The NZAT has just finished its first 3 year mentoring cycle.  As our new round of mentored climbers begin, we are announcing the requirements for future climbers to join the NZAT mentoring program (as a mentor).

New Zealand Alpine Team New Mentor Requirements

This list should be used as a rough guide to assess if someone has met the requirements for becoming a mentor of the New Zealand Alpine Team.

Alpine – 10 MC grade 6 (ED) routes or harder. Five of which should be winter ascents.

Rock – Sport climbing: clean redpoints of a grade 25 or harder sport climb. Traditional climbing: onsights of grade 23 or harder on fully traditional protected routes. A minimum of 10 clean ascents of grade 22 traditional protected routes.

Ice – 6 routes WI6 or harder.

Mixed – 10 multipitch mixed routes (traditional protection) M6 or harder.

Big Wall – 3 Yosemite grade 6 big wall routes.

Ski Touring – 10 MC grade 2 ski descents or multi day ski tours i.e more than two nights long ski touring trips on glaciated terrain.

General character – While this category is subjective, the general idea is that for people in positions as Team Mentors they should be at least 30 years old and have a good safety record in the mountains. We are looking for people who show a good understanding of the risks involved in teaching alpine climbing skills, demonstrate a good attitude and commitment to the Team and have made a significant volunteer contribution to both the club (Expedition Climbers Club) and the NZAT.

While the ideal candidate will have reached the required standard in all relevant disciplines above, we are still happy to receive applications from climbers who have reached the required standard in all but one of the above categories. Climbers applying to be a mentor for the NZAT need not have been part of the group previously. When submitting your application you must include a date and partner for all ascents and a reference from an existing Team mentor.

A personal statement as to why you wish to be part of the Team and a brief write up on how you can volunteer for the group should be included in your application. Once the NZAT Captain is satisfied with the quality of the application an applicant will be voted on by the current selection of team members. A minimum of six votes in favour or a 70% majority is required from existing Team Mentors before a new Mentor is admitted to the group.

Applications should be sent to nzalpineteam@gmail.com attn : Steve Fortune (NZAT Captain)