Come on a backcountry tour and learn to look at the mountains like a guide - with safety the highest priority, followed by finding the best conditions for the group. With a combined 14 seasons of guiding between them, Alex and Mimi will explain how they assess terrain, mitigate risks with guests, and how they have developed the elusive Mountain Sense.

We’ll focus on crampon and ice axe movement for both ascent and descent — giving you the confidence to navigate steeper, firmer lines and safely manage exposed travel. Expect a hands-on day of guided movement coaching, efficient gear use, and situational terrain assessments, all designed to expand your skill set in the steeps.

A full-day immersion into the approach and techniques used for ice climbing. This clinic focuses on fundamental ice climbing movement techniques — mastering the rhythm of kicking and swinging to ascend curtains of ice. We'll work with Blue Lake's classic, accessible routes, predominantly less-than-vertical to vertical pitches.

Phase 1 - 28th July

This beginner session is about meeting your touring team and learning the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel.

Vertical Ascent: <200m.

Guide: Francesca (Chess) Smee

Learning Outcomes:
Understanding weather and snow conditions

Equipment familiarisation

Transitions and gear management

Skinning technique and kick turns

Introductory navigation

Phase 2 - 1st August

This intermediate session is about weather and snow conditions, fun riding and basic avalanche safety and rescue training. 

Vertical Ascent: 200-600m.

Guide: Francesca (Chess) Smee

Learning Outcomes:

Interpreting weather and snow conditions

Choosing a route & finding a line

Basic avalanche safety training

Intro to avalanche rescue techniques

This overnight snow camping adventure combines backcountry skills with snowcraft survival in alpine conditions. Learn to enjoy the winter environment while building confidence and resilience.

Guide: Francesca (Chess) Smee

Learning Outcomes:

Winter shelter construction and campsite selection

Cold weather gear systems and layering strategies

Snow kitchen setup and high-altitude cooking techniques

Risk management in multi-day winter environments

Advanced weather reading and route planning for extended trips