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CLASSIC SKI THE TASMAN FROM QUEENSTOWN FROM WANAKA
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Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand
 

Frequently asked questions about skiing the tasman

If you can’t find what you need, please contact us

 
 

HOW AND WHEN

When is the season?
What skiing ability level is required?
What are the group sizes?
Skis, equipment, and Rental Gear
How long is the Ski The Tasman day?
How long are our ski runs?
Your Safety

 

BOOKING DETAILS

Minimum numbers?
When should I book?
Our Cancellation Policy
Children, what’s the minimum age?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Refunds

 

OTHER DETAILS

Conditions - how’s the snow?
Snowboarders, can we ride the Tasman?
Where is Mt Cook Airport?
What kind of aircraft are used?
Accommodation, where can I stay?

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how and when

When does Ski The Tasman operate?

Every fine day June to 11 October

Conditions are colder and we get more 'powder' days through July to mid-August. September offers great corn which is perfect for first-time off-piste skiers. We can operate outside these dates depending on conditions.

What skiing ability level is required?

If you can ski a blue run at the ski area, then you can Ski the Tasman. This trip is suitable for people who ski only a handful of days a year. A some general fitness is required. The runs are easy and flowing and the terrain varies between open snowfields, deep bowls, and ‘canyons’ between seracs. More advanced skiers will also enjoy an expansive and adventurous ski experience.

Visiting the ice caves, seracs and unique glacial features is a highlight of the trip.

What are the group sizes?

A group of 4 to 5 skiers will ski together with a professional mountain/ski guide.

Skis, Equipment, and Rental Gear

You can wear what you normally would to go skiing at the ski area, just remember that it may be cooler at the higher elevation on the glacier so bring plenty of warm layers.

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How long is the Ski The Tasman day?

We fly up on to the glacier from Mt Cook Airport around 09:30 in the morning. Skiers should be back at Mount Cook Airport between 15:30 to 16:00.

A STANDARD DAY - ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE:

  • 07:00 - Weather and conditions check by guides

  • 08:30 - Check-in and payment at Alpine Guides Base
    or 09:00 if you are meeting at Mt Cook Airport

    • Rental ski gear issued

    • Safety briefings and avalanche transceivers issued

  • 10:00 - 10:30 - Depart for the glacier, land at the top of your first run

  • 13:00 - Lunch. Followed by a second ski run

  • 14:30 - 15:30 - Aircraft pickup, return to Mt Cook Airport

How Long are the Runs?

The average length of ski run on the Tasman is 8 - 10km. This varies during the season depending on the extent of snow cover. Ski for miles.
See the terrain map for more details →

Guest Safety and Equipment 

The safety of our guests is our highest priority. The decisions that our experienced and professional guides make in the mountains assumes safety above all else.

We issue our guests with avalanche transceivers as a precaution although the chance of avalanche is remote due to the nature of the terrain. Our guides carry avalanche and glacier rescue gear and a radio.

Guides will give a safety briefing to all guests before leaving the Airport. This includes, aircraft precautions, how to use an avalanche transceiver, and a general day plan.

Our guides are qualified to ski in glaciated terrain and have trained in emergency first aid, mountain survival, and rescue.

YOU WILL NEED

  • Skis - at least 90mm wide underfoot

  • Ski goggles or quality sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen

  • A small backpack with water, sunscreen, and a spare pair of gloves

  • Ski helmets are optional

RENTAL GEAR

We have powder skis in a range of sizes, ideal for snow conditions on the glacier. 

Our boot sizes range from approximately euro size 33 thought to 48. Ask us about your size.

We will fit any rental gear after morning check-in. You won't need to arrange a fitting earlier.

RENTAL RATES 2020

Skis: NZ$50/day
Skis, boots, and poles: NZ$75/day

BRINGING YOUR OWN GEAR

You can bring your own ski boots and poles. People with experience skiing off-piste can bring their own equipment. If you are bringing your own or renting from elsewhere: Make sure they are well waxed!

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BOOKING DETAILS

Minimum numbers

Individuals are welcome to make reservations. We do need at least 4 total bookings to run the trip. Bookings are accepted with the understanding that we are working to meet these minimum numbers, but are not guaranteed. We will keep in touch with you about the status of your trip.

When should I book?

We recommended booking around 3 weeks in advance for Ski The Tasman in August (our peak month). At other times at least 4 days advance booking is recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the cancellation policy detailed on our Terms and Conditions of booking.

Children. Are there age restrictions, or a minimum age?

Ski The Tasman is family-friendly, but glacier skiing can be beyond younger children. The minimum age is 10 years, and is dependent on the child's ability. Supervising adults must be prepared to ski at the pace of their children.

What if the weather turns bad?

Ski The Tasman operates only in "fine weather". There is no booking fee if we cannot operate due to poor weather. Any pre-payments will be fully refunded.

Fine weather means high visibility and light to moderate wind. On average we operate 4 days per week.

The decision to operate (or not) is made by 07:30 each day. If you are staying in Mt Cook Village we may be able to take advantage of late weather clearances, and start later.

New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate, and very changeable weather patterns. We encourage you to have flexibility in your plans. We can "carry over" bookings to the following day if requested.

If conditions change and we can only ski one run there will be a refund of NZ$240 per person.

Refunds

In the unlikely event conditions mean we can only ski one run guests are entitled to a refund of $240 per person. Refunds are not due to guests who elect to shorten the day due to fitness, lack of ability, or injury.

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Other DETAILS

Snow conditions | What will the snow be like?

Snow conditions on the Tasman Glacier are a product of the forces of nature, the runs are ungroomed. Powder is more common from July to mid August. Spring conditions are typical in September. The Tasman can get a fresh powder top-up with any winter storm. New Zealand’s temperate maritime climate means conditions are always changing!

Snowboarders | Can we ride the Tasman?

Ski The Tasman is best suited to skiers. The glacier is long and rolling, NZ’s longest green run. We often need to traverse and sidestep through the icefall and Canyonlands. Snowboarders can’t join our regular day. However, we can cater to snowboarders in private groups (4 riders works best). Contact us to talk about options if you have a group of snowboarders.

Where is Mt Cook Airport ?

We start our day at Mount Cook Airport, this is a 5 minute drive from Mt Cook Village. Let us know if you require transport from the village to the airport, this is available free of charge.

What kind of aircraft are used?

We fly in AS350 B2 Squirrel helicopters with The Helicopter Line and Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters also provide Pilatus Porter ski planes for Ski The Tasman.

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

  • Pilatus Porter: up to 6 skiers plus guide and pilot

  • B2 Squirrel Helicopter: up to 5 skiers plus guide and pilot

Accommodation at Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mt Cook is a quiet mountain village with lots to explore. From the cosy Mount Cook YHA (with a sauna) to the luscious and expansive Lakeside Retreat with baths overlooking Lake Pukaki. Twizel, the heart of the Mackenzie, is an easy 45 minute drive from our base in Aoraki Mt Cook. Ask us about pick-ups from your accommodation.
See below for places to stay or talk to us to help plan your trip.

Aoraki Court Motel

Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Lodge

Glentanner Park

The Hermitage

Lakestone Lodge


There are many delightful options for lodging in Twizel and the greater Mackenzie Region, have a look at this Mackenzie Accommodation page for more providers.