Vertical Resources

15/03/2026

The winter season will be with us soon in New Zealand- your backcountry journey starts with expert avalanche education with our NZMGA /IFMGA qualified guides

We can help you with the right framework and training to get out in the pow making safer decisions or to equip you with rescue skills if things go wrong

Check the links to the PEAK EX website for full details on our ASC 1 or ASC 2 courses

26/10/2025

Fun/ interesting and slightly frustrating weather this spring !

❄⚠ Advection Snow Could Become Hazardous ⚠❄

A low pressure system builds momentum in the Tasman Sea, stirring up sub-tropical precipitation before heading to our shores. Tomorrow, the low tracks southeast over Westland and Canterbury, brining a lot of precipitation that is forecasted to fall as snow for a large portion of the South Island.

Advection snow occurs when an undercutting cold air mass from the south causes warm precipitation to fall as snow, in this situation some areas as low as 200-300m could see snow depending on the temperature of the cold air.

Map below is a computer generated snowfall map, use as a guide only.
Full forecast below⬇️

https://www.sima.co.nz/snowcast

***Always visit MetService for all official warnings and watches***

26/08/2025

The end of the fine spell and getting ready for a reset across the Tasman Glacier

We’ve been skiing good snow, exploring the ice and enjoying the amazing views 🤩

See you after the next storm cycle

Call 03 435 1834

22/08/2025

Stunning day out playing in Mt Cook National Park with great snow and a crew to rip into it

20/08/2025

Day 1 of another long fine spell !
Things are busy but we might be able to fit you in!
Call 03 4351834

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23/09/2024

It’s a tad complex out there at the moment - the consistent snow falls have started to build a rather complex upper snowpack

Stay safe - give things time to settle. Stay in safe low consequence terrain

This incident is fully reported in the public observations section on the NZ Avaksnche NZ Avalanche Advisory

18/09/2024

We had a short window yesterday before the Southerly front rolled up the island - with only 20cm of snow on the ground in Mt Cook village it was incredible to find 60cm of none wind effected powder out in the patch at Aoraki / Mt Cook !

14/08/2024

Out in the Liebig Ranges enjoying the snow and views with a fun crew yesterday

Mount Cook Heliski
Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd
The Helicopter Line, New Zealand

28/07/2024

And then …. It’s here 😎

07/07/2024

Planning on heading into the Backcountry? Wanting to get into Ski Touring but unsure of the skills you need?
Come learn the basics for both Avalanche and Ski Touring on a weekend course.

Checkout our Avalanche Skills 1 (ASC1) Course + Ski Touring extension programs.

These courses will sharpen your winter skills so you can get the most of your skiing adventures.

Courses are running throughout July / August / September

https://www.verticalresources.org/avalanche-education