ALPINE CLMB

Grey River Argus, 5 January 1940, Page 10

ALPINE CLMB

1n : southern alps/ ’■' ‘ CHRISTCHURCH, January 4. Impressive views of the Southern Alps were seen by a party spending the holidays in the summar alpine camp in the Mount Cook region. The camp is under the control and supervision of some of the Dominion’s most capable amateur alpine climbers, ana is conducted under the auspices of the Group Travel Association. Six members of a party climbed the Ball Pass and Mount Rosa from the Ball Hut on December- 26. On the way up they experienced snow squalls, but on the top the weather cleared, with the result that perfect views were obtained, particularly of Mount Cook. The following day nine climbers ascended the Hochstetter Dome from the Malte Brun Hut, weather conditions being perfect, and providing the party with a clear view of the West Coast valleys and bush, the Tasman Sea, and all surrounding peaks. Some of the party with considerable experience in Europe were most enthusiastic in their praise of the New Zealand mountains. The Minarets were climbed in 135hours next day in soft snow by three members by way of the Malte Brun Hut, another party from the hut accompanyiny them. The views from the summit were again very fine, although most of Westland was hidden beneath clouds. Almost on the summit two climbers from the Fran?. Josef glacier side of the range were met.

MALCOLM PEAK CLIMBED. A party, comprising of members of the Rangiora Mountaineering ana Tramping Club and the Canterbury Mountaineering Club, spent eight uaj-j of the holidays in the Rakaia headwaters. Only three days were hne, rain falling on five days, and snow conditions were bad. 1 A. C. Lees, of the Canterbury Cub, and A. G. Banfield and B. R. Banfield, of the Rangiora Club, made a traverse of Malcolm Peak (8200 ft climbing by the Lyall face. The last'looo feet took eight hours to climb. The party traversed into the Heim plateau and down the Heim icefalk C. Turner and S. A. Bodger, of tne Canterbury Club, and party made an ascent of Mount. Blair, and a virgin peak on the divide. f The Canterbury Club's Lyall Hutovas used as a base, and opportunity was taken to climb the Lyall and Heim icefalls.