Description

Trek across high mountain passes surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glacier! Enjoy spectacular views of the South Face of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Sefton, Mount La Perouse and many of New Zealand's highest peaks.

Cross the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman Valley to the Hooker Valley via Ball Pass, then cross back to the Tasman Valley via Mabel Col.

Enjoy a dip in an alpine tarn before descending next to the impressive Cove Stream Gorge and its waterfalls. This route is a modern variation of the classic / traditional Ball Pass Crossing.

It spends more time in alpine terrain (avoiding all the moraine wall washouts in the East Hooker Valley) and also crosses a second pass - Mabel Col. Previous mountaineering experience is recommended if doing this route unguided.

Crampons and ice axe are required.

The route crosses exposed ledges, rough alpine scree and boulder fields, snow slopes, glaciers, steep tussock slopes and alpine scrub.

In most places there is no trail.

The terrain is rugged and untracked, route-finding is difficult. Starting from Caroline Hut, it takes 9-12 hours of alpine trekking / mountaineering across snowfields, glaciers, rough scree, boulder fields and alpine meadows to cross Ball Pass and Mabel Col and descend via Cove Stream to Husky Flat. If starting from Ball Hut, it is recommended to camp near Ball Pass or take a slight detour to the “Playing Fields” to camp before crossing Mabel Col.

Early and late season conditions are often very icy on southern aspects below Ball Pass and on the approach to Mabel Col. <b>Guided alpine trek:</b> enjoy this mountain adventure with the knowledge and skills of a professional IFMGA / NZMGA mountain guide on Alpine Recreation's Ball Pass Crossing. https://alpinerecreation.com/ballpasscrossing.html