Introduction What do you get when you sign up with an accomplished mountaineer? And the first Australian and Commonwealth citizen to have climbed all 14 x 8000ers – without oxygen? Well, with Andrew Lock, you get the full gambit. There is nothing that this guy doesn’t know. We would trust him with our lives if […]
Winter
Tromso, Norway: Above the Arctic Circle
Tromso, being above the Arctic Circle, is often referred to as ‘Paris of the North’ due to its lively atmosphere. Tromso is the world’s most northern university town and the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle. The city lies between the sharp craggy peaks of the Lyngen Alps and combines […]
Pyrenees: Winter Expedition Skills Course
Introduction Undertaking a winter expedition skills course in the Pyrenees can throw up the odd surprise. This one proved no exception. From climbing, snowshoeing, abseiling, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, avalanche assessment and response, self arrest, knots, rope work, mountain hut life and jumaring to digging a snow hole. Except for a summit of the highest […]
Australia: Snow Climbing on Mt Kosciuszko
Introduction In preparation for our climb of Mera Peak (6,476m/21,247ft) in the Himalayas, we decided to undertake a snow climbing course on Mt Kosciuszko. Mt Kosciuszko is the highest point in Australia at 2,228m/7,310ft. Mt Kosciuszko Officially, Mt Kosciuszko is the traditional ‘Seventh / 7th Summit’. Whilst lower than Puncak Jaya/Carstenz Pyramid in West Papua, […]
New Zealand: Tongariro Alpine Winter Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine winter Crossing with its amazing views is awe-inspiring. So, after having hiked it in summer, it was time to try it over winter. Often described as one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Even more so in winter. […]