This course is an initiative of the New Zealand Alpine Club to encourage young people into the mountains and inspire them to become alpinists. It will be run by qualified New Zealand Mountain Guides Association Guides and New Zealand Outdoor Instructor Association Level 2 Instructors. The ratio of instructor to student will be 1:4.

Students must be between 16 years and 18 years on October 1^st 2014

Accommodation is the NZAC Lodge at Arthurs Pass. There will be separate bunk rooms for boys and girls. They will need to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow (optional) and teddy bear (also optional). The Lodge will be booked out solely for the course for this weekend.

The fee is $450, which includes instruction, transport,  food and accommodation, avalanche safety equipment hire and a year’s membership to the New Zealand Alpine Club.

Not included in the fee is: basic climbing equipment, suitable clothing, snacks (chocolate, lollies, scroggin etc). Some gear is available to hire through the Canterbury/Westland section.

Meals: all food will be provided but students will be expected to help their  Guides/instructors  with the cooking and do the dishes afterwards! Ditto,cleaning the Lodge at the end of the course.

For course info, click here

For an application form, click here

For info about other NZAC instruction courses click here

The Auckland Sport Climbing Club is hosting the 2014 The Edge Series .

The dates are:

2nd August Glen Eden
6th September Hamilton
25th October Panmure

Categories are under 12, under 14, under 16 under 18, Junior, Open and Masters. All routes are top-rope except the U18, U20, Open and Master finals which are lead-rope.

If you climb regularly for a school, a rock hoppers, or after-school club then this competition is for you.

Entry is $15 for student and $25 for non-students. Cool spot prizes from North Face, Mountain Designs, Macpac, Bivouac, Black Diamond and others supporters.

Pre-register at www.eventfinder.co.nz