Winter in full swing, southern faces of ice and snow present the challenge of the season. Technical skills on rock and ice honed at the Remarkables training ground, I searched out a new venue to test my repertoire. The Arrowsmith Mountains presented relatively easy access to high and challenging peaks near to Christchurch. In particular, the Jagged-Upham Couloir caught my attention and inspired the imagination. Peter Dickson and I walked up the peaceful Cameron Valley only to find that 'JU' was bare of ice or snow. Although Peter was a choss specialist, we decided to leave our load of technical equipment at the Cameron Hut, and grab an ascent of The Couloir instead. A classic route in the Arrowsmiths, the Couloir climbs steeply to the summit of Couloir Peak, visible from well down the valley. Our eyes trace a long gash of ice and snow incised on the rocky peak from the glacier floor.
With light loads, we followed dawn towards the base of the Couloir through variable winter snow reaching the crux steps by mid-morning. After hopping the schrund, two steep pinches provided the excitement for the day. But perfect snow and ice conditions through these steps meant the ropes could stay safely in the packs as we cramponed and hacked our way through the difficulties, swinging the axes with joy.
Above, the couloir offered firm snow that we climbed easily. The angle was consistent and unrelenting, steepening again only in the final ten metres below the summit ridge. Popping my head into the sun was a stark surprise, the warmth of the sun was exuberant, and the sudden onslaught of peaks in all directions was a bit too much all at once. I couldn't believe the lack of wind, the air was still even at 2640m. Unlimited views stretched from the north of Arthurs Pass to a bank of cloud resting in the west, and south towards Mount Cook and friends.
A precarious traverse along the summit ridge placed us with a good lunch spot where we picked out peaks of the past and future. Such an vista in full winter was a true treat for the eyes.
Instead of down climbing the couloir, we traversed the summit, and descended a different couloir to the south, completing a round trip at the base of the Cameron Glacier. Ten hour round trip from Cameron Hut.
Couloir Peak - a worthwhile venture and aesthetic line in the Arrowsmith Range with extraordinary views of the Southern Alps.
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| Cameron Hut, Canterbury's own Castle Black |
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| The first ice step in the couloir. Beautifully firm snow-ice. |
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| Nearing the summit of the couloir |
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| Mt Nicholson, Malcolm Peak (centre), Heim Plateau. Scene of Stage 3, Southern Alps Traverse |
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| Armoury Range, Leibig Range, Mt Cook NP |
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| Peter on the summit |
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| A precarious traverse along the summit ridge. Cameron valley to right |
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| Mt Arrowsmith behind Peter on summit of Couloir Peak |
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| Jagged, Upham |
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| Peter on the descent |
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| Descending another couloir, we struck shallow hard ice and abseiled from an old titanium ice screw |
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| The Couloir at Dusk |
