*SNOW SKILLS - CRAMPONS, ICE AXE, SLIDING & SELF ARRESTING

MAXIMUM 12 ATTENDEES

WELCOME EVERYONE
Join us for a fun day learning about crampons, ice axe, sliding and self arresting. This is okay for anyone brand new to hiking on snow, or for those who have hiked on snow but want to learn about and practice self arrest.

FRIDAY 18 JULY
Drive 5h to Whakapapa Holiday Park.
Sleep at Whakapapa Holiday Park.

SATURDAY 19 JULY
6:30am - Cars outside reception, all wearing headlights, ready to drive.
Drive 15min to the top of Bruce Road.
7:30am Sunrise.
Enjoy the snow for a full day.
5:17pm Sunset.

Then 2 options:
1. Sleep at Whakapapa Holiday Park, or
2. Drive 5h to Auckland.

SUNDAY 20 JULY
Sunday is optional for those who want to enjoy the snow a bit more.
Drive 5h to Auckland.

EVENT INFO
The focus is to practice and learn about:
Putting on winter boots.
Walking on snow with winter boots.
Walking with an ice axe.
Attaching crampons to winter boots.
Walking with crampons.
Sliding on snow.
Stopping a slide with an ice axe.
We won't be doing a big long hike in this event.

GEAR - SNOW HIKING
Winter mountaineering boots.
Crampons (no microspikes).
Ice axe.
Umbilical leash for ice axe (e.g. Black Diamond Slinger leash).
Helmet (bike or mountaineering).
Winter gloves (e.g. ski gloves with additional inner glove).
Buff.

GEAR - BACKPACK
Large backpack which can easily hold everything.
Pack liner or rubbish sack (to waterproof gear).
PLB (personal locator beacon).
Emergency shelter.
Food & water.
Headlight.

GEAR - CLOTHING
Thermal socks (e.g. wool).
Warm-when-wet breathable layers (e.g. merino long johns, merino shirt, merino jumper, puffy synthetic-filled jacket).
Rain jacket.
Rain poncho.
Rain pants.
No cotton.
No jeans.

GEAR - PROTECTION
Sunscreen, lip balm.
Sunglasses (with side protection, lens category 4 or greater).

GEAR - FOR SLIDING
We will practice sliding in cheap clothing, so we do not damage our good clothing.
Bring cheap and slippery polyester jacket and pants, or a large plastic garden rubbish sack might be ideal.

GEAR - RECOMMENDED
Gaiters (knee height).

GEAR - OPTIONAL
Cap (with no button and fits under helmet).

GEAR HIRE
Organise early.
Contact Living Simply in Newmarket for winter boots ($50), crampons ($50) & ice axe ($25) hire.
livingsimply.co.nz/page/hire.aspx
Contact Bivouac stores for crampons ($10) & ice axe ($10) hire.
bivouac.co.nz/gearhire
Contact me for an umbilical ice axe leash ($5).

WHAKAPAPA HOLIDAY PARK
No shops nearby.
Bring sleeping bag, towel, ear plugs (for snorers).
Has hot showers, shared fridge, stoves, microwaves, pots, plates, cutlery.
Options: $23 tent site, $32 backpacker bed or we could book our own room.

DRIVING THERE
You're welcome to use the comments section to offer a lift or ask for a lift.
700km return from Auckland.
If 1 passenger suggest give driver $75.
2 passengers $65 each.
3 passengers $55 each.

BY ATTENDING YOU AGREE
Your safety is your responsibility.
Attendees must RSVP to event.
The slowest sets the pace.
Tell someone your plans.
We help each other.
We stick together.
Led by organiser.
No littering.
No guests.

TO ATTEND
Click on "Join waitlist with a low priority", then send $10 to organiser for helping with meetup costs and group safety gear.
There is no need to pay for Meetup+