“A Mish a Day” #48 Avalanche Peak(1833m). Arthurs Pass National Park. 10.5.2011. It is unwise to climb a ‘real mountain’ without building up to the challenge first. Big peaks require at least a small amount of experience, and for those looking to gain experience in the mountains, a trip to Arthurs Pass is a must. Avalanche Peak is a classic trampers mountain, with easy access from Arthurs Pass Village and, with no low cloud, can be climbed comfortably in a day. However the Peak is named ‘Avalanche’ for a good reason, and even though there are tracks to the summit a mission up Avalanche Peak(1833m) should be approached with some caution.
On this trip I stayed in my van at the Klondyke Corner camp site and had a nice night on the banks of the Waimakariri watching the local Kea play with the many toys the other tourist had unknowingly brought them. An early-ish start with a short drive back into the village had me on the track at first light. I chose to climb up beside Avalanche Creek then descend via Scotts Creek Track.
The first part of the track is steep but luckily with many points for breaks with views of the many waterfalls of Avalanche Creek. Once up above the treeline there is a scree filled basin to cross, which is prone to avalanches during the winter. Above the basin is the last scramble through scree to a point near the top. The last section of the ridge has some exposure, but is easy walking with amazing views in every direction. Though there was cloud covering most of the high peaks, I still had awesome views down the Bealey River to the wide expanses of the Waimakariri Valley, and also of the ice of the Crow Glacier on Mt Rolleston. The track back down on the Scott Creek side is less steep, and I think therefore an easier way down for the knees, and also the views across to Devils Punchbowl Falls, and the peaks on the other side of the valley are epic! On my way down I passed a ‘classic inexperienced hiking tourist’ with a cotton T-shirt/shorts combo and not much else, asking how far to the top about only 1/4 of the way up! I think he survived? I got back to my car after the hike, and while stashing my gear in my car I watched Kea destroy a back wheel cover on a unfortunate car in the car park!
