REMARKABLES GRAND TRAVERSE
One of the most classic single day alpine routes in New Zealand alpine climbing.
The Grand Traverse of Single & Double Cone is a steep committing alpine ridge line suitable for climbers with previous mountaineering & rock climbing experience.
The Grand Traverse of Single and Double Cone is one of the most classic single day alpine routes in New Zealand climbing. The steep, exposed and sustained ridge line provides excellent rock climbing on with incredible views 2000m down the west face of the Remarkables to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. The eastern side of the ridge line is almost as spectacular as you climb high above Lake Alta.
The Grand Traverse requires an early and start takes 8-10 hours to complete the traverse. This is a must do if you are visiting Queenstown for climbing.
LOCATION
Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown.
MEETING POINT & TIME
7.00am. Your guide will meet with you at 7.00am at your accomodation. Alternatively, you are welcome to come to our office at Unit 403, 875 Frankton Rd in Queenstown.
TRIP DURATION
Approximately 8-10 hours
BAD WEATHER POLICY
If we cannot operate the trip because of bad weather we offer the option of running the trip on the next good weather day or offering a full refund if you are unavailable or the guide is unavailable due to pre-booked work commitments.
OUR DAY
Our guide will meet you at your accommodation at 7:00am and after introductions will check your clothing and equipment.
From Queenstown its a 30 minute drive up to the car park on the Remarkables. From here we hike through the ski field and into the backcountry towards Telecom tower and the start of the Grand Traverse.
The ridge leading to Double Cone is exposed and has incredible views of Lake Wakatipu. Once on the ridge proper the use of a rope is required to safe guard movement on the exposed terrain. A combination of short roping, simul climbing, and short pitching is used to travel across the ridge line safely. Natural protection (cams, nuts, and rock belays) are used to anchor the rope on the climb.
The route leads to the summit of Single Cone, before descending to a v notch and then climbing again to the summit of Single Cone. It’s normal to summit Single Cone between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. This is a great day of climbing.
You should be back to the car park by 4:00pm and your accomodation by 5:00pm.
REMARKABLES GRAND TRAVERSE
BOOK A PRIVATE TRIP
INCLUSIONS
TRIP NOTES
Experience required
Previous mountaineering and rock climbing experience is essential before attempting the Grand Traverse of Single & Double Cone. For climbers with less experience we recommend gaining experience on a guided climb of Single Cone.
What to bring
In addition to the clothing and equipment you will need to bring food and snacks for the day, and enough water for the day. The amount of water you will require will depend on your personal hydration habits. As a guideline we recommend a minimum of 1.5 litres of water.
Clothing & equipment
Climbing in the New Zealand mountains requires that you have high quality equipment and clothing due to the extremes of weather we experience. Please ensure you look carefully at our equipment checklist. At the start of the trip your guide will go through your equipment and make sure that you have everything that you need for the trip. Please organise to have your extra equipment stored at your accomodation for the duration of the trip.
It is important that you keep as close as possible to the equipment checklist. The focus is on ensuring that you have the equipment you need, but also on keeping your pack as light as possible. If your guide is meeting you at your accomodation for the start of the trip it would be helpful if you have all your equipment and clothing organised and laid out in a logical fashion so they can check that everyone has the right equipment and clothing for the trip.
Guide to participant ratios
On the Grand Traverse of Single & Double Cone we operate at a 1 guide to 2 participants maximum ratio with very experienced participants in good conditions. For less experienced clients or in more difficult conditions we operate at a 1:1 participant guide ratio.
My experience with Queenstown Mountain Guides was exceptional. If you are looking for instruction to help you gain technical experience then this is the company for you!