When I got back to New Zealand from Australia we were still amidst a high pressure system. By now we were looking to find North facing slopes and good corn. It was decided that the Muller Hut outside of Mount Cook National Park was the place to go.
Sadly Estee and my relationship didn’t work out so I moved out on Fairlie and started living on the road without a car. That afternoon I waited at the bus station with just enough gear to fit into a 45 liter pack on was off to Mount Cook Village for 4 days at the Muller hut with Pow Wiggles.
From the bus stop we registered with DOC and hiked 2kms to the Sealy Tarn trailhead. From there we started the 3 hour climb up onto the ridge line of the Sealy Range.
The views were stunning as we climbed up the ridge towards the Muller Hut. We watched active glaciers carving out the terrain all around us.
Soon enough we were in the high country and making our way towards our destination. We made it up to the Hut area just as dusk fell. We hastily dug out bivy sites next to the Muller hut and camped under a starry sky.
Day 2 ski touring in the Sealy Range
The next morning we made sure to get up early for the light show, and it didn’t disappoint.
As the alpenglow came over the Southern Alps we were blown away by the view. The mountains surround us were massive and seemed close enough that we could touch them.
We enjoyed the view of Mount Cook wondering if there were people climbing it as we stared from a distance.
After watching the sunrise it was time to head back to the Muller Hut and eat some food before coming up with a ski touring plan.
Our focus was on the North facing slopes of the Sealy Range that was carved out by the Muller Glacier. If we wanted to get to the goods we had to traverse above in firm somewhat sketchy conditions where falling wasn’t an option.
The snow in the shade was a bit firm in the early sun but we carefully made our way towards mellower slopes.
That afternoon we summit the peak just north of Sealy and made a traverse back to the hut tagging the peaks as we went along.
The Sealy range offered great views in all directions. Across the valley was enough backcountry ski touring missions for a lifetime.
On the right side of the photo below you can look up the Tasman Glacier valley where I had visited the previous season.
As we slowly made our way back we took a few runs that were at a slight angle making our way back towards the Muller Hut.
The contrast between the snow and the valley below was beautiful.
Once back at the Muller hut we decided to take a lap off the front side as it seemed to have been warmed up by the sun.
Day 3 touring around the Muller Hut
The next day I climbed to the top of the nearest peak to take in the sunrise.
After tracking out the slopes the past few days Pow decided to go back to the city. I was fortunate to meet up with Damian Banwell and a few like minded Kiwis. The groups attention was focused on the Sealy Coulior.
We did the long traverse out to the line before making it to the base. We switched to crampons and carefully made our way up.
After we made our way up and rode the line we to skin to the top of the Sealy Glacier. From there we took in the views before getting in a long corn run.
Riding lower on the glacier we had to do a long traverse to make it back to the Muller Hut.
That night we had an amazing light show as Mount Cook stood proud in the alpine light.
Day 4 exciting the Muller Hut
The last day up there we decided to hang around and take in the views. so at the end of the day we were off on the road heading to Christchurch.
attempting to ride down to the Muller Glacier but the route wasn’t obvious and a mistake wasn’t an option
There was a blind roller that made us nervous as we just couldn’t tell what was below us.
At the end of the day we rode back down to Mount Cook Village. I needed to get back to Christchurch to meet up with some friends for the Temple Basin Splitfest.
The Muller hut and Sealy Range is an awesome area with loads of potential. The views alone make the area worth it but there are numerous options for backcountry ski touring. It was a great trip and while I wished it had snowed we made the most out of the trip.
Thank you for reading and If you enjoyed reading this and want to see more ski tours within New Zealand check out this link