This weekend Holly continued preparing for the Himalayas by attending a three-day snow skills course in Arthurs Pass, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Kā Tiritiri O Te Moana / The Southern Alps.
Her Mountain Journeys course started with trekking to the Temple Basin Ski Lodge before setting off on a three-hour climb over the ridge to camp in the snowy tarns, where temperatures dipped to around -8 degrees. The course focused on crucial snow safety skills, including learning how to identify signs of avalanches. A significant part of their training involved mastering self-arrest techniques to ensure they could stop safely if they slipped while descending.
"This immersive experience not only enhanced my confidence and skills in sowy conditions but also deepened my appreciation for the stunning alpine environment of Arthurs Pass."
This month Holly will undertake three 6,000m+ climbs in the Himalayas: Lobuche East 6,145m, Island Peak 6,189m and Mera Peak 6,476m. It's all part of her Everest Wāhine journey that you can read more about here. If you'd like to support Holly's mission please vist her Give-a-Little page here.
