Profile
Alpine Guides has a long history in outdoor education, beginning as New Zealand’s only professional mountaineering school. Today, they continue to offer specialist instruction in the mountains around Aoraki/Mount Cook, providing courses that build both technical skills and overall mountain awareness.
For schools and groups looking to introduce students to alpine environments, Alpine Guides offers courses year-round. Summer courses, running from October to April, focus on alpine mountaineering and general mountain experience. Winter courses, from July to October, cover snow and ice skills, avalanche awareness, and ski touring.
A wide range of courses are available to suit different needs and timeframes. The Avalanche Awareness course runs for 1.5 days and is certified by the Mountain Safety Council. The Mountain Experience Course is a five-day summer option designed as an introduction to the alpine environment. The Mountain Skills Course, running for 3.5 days in winter, teaches essential snow and ice skills. More in-depth training is available through the Alpine Skills Course, as well as shorter workshops such as the one-day Alpine Skills Tune-Up or the two-day Self Rescue Workshop. Advanced options include a Backcountry Avalanche Course and Expedition Training.
All courses are delivered in small groups with low guide-to-participant ratios. Instruction is provided by professional, qualified mountain guides, ensuring a high level of expertise and safety. Technical equipment is supplied free of charge, allowing groups to participate without needing specialist gear. Fresh food is also provided during courses, and discounts are available for members of the New Zealand Alpine Club.
With its professional instructors, structured programmes, and focus on safety, Alpine Guides gives schools and students the chance to experience New Zealand’s alpine environment while developing practical skills and confidence in the outdoors.
