Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd — Attraction in South Island

I recently was convinced to rent gear (hiking shoes & crampons) from Alpine Guides for the trek to Mueller Hut. I was very disappointed in the customer service and offended by the treatment I received. I'll describe. When I walk in to ask about crampons for the hike, I am immediately overpowered by an air of judgment and superiority by the older female working the counter (unfortunately I missed her name). I felt her look me up and down as she assumed I had little to no experience mountaineering. Despite her demeanor, I explained my situation and tried to connect. She was short with me after every question, rolled her eyes when I asked about their stock, and snarked that she would have to see my boots first (which I was already carrying in my hand). I showed them to her and she condescendingly said that they wouldn’t be fit for crampons (fine, no problem) but then when I asked to see what types of boots they had I was treated as if I had crossed a line because at that point she gave up and another, younger employee stepped in to help. The younger girl was very kind and had she been the one to continue to assist I wouldn’t be writing this review. However, the older lady barks at me to come back tomorrow and I leave feeling like an inconvenience for trying to be prepared. I decide to brush it off and show up first thing the next day to get boots + crampons. When I get there the only help available was the rude lady from the previous day. She asks me my size and goes to retrieve them. She chucks me a single pair of highly worn out boots that I reluctantly try on. She asks me how they fit and I respond, not great. She goes to get a bigger size without even asking why they feel the way they do. Without going into all of the back and forth, I’ll just say that she made me feel like a burden and inconvenience by asking to try on a few different pairs of boots (which I was paying to rent & complete a vigorous hike in!). I eventually settle on a pair and decide to leave. I return the next day, blisters galore from the ill fitting boots, crampons that I lugged up the mountain for naught, and the final punch she deals me is irritation for when I ask to take my receipt that had my credit card number hand written down as bond. Overall, I can’t understand why a company would employ someone so abrasive to interact with customers. I still feel lingering aftershock from how rudely and marginalized I was treated. I recognize as an organization they were going off DOC recommendations when they validated the need for crampons, but I feel had they tired to understand my ability level and experience more and judge less an unnecessary rental could have been avoided. Ultimately, I would have been safer hiking in the gear I brought and that fit, then anything they could have offered. I feel that a company with true integrity would have listened and not just tried to make a sale.

I’d also like to clarify that this review is solely about my experience with rental gear and customer service and that I can not comment or judge their competence or level of service regarding their...

Took the 7 day ASC Course with Alpine Guides.

Seems pretty pricy at first, but with an NZAC membership, it helps to break it down to approx $350 per day which is actually quite reasonable.

This includes a fantastic and experienced IFMGA guide who is very happy to answer all your questions and will teach you very useful mountain skills, Heli flights, good food, hut and park fees.

Some topics we covered includes: Cramponing and self arrest techniques Navigation Roping up and glacier travel techniques Crevasse self rescue techniques Crevasse partner rescue techniques Anchor building (snow and ice) Pitching on snow Rappelling techniques Weather systems Avalanche awareness Ice climbing techniques and V threads Escaping systems Efficient communication Multipitch climbing techniques

We stayed at Kelman Hut, at the top of the Tasman Glacier, and had pretty good weather that allowed us to learn outside every single day. Sunrises, sunsets, stars and awesome views everywhere, every day.

Keep in mind that I can't say it will be the same for you as weather is just super unpredictable and I really believe it's just luck on how you will experience the course depending on the weather window (Bad weather the whole trip, you will probably just be stuck inside for the entire week).

I must say that having a descent background in rock climbing really helped with understanding rope and equipment use concepts that were taught, but definitely not required if you learn fast.

My experience was fantastic, and Jamie (our instructor) was an amazing teacher. He not only provided the theory, but also critiqued us when practicing the real thing.

In my opinion the best way to learn is to learn by doing. Jamie gave each of us plenty of opportunities to learn and practice what was taught. He was also happy to teach me what I was particularly interested in which I really appreciated.

If you are interested in unlocking terrain that you can freely travel to safely, I would highly recommend smashing it all out in a week with AGL, then continuing with the momentum to get milage in the hills to solidy your...

I recently completed the Mountain Experience Course with Alpine Guides in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and cannot speak highly enough of my experience. The course exceeded all expectations, offering a comprehensive and engaging introduction to mountaineering skills.

The course was incredibly well-rounded for an introductory course, covering a diverse range of essential techniques including ice climbing, avalanche safety, search and rescue procedures, ice traversing, and shelter building. The highlight was undoubtedly the overnight camp on a glacier, followed by two nights near the summit of Mount Brown, where we honed our skills in a truly awe-inspiring environment.

Our guide, Scott, was exceptional. His passion for the outdoors, coupled with his extensive knowledge and infectious energy, made the entire experience truly memorable. Scott's dedication to teaching and his ability to create a fun and supportive learning environment were truly commendable.

Furthermore, the quality of the food provided throughout the course was exceptional. Scott consistently prepared delicious and nutritious meals, often surpassing my expectations for meals eaten in the mountains.

I cannot recommend Alpine Guides enough to anyone considering a taste of or looking to continue to develop their mountaineering skills, whether it's through their courses or private day hikes. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to providing an exceptional experience are truly...