Mt Aspiring New Zealand - Skiing the West face after climbing SW ridge

An epic ski descent in the Aspiring national park, South Island New Zealand. We climbed the SW ridge from French Ridge hut (a 3 star climbing route, grade III+) and left our skis below the ice crux. We climbed the ice in 2 pitches then simul-climbed to the summit. After rapping the ice we skiied the West face which was in great condition, firm chalky pressed powder. A classic line in the NZ alps, great to finally tick it off.

[@timhafner255]

Looks like great conditions on the way up and down, awesome!

[@joecollinson6232]

Yeah it was pretty ideal ! Took a couple of attempts to get it in decent condition for the ski , often either stripped or unstable ... but then always have the option of the NW / ramp if the W face is no good

[@alanbrooke144]

Nice one!

[@joecollinson6232]

Thanks bro!

[@fsrodeo81]

Well done guys...how steep is the descent? How long does it take you to get to that hut from the main road?

[@joecollinson6232]

Cheers ! Below the ice its probably a touch over 45 deg then eases off for the lower part . The walk out depends on how much energy you have left! Doc says 6-7 hours but I think that's pretty generous, can shave a few hours off esp going down hill

[@fsrodeo81]

@@joecollinson6232 thanks a lot, I ve been travelling and skied down in nz and always seen aspiring from far, a beautiful shape and a dream of mine... maybe one day... greetings from Europe

[@joecollinson6232]

@fsrodeo81 definitely achievable!! You should come back and give it a go...just getting the good weather is the hardest thing. Sept/Oct your best bet

[@jasyamaha]

yer