Ball Pass Adventure 2012
Join PrimalFit for an outstanding wilderness experience in March 2012 and take part in New Zealand’s highest guided trek – the Ball Pass!
On our Ball Pass Adventure (7th – 11th March 2012) you will enjoy world class views of New Zealand’s highest mountains and most spectacular alpine scenery (without using up all of your limited holiday time)!You will feel an amazing sense of adventure and achievement as you gaze in wonder at the dramatic faces of Mount Cook, ascend the summit of nearby peaks, hike down steep snow slopes into the gorges and bluffs of the rugged Hooker Valley, then trek along moraine terraces through lush vegetation to cross the stunning Mount Cook Range!
Dates: Wednesday 7th March to Sunday 11th March
Accommodation: Modern hotel accommodation and private mountain hut
Food: All meals as indicated in the itinerary below
Preparation: 5 weekly PrimalFit Sessions and 5 extended weekend sessions (Sunday mornings)
Flights: Not included
Max group size: 7
Price: $2445 (*Early Bird Special $2200 for bookings made before 9/12/11)
The trek involves some untracked, rugged terrain – you just need to be reasonably fit and to have some previous hiking experience. Our group training sessions in Sydney will make sure that you’re able to truly enjoy the experience! The group will be extremely personalised with a maximum of just 7 clients accompanied by two experienced trekking guides and a PrimalFit Trainer.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Queenstown, transfer to Lake Tekapo
Pick up at Queenstown airport and drive to stunning Lake Tekapo for a relaxing evening meal. Accommodation at Peppers Blue Water Resort. D
Day 2 Tekapo to Mount Cook Village to Caroline Hut 6 hours hiking
After an equipment check in Lake Tekapo, travel to Mount Cook Village (about 1 hour), transfer to 4WD vehicle for the old Ball Hut Road then commence walking. From the Tasman Glacier you climb 850m/2800ft up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils. BLD
Day 3 Climbing and instruction near Caroline Hut - 5-6 hours hiking
Learn basic mountaineering techniques. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Maybe explore a crevasse on the Ball Glacier. Back at Caroline Hut take time to watch the sun set on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face. BLD
Day 4 Ball Pass to Mt Cook Village - 8-9 hours hiking
Cross Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The descent from Ball Pass is very steep and snow conditions may require the use of crampons. If snow conditions are icy a fixed rope will be installed for your safety. The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you meander through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the national park and return to Mount Cook Village. Transfer to Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Mount Cook Village. BLD
Day 5 Mt Cook Village to Queenstown
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we’re transferred back to Queenstown Airport for flights back to Australia to tell our friends about this incredible adventure!
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Hiking & Fitness
Up to 8-9hrs physical activity each day. Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m. Some exposure to heights. Pack weights of 12-15kgs. Previous hiking experience recommended. Reasonable level of fitness required No mountaineering experience is required. Qualified mountain guides will accompany you and give full instruction on how to cross snow slopes safely using crampons and an ice-axe. When snow conditions are icy a fixed rope is installed for your safety. PrimalFit’s training sessions in Sydney will prepare you for this adventure.Guides and Safety
All mountain and ski guides undergo professional training through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association which has international accreditation with the IFMGA / UIAGM, the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. Each guide has extensive mountain experience within New Zealand and overseas.What to Take
Essential Items
The following items must be brought by you (these are not provided):The following items can be provided if you do not have your own:
Transport
Transport from Queenstown to the Ball Pass Trek (Mt Cook) and return is included in the price. You will travel in a small minibus certified to transport clients and your guides will hold a passenger endorsement on their driver’s license.Food
All the meals as indicated on the itinerary are included in the price. On the trek a catering manager will prepare food: fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, quality cheeses and meats. Together with the gourmet skills of the guides, this ensures a consistently high standard cuisine. All snacks on the trek are included. Non-perishable food is stored at the hut. Because food quantities are carefully planned and prepared there is minimal waste to be carried out at the end of the trip and minimal effect on the environment. Please advise us if you are a vegetarian. Fresh produce will be carried into the hut as part of the group equipment.Accommodation
Peppers Blue Water Resort, Lake Tekapo – 1 night Caroline Hut – 2 nights The only owner-operated hut in Aoraki – Mount Cook National Park. The hut is for your exclusive use and guarantees your bunk space. Located in a spectacular high alpine setting it is outfitted with a wood-fired stove for heating, has solar lighting, and has full kitchen facilities with gas stoves. It has sleeping bags and is also stocked with non-perishable food. If bad weather forces a climbing course indoors, you are ensured of a private classroom, conducive to learning. Climbing crags, snow and ice fields are nearby, thus minimising travelling time and maximising learning.Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Mount Cook Village – 1 night
Weather
Caroline Hut is located on the Ball Ridge, in the lee of Mt. Cook (from the prevailing west and northwest winds), so it is seldom that we cannot walk in to the hut, even if the weather is marginal. There is a wood-fired pot belly stove in the hut and a good drying rack. However, this is a high alpine environment and it could happen that the walk in to the hut may have to be deferred by a day – the trip will then be reduced to a two day crossing and the group will be accommodated in Lake Tekapo for the first day. During the last few seasons this option has only been used once per season.Alternatively you could take up the “Tekapo Hike”, a 2 to 3-day mountain walk in the Two Thumb Range to the east of Lake Tekapo, based at the Rex Simpson Hut. This would only be an option if the weather looked as though it was going to be bad for all three days or if a climb to Caroline Hut is still not possible on day two. Since the Ball Pass operation started this contingency plan has only been carried out once. If the group is at Caroline Hut and the weather or snow conditions do not permit a crossing of the Pass then the group will descend to the Tasman Valley.
When you book a trip you book the guide and the organisation that goes with it, you cannot book the weather. Guides are trained and instructed to always make the best possible decision for all the participants. On rare occasions this could mean having to return or not to go to Caroline Hut on day one for reasons of safety. On such occasions a refund cannot be given.
Liability
PrimalFit has organised this expedition as a goal for its clients to train towards and it’s role in respect of the Ball Pass Adventure is to provide fitness training advice and motivation in connection with the expedition. PrimalFit is not a travel agent or a tour operator and is not liable for any loss or damage arising directly, or indirectly, from the Ball Pass Adventure. Alpine Recreation, as an experienced trekking provider, is responsible for the expedition itself. All clients have to complete a waiver form before starting their tour.Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance.Medical Conditions
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.Price includes
Training in Sydney before the expedition, transfers between Queenstown and Mount Cook, guides, accommodation, all meals on the itinerary, transport, crampons, ice-axe, and all other climbing equipment and boots if required.Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $650 is required to secure your place on the trip. Final payment is due 65 days prior to your trip.Book Now
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