You can walk or fly up to the Tasman Glacier but I’ve heard you only walk up one time than swear to never do it again. I always trusted this opinion and could easily find other people who were willing to fill the seats when the skiing is good. Leaving from near Mount Cook Village the plane makes its way past Mount Cook before landing either near the Tasman Saddle Hut or the Kelman Hut. While both are nice places you just can’t beat the view of the Kelman Hut. One there remember that they radio in a forecast every morning and afternoon which is vital if you want to safely tour in the area.

If you have a few hours to spare and the area isn’t covered by clouds get your gear and start exploring. If at the Kelman Hut make your way over to the slopes before descending down to the semi flat section a 100 meters below. Putting on your skins you need to start heading north towards the furthest right high peak at the top of the Tasman Glacier. Being that there are only 2 actual summits here it is obvious. To make it the summit just keep climbing the glacier before making it to the high saddle on the lookers left. From there it is an easy ridge climb to arrive on the summit of Mount Alymer.

The decent backdown is basically the same climbing route but if you want to make it a bit more of an adventure you can ski all the way down to the bend in the Tasman Glacier, this can deliver 800 meters of mellow skiing before climbing back up to the hut.

While this isn’t the most exciting ski tour in the area it definitely gives you a feel of the area as well as opens your eyes to different options. If you have 2 hours to spare before the sun sets I highly recommend this ski tour.

For more pictures and the full story check out this link https://www.whereiskylemiller.com/new-zealand/symphony-on-skis/