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NZSSI mountaineering courses 17-Mar-2008 At 10:44:49 PM JamesMc

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I did a course at Temple Basin a couple of years ago.

Positives
Learning to self arrest without an ice axe (didn't know you could do that)
Easy access (a couple of hours bus ride from Chch and a hour's walk).
Great accomodation with great company (if you get along with HARD CORE skiers).
Great food - the cook was an absolute nazi in the kitchen but it was worth it.
Good use of video, both for instruction and entertainment.
Instructor was great.
Great scenery
I took my skis - after a day's climbing I'd grab a nutcracker and ski. The rope tow nearest the lodge kept running 'till dark.

Negatives
No glaciers.
The instructor was an 'instructor' not a 'guide' and apparently there's a rule that only 'guides' can instruct in glaciated country. We got a fair bit of instruction and practice in hoisting - ie if your partner fell over an edge / into a slot, this is how it feels and what to do. I'll let others comment on whether this is a sufficient substitute for time on a glacier.

I think Temple Basin / NZSSI cater mostly for New Zealanders rather than wealthy Australians & Americans, hence the lower prices.

JamesMc