Snowcraft provides foundational skills for mountaineering, like using an ice axe, crampons, and principles of – and practise with – self-arrest to brace an unwanted slip. Introductions to avalanche rescue and tips and tools for trip planning and risk assessment may also be included. After many a winter of discontent for alpine enthusiasts, 2023 finally saw Aotearoa blessed with some proper snow. This was my time to try something new. Something necessary if I’m to achieve some long-term goals. This was the time… for SNOWCRAFT! Many operators run trips, but I went through the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC). The…