Skiing the Tasman Glacier in the Aoraki Mount Cook Ski Region with Southern Alps Guiding is the ultimate adventure. The classic 2 run Skiplane adventure offered by Southern Alps Guiding is now in its 35th year of operation and continues to deliver a professional high quality service to our customers. Charlie Hobbs, lead guide and owner, has 39 years of guiding experience in this area. He is an internationally qualified Mountain and Ski Guide IFMGA/UIAGM. He will guide you on this special day. You'll enjoy being guided by Charlie because he loves being in his "office" and knows every nook and cranny on the glacier. We'll take you to all the special locations on the Tasman Glacier.
You don't have to be an expert to ski the Tasman Glacier skiplane adventure. The skiing terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers. Organise a group of family or friends and book this amazing adventure.
THIS COULD VERY WELL BE THE MOST EXCITING SKI DAY IN YOUR LIFE! CALL 0274342277 FOR EARLY BOOKINGS AND TALK WITH CHARLIE.
Tasman Glacier Skiing in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
New Zealand's longest ski runs with panoramic scenery of the biggest mountains and glaciers in the country. Aoraki Mount Cook dominates this awe inspiring landscape. We think of it as the "8th Wonder of the World." Many people have this trip on their "bucket list" of things to do.
Above: Unbelievable ice caves.
The world-famous Tasman Glacier is 29km long and flows among the highest mountains in New Zealand. Fly into the heart of the Southern Alps and land at the head of the Tasman Glacier in the famous ski-equipped ski plane. Visit incredible ice caves, peer into deep crevasses and visit glacial canyons. The skyscraper-sized ice blocks are an amazing sight.
Then onto a 8-12km ski run to your awaiting aircraft. "Get in, buckle up and start again". Explore a different distant corner of this great glacier for another lengthy ski run. After our second "long" ski-run we finish off with a scenic flight back to Aoraki Mt Cook airport. It's then off to The Old Mountaineers Café Bar & Restaurant for refreshments. We have "fat skis" available for hire which make your day on the Tasman Glacier much more enjoyable.
Tasman Glacier Skiing includes two "very long" ski runs of up to 8-12kms each run, professional guide service, lunch, 3 scenic aircraft flights, safety equipment, GST & DOC permit fees. We use Skiplanes for this trip but can use a helicopter if skiplanes are unable to fly on the day at extra cost.
Above: Intermediate skiing through the Ice Canyons. Long glacier runs!
A great family adventure on the Tasman Glacier - Skiing the Tasman.
HERE'S WHY WE HAVE SO MUCH SNOW ON THE TASMAN GLACIER:
Join us on our EXCLUSIVE heli-ski runs at the head of the Tasman Glacier in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
We also operate Heli-Skiing in the Hopkins Valley, The Two Thumb Range and the Black Hills in the Ruataniwha Conservation Estate.
Tasman Glacier Skiing and Tasman Glacier Heli Skiing is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and spaces are at a premium. Early bookings are essential and must be reconfirmed the day before your ski trip.
All trips depart from The Old Mountaineers Café Bar & Restaurant next door to the Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre.
Tasman Glacier Skiing operates between July 1 and October 31.
Minimum numbers required. See our Contact Page.
Guides: Our guides are certified through the NZ Mountain Guides Association and the IFMGA.
We are Safety Audit Certified and DOC Approved.
“Southern Alps Guiding Ltd works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to ensure that our impact on New Zealand's National Parks and reserves is minimal. We are an approved concession holder, ensuring that your visit with us to conservation lands adheres to best practice and contributes to the management of these protected areas”
Bring along your down hill skiing equipment. Warm ski gear is essential. Sunblock, camera. A small day pack comes in handy. Ski helmets are welcomed. Sorry - no snow boarders on the Tasman Glacier Skiing trip BUT we do take boarders on the Tasman Glacier heli-ski Day trip and Glacier heli-skiing trips.
You can ski on the glaciers with us for the day from Christchurch, Methven, Queenstown or Wanaka. We can organise a personal charter flight from these areas. If you prefer driving, travel times are between 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
There is a good range of accommodation at Aoraki Mount Cook. We can send you a list of providers with good winter deals.
Tasman Glacier Skiing and Tasman Glacier Heli-skiing updates - call or text on 027 434 2277.
We reserve the right to cancel or change any part of any trip. This could be due to adverse snow,avalanche, mountain or weather conditions or any other mountain related scenario. We have a strict 24 hour cancellation policy which means that if WE cancel the trip due to any of the above conditions will give you a full refund. If you decide not to do the trip within 24 hours of the trip start time for any reason (you sleep in, have a vehicle breakdown, an unexpected illness or injury etc) or we cancel your booking because of client unsuitability due to poor fitness or health there will be no refund. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover all potential cancellation scenarios.
This activity takes place in remote and dynamic backcountry settings which are natural and unmodified. Our focus is on your safety and actively managing the risks - but we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks. It is important you understand that as a participant you have joint responsibility in managing safety by firstly acknowledging that there are risks, and secondly that you acknowledge the importance of understanding and following all safety information and instructions.
We ask you to carefully read the following Risk Disclosure Statement, and only sign if you understand the content and agree to abide by the terms outlined within this statement.
Risk Disclosure Statement
Understanding the risks
I accept that participation in this Activity inherently involves risks and hazards some of which are additional to those normally associated with Helicopter Skiing and Snowboarding, Alpine Trekking, Heli Hiking, Heli Trekking, Snowshoeing, Glacier Skiing, Mountaineering, Ski Mountaineering, Ice Climbing, 4WD adventures, Glacier Walking, Boating/Kayaking, Stargazing and travel to and from and within any locations (“the Activities”)
In addition, I accept that added risks are involved when Filming and Photo shooting is carried out. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:
Natural Hazards - Avalanches, rock fall, ice fall, crevasses, collisions with unmarked natural features including rocks and vegetation, extreme or sudden changes in weather conditions (like heavy rain or snow and strong winds), cold and heat exposure, exposure to heights (cliffs and drop offs), earthquakes (including without limitation injury from natural or man-made structures, interaction with fauna (collision, bites or stings).
Man-Made Hazards - risks associated with air travel (including without limitation helicopter crash or accident or injury from collision with helicopter spinning rotor blades), vehicle travel, travel on water in boats or helicopters, remoteness of locations and access to external rescue services, additional risks of “The Activities” operations with one guide and collisions with others.
I also accept that these risks, dangers and hazards involve the possibility of personal injury, emotional trauma, death, property damage and loss which may affect me, my family and friends. I am aware that participating in the guided activities offered by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. Knowing the risks, I still wish to participate in the activity and I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, however caused.
Medication/health conditions
I understand it is my responsibility to disclose any conditions (health or otherwise) that may affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around me.
I have informed the staff of Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd (or will, prior to undertaking the activity) of any medical conditions, previous injuries and any medication I am currently taking which may affect my ability to undertake the activity/activities I have booked with Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd.
I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
I consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activity.
Drugs, alcohol and smoking
I agree that I cannot be under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs or medication which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.
I agree to not bring any smoking devices including but not limited to cigarettes, vapes and lighters.
Electronic devices, magnets and foils
Electronic devices, magnets and foils can interfere with avalanche transceivers and are therefore not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to chest mounted cameras, GPS or smart watches, vape devices, radios, electrical/heated clothing such as gloves, socks and jackets, magnetic buttons, and foil lined items such as clothing, food and cigarette packaging.
I agree to disclose to Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd any electronic, magnetic or foil objects that I am carrying, as these may need to be removed prior to participating in the activity due to interference with avalanche transceivers.
I agree to disclose to Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd any electronic medical devices including but not limited to pacemakers, insulin pumps, and heart rate monitors, as this may prevent me from participating in the activity due to interference with avalanche transceivers.
I agree to switch my mobile phone devices to flight mode before participating in the activity of glacier skiing or heliskiing and that these devices must remain at least 20cm from my avalanche transceiver when in transmit mode, and 50cm from my avalanche transceiver when in search mode. In search mode I also agree that all electronic devices must be switched off.
Music Players are not allowed at any time.
Conditions of participating in activity
I agree to follow all instructions and rules by Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd guides, pilots and other staff at all times.
I agree to seek clarification if I do not understand any instructions or rules, or the content of safety briefings.
I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund. This is necessary to ensure my safety and the safety of others.
I accept that Southern Alps Guiding Ltd or Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.
I agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.
Participant Acceptance
I agree that by completing and signing a Southern Alps Guiding Ltd and Aoraki Mt Cook Guiding Ltd Risk Disclosure Form that I accept all the statements and terms in the Risk Disclosure Statement and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk.
Participant name*
First Name
Last Name
Participant date of birth
Date
Participant email address
Participant nationality
By signing this form I accept all the statements and terms in this document and wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk. *
Participant signature ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the contents of the Risk Disclosure Statement, please contact our team at info@mtcook.com or call 0274342277 prior to signing this form.