A ski tour loop with stunning views down into the Murchison Glacier.
The Cass River lies on the western side of Lake Tekapo. Access is solely through Glenmore Station and booking ahead is necessary as the run-holders rent out the huts on a nightly basis to ski tourers, hunters etc. For bookings call Will Murray on 03 6806 752 or 0211869087.
Bookings online for 2022 onwards can be made here http://www.glenmorestation.co.nz
The access road is generally pretty sweet as Will runs a grader up there to keep the access easy. Most cars can make it up to just shy of Waterfall hut. After that a little clearance is required but any street SUV should be able to manage the track until to a tributary about 2.5 ks south of Memorial hut. The final 2 ks might take a nudge more but is nothing too strenuous.
Memorial hut makes a good base. Lady Emily Hut is up in the valley to the west of Memorial hut, some 400m higher, and the new Tin Hut is in the drainage further to the south.. Memorial however gives a fair few options. Tours listed on this website are: a) The Scorpion – a loop around the basins in the drainage to the West, via Lady Emily Hut b) An ascent of Mt Hutton via the Huxley Glacier c) Mt Hutton via Faraday Glacier d) Head up the Ailsa valley to the Liebig Range.
Ailsa stream holds snow very well and even in a sparse year the snow level can be quite close to the hut. There are multiple aspects and lots of shady bowls so powder turns can be had even when you might least expect it. The Ailsa valley is narrow and threatened by avalanche activity from above and is a terrain trap to be mindful of, given conditions. However once in the head of the valley there are broad open slopes. The ski touring terrain offers many options and one could spend the day just in the head of the valley sessioning and seeking out lines.
Travel up the Ailsa is reasonably fast and should take most tourers somewhere around the 2 hour mark to the head of the valley. On our route we headed south for a look into the Jollie river, then headed up over the Liebig divide to ski wonderful corn snow on the western faces. Views are into the Murchison Glacier and the Malte Brun Range, excellent! This is prime heliski terrain so expect the area to be heavily tracked and to be sharing it with helicopters, sightseers, heliskiers etc.
We skied along the western faces of the Liebigs, then ascended to cross back into the Cass Valley just south of Rutherford Pass. If you have plenty of energy left the Ridge Glacier is well known for holding quality powder turns. Otherwise head straight down the Cass, or, alternatively ski tour SE to cross over Kehuna Pass back into the Ailsa. Kehuna pass is straightforward on the northern side but the southern side is steeper – around 40-45 degrees for the final 50m as a guestimate, and so would I would expect it to be more enjoyable to tackle the pass as a ski from the north, rather than a climb from the south.
The upper Cass doesn’t hold snow as well as the Ailsa, so if descending that way trainers might be the go. Luckily the valley isn’t bouldery, it is quite easy going shingle.
There are many possibilities in this area, from ski tours to ski mountaineering. A week based out of the hut would be a grand idea!
Further info update 31.5.16: via email from Glenmore Station
The ultimate location for touring and purpose built for ski touring groups. At 1500m the hut is located within some of the best ski touring terrain in the country. The West Wing of the hut was built in 2013. It sleeps 4 with room on the floor for 1 extra if required (mattress provided). It is fully self contained including a gas stove, pots, plates, cups, cutlery etc. A large log burner makes melting snow a breeze and makes the hut warm and cosy. Solidly built boot and gear drying racks ensure your gear is warm and dry. Firewood is provided. The East Wing was built in 2016. It can sleep 6 plus 1 extra on the floor if required (mattress provided). It is also fully self contained (as above) with a gas stove and has an adjoining door to the west wing to share the heat of the log burner. Both huts have solar powered lights. All you need is food, sleeping bag and own pillowcase. We would also prefer you bring your own bottom sheet to keep the mattresses clean.
ACCESS
There are 3 options: 1. Depending on snow conditions, drive to Memorial Hut (2 hours from Tekapo township) and walk in to the hut. Directly west of Memorial Hut there are two waterfalls. Walk up the true right hand side of the true right waterfall. The climb flattens out, then you cross the creek on your right and follow a moraine ridge up to the hut. It is a straight forward walk. Allow an hour. 2. Fly in, drive out. Drive to Memorial and get picked up by helicopter. You can then drop your gear at the hut before getting dropped off up high making the most of your first days touring. 3. Fly in, Fly out.
Memorial Hut.
Situated near the head of the Cass Valley this hut was built as a memorial to Arthur Major who lost his life mustering in 1923. Another great base to tour from with plenty of options to find un-tracked powder. The hut sleeps 8 and has a large open fire (wood provided). You will need all your own cooking gear, etc. After a heavy snow vehicle access to the hut can be difficult, however, again helicopters are always another option.
Tin Hut
Situated half way up the Cass Valley the head of the Tin Hut Creek offers some superb skiing. The hut sleeps 8 and has a large open fire (wood provided). You will need all your own cooking gear, etc. Depending on snow conditions, you could expect an hours walk before you can put your skis on but it is definitely worth it.
Hut Fees
Lady Emily $50 (incl) pp/night
Memorial Hut $30 (incl) pp/night
Tin Hut $30 (incl) pp/night
NB: There are no landing or track fees.
HELICOPTERS
The Helicopter Line Mount Cook ph 03 435 1801 or Tekapo Helicopters ph: 03 680 6229
To book or for further information phone Emily or Will on 03 680 6752 or email glenmore@farmside.co.nz
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