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mt aspiring 2-Feb-2005 At 1:26:52 PM ecowain

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From what I remember, DOC do (or a few years ago, did) warn that the Cascade saddle route was a serious proposition in poor weather, and recommended ice axes be carried. Not entirely sure what they now say, but I imagine that they must still give some indication of the kind.

From Moirs Guide North about the Cascade saddle route. "The crossing itself is one of the more difficult marked routes in the area and parties should consider their experience and ability before attempting it. ... The crossing should be avoided in wet or windy conditions and especially when any fresh snow is on the route. ... This is not an all weather route." Geoff Spearpoint describes some pretty full on trans-alpine crossings, so I feel that this gives a fair indication of the route. Not sure how the current edition of Lonely Planet describes the route.

Also from memory, the crossing is nowhere near as hard as the Fraser Col or the Rabbit pass / Waterfall face route. Now that is a classic route, but definitely contains some dodgy rock and vegetation. Hopefully DOC do not recommend that to normal tramping parties...

DOC is facing a problem where many walkers coming to NZ are not fully prepared for the seriousness of NZ conditions and terrain, and after completing Great Walks in the nearby area are seeking to try harder things. There can be a pretty big step up in difficulty between Great Walks and non-Great Walks, as well as between easy, medium, and hard walks. Still, for me personally, if I see a recommendation to carry an ice axe on a walk, I take the route with a good deal of respect and am prepared to turn back.

Bit of a random post, sorry about that...
owain

PS Tony, how's the trip going? Any better weather than Duncan and I had over NY?