Grand Plateau 18.10.2023 - 23.10.2023
A group of 5 of us helicoptered into the Grand Plateau with the aim of climbing some 3000m peaks! As often is the case, not everything goes to plan. Heavy snow earlier in the week made for a waiting period for avi risk, and slow progress across the Plateau and up the peaks. But with the conditions we still managed to get out! Below is some photographs from the first day with a warm up to the South East ridge of Mt Dixon, joining the ridge then following it back around to the Plateau, linking it with Glacier dome and back to Plateau hut, Requiring no pitching but 2 abseils.
Whilst some of the group attempted Mt Cook, an illness went around the hut, meaning some rest for most of the group. On the final day Mark and myself had enough to attempt Mt Dixon, aiming for a traverse up the standard route (south ridge) and down the South East Ridge. It was slow progress still postholing across the glacier. Once at the foot we crossed the schrund and proceeded up the steep gully. A mix of deep snow lower down and hard ice and mixed rock from around 200m in. Slow progress meant we made a retreat with no summit, but a great attempt none the less.
