Ashburton Face

This is a snow and ice climb up a broad snow face followed by one of a number of gullies to the summit of Mt Arrowsmith. From the moraines at the head of the Hakatere River climb to the schrund at the bottom of the Ashburton Face. Climb a short, steep section alongside a steep rock rib to gain the slope above. Climb until a small arête is reached, and from here either go left to snow slopes and gullies that join the South West Ridge, or head up steeper rock directly to the summit. Usually in condition only from late winter to early summer, and subject to rock fall.