The Antarctic Heritage Trust is searching for five young New Zealanders to join the first expedition to cross the Mahu Whenua Traverse.
Photo: 123rf
The traverse is a 50km route through the Harris Mountains, between Treble Cone and Coronet Peak, featuring Turk accommodation - 26,000-litre water tanks converted to huts.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust is organising two official parties, in partnership with the Mountain Turk Club, to ski the traverse over five days as part of its grand opening in August.
This expedition is part of the trust's Inspiring ExplorersTM programme and is its first New Zealand-based expedition for 18- to 30-year-olds.
Trust spokesperson Marcus Waters, who would lead one team, said it was not for the faint-hearted.
"This will be a hard slog - there's 50 kilometres of undulating terrain with some steep climbs. So those we're taking need to be resilient, competent skiers, be good communicators and have a spirit of exploration. They don't need to be perfect, just willing to learn."
It would be a trip to remember, he said.
"To be part of the grand opening is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The views from each Turk offer phenomenal vistas across some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes. It's easy to mistake the window on the wall for a painting - the view outside is so surreal.
"This expedition is a fantastic celebration of the region's pristine backcountry, Kiwi inventiveness, and the spirit of exploration."
Created by the Mountain Turk Club, the traverse was the first to use 'Turks' - each featuring four bunks, flooring, and a cooking bench.
The trust worked on early Turk design with Mountain Turk Club founder Erik Bradshaw as it was developing its field camp in Antarctica at Cape Adare, to support the conservation of the first buildings on the continent. Three Turks were installed at Cape Adare in 2017.
Bradshaw said he was looking forward to the traverse opening.
"I'm looking forward to this being the first of many traverses to encourage young people to engage with New Zealand's backcountry. It's exciting to share what you have learnt from a lifetime in the mountains and wild places and to ensure young people have the strength and mental determination to succeed. We are looking forward to the Mahu Whenua Traverse being a great community asset for New Zealanders."
Applications are open at nzaht.org for applicants between 18 and 30 years with backcountry skiing experience, good health and a high standard of fitness.
Two students from a local high school in the region will also join the expedition.
Applications close on 19 May 2021.