,000m altitude gain. Expect to be walking 8 - 9 hours with a full day pack.
PREREQUISITE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Walking in hard snow in crampons with an ice axe and scrambling on rocky terrain. NZAC Basic Snowcraft or equivalent.
Be capable of moving for 8+ hours with minimal stops.
HAZARDS INVOLVED
With the exception of a few short steep sections, terrain will be intermittently rocky and a mix of soft and hard snow. We will follow ridges to avoid avalanche terrain. Weather can vary quickly in the alpine environment, so be ready to adjust clothing quickly.
BAD WEATHER CONTINGENCY PLAN
Run the trip on the following day, or select a different objective
PERSONAL GEAR LIST
Food for a full day on the hill
At least 1 litre of water
Clothing and gear for all weather conditions. Make sure you have:
Sunhat or cap
Warm hat
Sunglasses/snow goggles
Insulation and waterproof layers for top and bottom
Waterproof insulated gloves
Waterproof, stiff soled boots
Ice axe - 2 if you have them and can confidently use them.
Crampons
Helmet
SHARED GEAR
Cooker & shelter.
TRANSPORT PLAN
For sustainability we recommend carpooling where possible. Ideally we will go into The NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge at the end of School Terrace the night before.
ACCOMMODATION PLAN
NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge at the end of School Terrace $20 per night for members.
Book at the NZAC website:
https://shop.alpineclub.org.nz/product/arthurs-pass-lodge/
COSTS
NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge $25 per night for members.
Contribution to fuel for car pool driver.
CONTACT: Jim Petersen [email protected]
Saturday 30 August 2026
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This is a great day trip for confident graduates of NZAC Basic snowcraft, looking for a great day to practise on steeper snow terrain. Probably staying at the Club Lodge in Arthurs Pass the night before our climb, for an early start on the day to maximise the chances of good cramponing conditions.
We will not be going if the avalanche hazard is considered too high by the Trip Leader. We will select an alternate objective if snow conditions are deemed unsuitable for Warnocks bluff - which is not a good place to be in slushy, marginal snow.
TRIP GRADE AND GRADE DESCRIPTION
NZAC Arthur’s Pass Guidebook - Grade II,1+
Walk up the Otira valley, cross the footbridge and ascend the ramp to the foot of Warnock's bluff.
navigate the rocky bluffs onto the snow slopes approaching the east face of the summit.
A short steep section leads to the summit ridge.
Return by the same route.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Moderate rock and snow terrain, possibly icy, so you will need crampons. Over 1,000m altitude gain. Expect to be walking 8 - 9 hours with a full day pack.
PREREQUISITE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Walking in hard snow in crampons with an ice axe and scrambling on rocky terrain. NZAC Basic Snowcraft or equivalent.
Be capable of moving for 8+ hours with minimal stops.
HAZARDS INVOLVED
With the exception of a few short steep sections, terrain will be intermittently rocky and a mix of soft and hard snow. We will follow ridges to avoid avalanche terrain. Weather can vary quickly in the alpine environment, so be ready to adjust clothing quickly.
BAD WEATHER CONTINGENCY PLAN
Run the trip on the following day, or select a different objective
PERSONAL GEAR LIST
Food for a full day on the hill
At least 1 litre of water
Clothing and gear for all weather conditions. Make sure you have:
Sunhat or cap
Warm hat
Sunglasses/snow goggles
Insulation and waterproof layers for top and bottom
Waterproof insulated gloves
Waterproof, stiff soled boots
Ice axe - 2 if you have them and can confidently use them.
Crampons
Helmet
SHARED GEAR
Cooker & shelter.
TRANSPORT PLAN
For sustainability we recommend carpooling where possible. Ideally we will go into The NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge at the end of School Terrace the night before.
ACCOMMODATION PLAN
NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge at the end of School Terrace $20 per night for members.
Book at the NZAC website:
https://shop.alpineclub.org.nz/product/arthurs-pass-lodge/
COSTS
NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge $25 per night for members.
Contribution to fuel for car pool driver.
CONTACT: Jim Petersen [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
NZAC Arthur's Pass Lodge, 79 School Ter, Arthur's Pass National Park 7875, New Zealand, Greymouth
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherCanterbury Westland Section of NZAC
