Mt Annette

Leads to the edge of the upper Annette Plateau. Not as steep as Sebastopol Ridge at the top, but requires careful route-finding low down to avoid thick scrub. Descend via the Mueller Hut track, be prepared for a very long day. Shave up to 6 hours off the trip by going up on the true right of Hoophorn Stream from the end of the 4WD track, up until about 980m altitude. Then start walking up the scree slope between the two contributaries on the true left, between which the word "Hoophorn Stream" is printed in blue on the topomap, aiming to meet the ridge between letters "p" and "h" of the word "Hoophorn Spur" printed in black on the topomap, west of Pt 1490. Beware, this slope is prone to avalanches in winter. Once on the ridge, follow the ridge to approximately 2060m altitude, and then follow the shelf that leads straight to Mount Annette on the right.

This climb makes an enjoyable long day trip in summer when combined with a descent via Mueller Hut and Sealy Tarns.
Take the track to the Red Tarns, climb on an ascending sidle to the ridge south of the Sebastopol summit, and then follow the ridge crest south. There are three options at the top:

• Climb diagonally left across the snow slope above Sawyer Stream to gain the edge of the Annette Plateau about 300m south of Mt Annette. Make sure you assess avalanche conditions first (II, 2).
• Climb the final 150m high rock step at the top of the ridge directly (crux grade 8, II, 2+). * Climb the steep slope of snow (rock in late summer) on the right to reach the Annette Plateau north of Mt Annette (II, 2+).
  The latter two options ‘are easier than they look from a distance, but offer a good opportunity to practice belaying in a spot where a rope is a genuine comfort' (Bruce Jenkinson).

From Mueller Hut traverse keeping about 200m below Ollivier and Kitchener and then climb gradually up onto the Annette Plateau. There are two bumps on the eastern edge of the plateau, 500m apart. Mt Annette is the southern one.