Liebig Range Backcountry Ski Touring

NZ$ exchange rate

Included:

• IFMGA/NZMGA certified mountain and ski guide
• Department of Conservation licence fees
• Heated hut accommodation
• Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
• ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
• ALL avalanche safety and ski mountaineering equipment (with the exception of ski boots)

Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.

Liebig Range Backcountry Ski Tours are based at either Lady Emily Hut or Falcon's Nest Hut.

Green : Minimum reached - guaranteed departure.
Orange : Only 4 or fewer places available.
Red : No availability.

* New Zealand public holidays incur a surcharge of NZ per person per holiday.

Lady Emily Hut & Falcon's Nest

Both huts sit at an altitude of 1500m in the Liebig Range, with Lady Emily overlooking the upper Cass Valley and Falcon's Nest tucked into the fork of Upper Tin Hut Stream. They are located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a fantastic location for star gazing - the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Modern

Both huts are privately owned and were built by Glenmore Station. They are an ideal base for backcountry skiing with ready access to a range of slopes suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.

Remote Access

4WD or helicopter access is required. The huts can be reached in 2 hours' walking from the vehicle and are located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Warm & cosy

The huts are equipped with firewood, gas, bunks, pillows and mattresses. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities.

Facilities

Lady Emily consists of two rooms, one room sleeping up to 4 and a second sleeping 6. The 4 bunk room has a large wood burner with heat overflow warming the 6 bunk room. Falcon's Nest consists of 1 large room with 8 bunks and a log burner. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.

Fitness

A high level of fitness is required. Participants need to carry a pack of about 8 kg plus their skis for 1.5 hours to the hut (500 vertical metres). On subsequent days packs will be light, but participants will be doing the equivalent of a six-hour walk/climb.

Skiing ability

The Liebig Range is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. Guides will give instruction on downhill technique as needed. If you have little or no off-piste skiing experience, we recommend spending 1-2 days before the tour with our private ski instructor at one of our local ski fields (Mt. Dobson, Roundhill or Ohau).

Previous experience

Previous backcountry ski touring experience is recommended. Previous tramping or hiking experience is essential.

First Day

8:30am gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. We'll be carrying a moderate pack, including sleeping bag and group food. Cooking equipment is at the hut.

Option to fly in to Lady Emily Hut with Tekapo Helicopters. Head up valley for an afternoon backcountry ski tour.

Alternatively, if taking the 4WD option, from Lake Tekapo township we drive along the western shores of Lake Tekapo and cross Glenmore Station. A 2 hour 4WD journey takes us up the Cass Valley to Memorial Hut at 1100m. From here, it's a very steep 1.5 hour climb up out of the valley to Lady Emily Hut at 1500m.

Relax with a hot drink beside the wood stove as your guide prepares a tasty dinner.

Subsequent Day(s)

Based at Lady Emily Hut, we will climb the peaks and ridges nearby, with a variety of tour options available, depending on your energy levels. Great views of the Southern Alps from the upper ridges.

Last Day

Return to Lake Tekapo via a steep walk down to Memorial Hut and 4WD out the Cass Valley, arriving back around 5-6pm.

Alternatively, if flying out, there is time for a longer morning ski tour.