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22yo NSW man dies on Mt Aspiring 11-Jan-2005 At 8:53:31 AM JBM

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I was on Aspiring the week before the accident and I believe I ran into these guys at Aspiring hut on our way out while they were on the way up.

Conditions this year have been atrocious. We spent 5 days at the French Ridge Hut waiting for a weather window that never came. The freezing level only dropped down below 3000m for one night and the mountain was continously clagged in and it rained the entire time with the exception of one 6 hour spell. The combination of rain, high freezing level and high winds (up to 140kmh one night) have dramatically changed the conditions of the routes. Also, the snow is having difficulty in firming up, leading to soft conditions (especially on the Ramp).

We got a glimpse of the peak on our way out, shortly before bumping into these 2 climbers (I believe) and there was an incredible amount of rock exposed along both the SW ridge and NW ridge routes (bring rock gear).

This season is proving to be volatile in NZ, so take extra care this season if you are heading over (apparently worst summer in 60yrs). Also, please consider that there are better peaks to bag if you are looking to climb your first summit. I was surprised at how many inexperienced mountaineers I ran into on the way in and out of Aspiring.

My sincere condolonces to all affected by this tradegy.