Ball Pass, Mt Cook NP

A magnificent two day traverse of the Mt Cook Range with the CUTC.

Drove up late on Friday and stayed in the CMC hut.

Next day Vaughn ferried us via 4WD as far as possible up the Ball road to the Ball Shelter in the Tasman Valley
From there we climbed the ridge, which was mostly rock lower down.

There were a few interesting bits, with a little exposure, but all could have been bypassed if we chose so.


Above the rocky ridge, the terrain mellowed out unti Caroline Hut. From there, the ridge steepend a bit over Furggens knob and didn't broaden out much until right below Ball pass (2120m)


We all snow camped just beneath the pass, and had amazing views of Mt Cook's Caroline Face at Dawn.

Sunday saw us pop up over the Pass to view the Hooker Valley, and the dominant bulk of Mt Sefton. The route then sidles (dropping perhaps 100-200m only) the south side of the valley to reach the higher of two subtly flat sections on the ridge that flanks the south side of the valley. From there you can look directly down onto the playing fields and the rest of the route.

There were two steepish sections on the descent, but even our newbies managed to get down in one peice. In retrospect, it may have been just a little safer to get the rope out and lower the less experienced members down a 60m pitch or two.

Finally behind the playing fields we descended a deep gully with perfect plunge stepping snow. Once reaching the Hooker moraine terrace, we plodded a couple of hours back to Mt Cook village, tired but satisfied with an amazing weekend with perfect weather.