On Saturday 13 August, a climber experienced equipment difficulties while climbing Rome Ridge on Mt Rolleston. The front baskets of both crampons had failed, and one crampon was lost. The climber was able to call for assistance, and was advised to wait for a rescue rather than risk down climbing with only one broken crampon.
Alpine Rescue Canterbury was tasked by the Police to assist with the rescue, and travelled to the scene in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter operated by GCH Aviation. On arrival the two climbers were spotted sheltering on Low Peak, and it was agreed that a hover load was the best option. The machine unloaded gear and 2x personnel in Arthur’s Pass before returning to the mountain. A rescuer exited the machine while in a hover (with crampons on) and spoke to the two climbers. The machine returned and landed with one skid on the snow, and the the two climbers and the rescuer climbed aboard and returned to Arthur’s Pass Village.
Alpine Rescue Canterbury 