THE HOOKER GLACIER Ski Touring.

Grade 5 Multi-day
Skiing in the Hooker is a big ski-mountaineering undertaking. Skis are more often used for access to winter climbs than for a pure ski trip. The Hooker is steeper than the other glaciers of the region, and there are no aircraft flights to get in and out. Objective hazard is higher, due to the steep sides and narrow glacier. Avalanches and ice falls will often go from one side of the glacier to the other.
As for the actual skiing route up the glacier, it follow the centre of the glacier, much like the climbing route description (see the Aoraki Mount Cook Guide by Alex Palman). A frozen terminal lake will make travel to the glacier much faster. Snow on the moraine will save a moraine bash to the white ice. The Sheila, Empress and Noeline Glaciers can all provide good downhill ski runs depending on conditions.
!!The Gardiner Hut has been removed!! For access details consult the Aoraki Mount Cook Guide. Empress Hut is a Canterbury Mountaineering Club Hut at 2516m (grid ref 776307) with 10 bunks and radio.