Looking to do an advanced ice climbing course this July/August (I live in Melbourne).

Lots of options if I head over to NZ, and some great courses by the looks of things but would be significantly cheaper for me to stay local. And it looks like the obvious Aussie option would be The Australian School of Mountaineering in Katoomba.

Does anybody have any experience of these guys and whether the standard of instruction is as high as the big NZ outfits? What's the ice climbing like around Blue Lake?

Any thoughts appreciated...

The most consistent area in terms of waterfall ice conditions that I know of with climbing courses would have to be Wye creek near Queenstown. Australia is very fickle and the routes are short.

If you're really keen to get into the ice & mixed game, get over to the Canadian rockies or Ouray.

Probably a bit too long ago to be especially relevant, but I did a couple days out with ASM in the blueys about 20 years ago. They were a really professional outfit back then with very experienced climbers. My bet would be that they're still a credible outfit. The pommy bloke that guided us had just got back from climbing Changabang so he had some good stories.

Cheers guys – good advice. Looks like it would probably be the ice, rather than the standard of instruction that would let things down here in Oz...

Much as I'd love a rockies trip I don't think i can stretch that far this year!
Wye Creek might be my best option.

Thanks

Fair call Huw - from what I have been told the courses run here, in terms of technical input, are quite good, however from my personal experience the quality and consistancy of our ice (in comparison with say NZ) is subpar at best.

I've been to Blue Lake (Oz's best and pretty much only place for somewhat decent ice climbing) for the last 3 winters in a row and it is quite haphazard with respect to decent and consistant ice climbing conditions (mind you the shift between El Nino and La Nina in the last couple of years probably is a large contributor). While having some quite decent ice climbing routes (in the right conditions of course), ideal conditions are few and far between. For instance in 2010, decent winter conditions in the Snowies were practically non-existant until mid to late August while last year early into Sep snow was starting to melt with an early end to winter.

Hit up NZ is my pick.........

Paul

Just saw this thread, sorry. Wye Creek is probably the best bet for guided instruction. Adventure Consultants have a semi-permanent tent shelter in there for the season which makes things better for their clients. It's a fair walk/ski in from the Remarkables, so you want to be early and fit to make the most of a day trip.

I've been into Bush Stream probably three times and it's great when it's in condition - better than Wye Creek. You can helo in for around $100 each and either helo or walk out. Alpine Guides, Adventure Consultants and others guide courses in there. There can be avalanche danger, but it's often fine. Some great routes in there, some still unclimbed, at least in good conditions.

I go to Blue Lake at least once a year, often for a day trip, and it's only OK because it's all we have. Much better than nothing, but ...

I remember a while back, someone posted a shot or two of the south side of Mt Buller (Victoria) which apparently has Ice routes in certain conditions. Dunno how rare that might be and I can't remember who posted it or in what thread.