NEW COUNTRY VISITED

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 56, 4 September 1934, Page 13

NEW COUNTRY VISITED

FOX GLACIER REGION

Tho ski country at the head of the Fox Glacier has boon tried out by a party of visitors from Auckland— Messrs. D. Jackson, K. Macklow, and G. Mitchell, with-Chief Guide Alack, states tho "Christclmrch Times." They spent cloven .days in tho snow country. Mr. E. Morillcan and the Misses J. Moncrieff, G. Macaneny, and E. Ilathswoll, with Guide Cowan, also went in.

Guide Alack's part}' went through to the Pioneer Bivouac and spent two days skiing round the Chancellor Hut district. Later bad weather was experienced, including a gale. The temperature was very cold and things froze at the bivouac.

With good weather tho first ski ascent of the Maul Col (9800 ft) was made. This is said to be a record1 height for skis in New Zealand.

The skis were left on the col and the party made the first winter ascent of Mount Haast (10,294 ft) and enjoyed a magnificent view from tho main divide. Descending to the col, the party had a six-mile ski run down the Fox Glacier to Chancellor Hut. Next day an ascent was made of Le Recovour (9562 ft), on the Fox Range, but the weather changed for the worse and a quick return had to be made to Chancellor. Guide Cowan's party made the first ski ascent of Dv Fresne, and the following day the first ski ascent of Pioneer Pass (9000 ft). They next went on to Governor Col, where they had to descend hurriedly, owing to a chango in the weather. Dv Fresne proved a wonderful viewpoint, and impressed the visitors • with the outlook afforded.

The whole trip proved entrancing to tho visitors. It was agreed that South Westland scenery is outstanding for mountaineering trips and for cither summer or winter excursions. The southern playground and ski fields arc excellent. They may not bo as easily accessible as somo grounds on the East Coast, but once reached they afford all possible delights to the mountaineer.