Condition Report - Whitehorn Ice-field
We went over Whitehorn Pass on 9 March and the middle section of the ice sheet had collapsed. The first section is very thin on the flat part of the ice so you need to kick steps into the thicker ice slope and micro-spikes are a must. The second section has collapsed and is dangerous. We had to tramp over the loose rock around the sides. It was very loose with large boulders and reasonably risky. Approaching the third section, to get onto the ice you need to go up one of the sides. Heading up the left (true-right of valley) rock and boulders were so loose we had to quickly turn back as it was far too dangerous. On the other side was steep scree that we were able to scramble up in our micro-spikes and get onto the ice. (Report provided by Matt Winter with thanks!)
Image Taken: 09/03/2025 by © Matt Winter
Viewed from lower end of ice-field
Arthur's Pass National Park
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