We rocked up to Mt Cook village with a plan in mind. But the weather does not always cooperate. A brief southerly front had brought snow to the mountains, just not where we expected. A quick back-up plan was formulated, and we flew in to First Creek. This turned out to be a fine back up plan indeed.

If you find yourself at Mt Cook waiting on a weather window, or touring buddies or whatever, have a look out to the east into the Gamack range. Flights in are reasonably cheap. In 2021 the cost for a helicopter seating 6 is $500 as long as you are traveling light.. You really want to plan for flights both ways as it is just too much of a bash to walk out. Fly from Glentanner with the Helicopter Line. We could access mobile phone coverage for much of the time in the upper reaches of First Creek

The skiing is pleasant. The runs would be classified as blue runs at a ski field. Over the col the terrain is a little steeper. We had a nice run down towards Fraser Stream.

The runs are quite short. Its only at the head of the basin that the snow holds. The vertical ski terrain would be about 400m. Our tour was on 15th of October 2020.

The terrain is interesting. The head of the valley has 2 old medial moraines, features left over from the last glaciation period. They break up the slope to give fun skiing on a variety of aspects.

This is heli ski terrain, and there are concessions to use it. In peak season one could expect to have to share the slopes with heli skiers.

In the right conditions it would be possible to take a more advanced and difficult line down from pk 2333. A heli drop off on the summit at the start of the trip could be considered. For weather conditions in the area check out the webcams on AOPA here.

There are a few hiking possibilities. Take lunch, a sun hat, and prepare for a lovely, relaxed day in the hills.