A number of gullies on both sides of the South West
Ridge have been climbed when filled with snow and
ice. The first major scree fan in the East Hooker is one
of these, known as the Winter Western Gully. The gullies just past the second swing bridge have also
been climbed, one by Joe Friend and Colin Monteath
in 1972, known as the Gully of a Thin Man.
The gully that begins at the large scree
downstream of the second swingbridge, on the
south side of the South West Ridge, is called Bad
Obsession, and the right-hand variant (looking
up) to this gully is called Psych Ward. These latter
gullies are also used as (bold!) ski lines. They
encounter steep terrain at about 1700m, which
could be unclimbed, as it’s possible to abort by
traversing either right or left. Details about these
routes are scarce; it is hoped that more information
will eventually be available on climbnz.org.nz.