3.3 km away
Mt. Darwin South Face Direct
One for connoisseurs of steep ice faces
Extreme Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Ascent
- 250 m
- Descent
- 764 m
An awesome ski face above the secluded Darwin Glacier
Ski Touring Severe
The Darwin Glacier is a fantastic arena for ski mountaineering with a multitude of great possibilities. Mt. Darwin, Mt. Annan and Mt. Hamilton all offer incredible ski potential. However, the south face of Mt. Darwin perhaps gives the best clean skiable face in the basin. 40-45 degrees, 600 meters vertical, clean, open and often holding good snow due to its shady aspect. The line actually starts from a col just to the east of the summit of Mt. Darwin (which is not skiable). The top of line touches 50 degrees but the angle quickly lessens. It is however a large glacial face so watch out for ice just beneath the snow.
The line is easily approached from either the Tasmin Saddle or Kelman Huts (however it is a big day so leave early). After skinning up the Darwin Glacier, negotiate the best way through an initial small ice-fall at the base of the route. Once above this, it is straightforward to boot up the face and reach the beautifully situated col between Mt. Darwin and Mt. Annan. Ski back down the same way and out onto the Darwin Glacier. Although the South Face of Mt. Darwin is a very obvious ski line, there was no record of it having been skied prior to 2015 when it was skied by Billy Haas, Adam Fabrikant, Noah Howell and Tom Grant. Such is the nature of New Zealand’s Southern Alps; a lot of world class ski terrain, no lifts and not that many skiers venturing out beyond the very well-known lines.
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
3.3 km away
One for connoisseurs of steep ice faces
Extreme Ski Touring
3.8 km away
A very technical and spectacular line on a major peak
Extreme Ski Touring
3.9 km away
A great introductory ski tour on the Tasmin Glacier's friendliest peak.
Moderate Ski Touring
3.9 km away
A beautiful and wild roundtrip over to the west side and back again
Severe Ski Touring
3.9 km away
The northernmost of the Southern Alps' 3000m peaks
Severe Ski Touring
4.2 km away
Superb spring skiing on a beautiful and open face.
Difficult Ski Touring
5.2 km away
A fantastic half day and accessible ski mountaineering loop
Severe Ski Touring
3 routes · Ski Touring