Tramping Fiordlands

you're risking it , you'll be in to avalanche risk and deep snow over the pass by then, theres already another big snow dump coming http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/plan-and-prepare/alerts/fiordland/ http://www.avalanche.net.nz/Forecasts/region.asp?a=4

But it is open... You recon it's not really worth doing in the winter? Is it not possible to wait for a window of good weather?

its almost nothing to do with the weather at all. the fact you make that statement shows you arent experienced enough to go in winter conditions because you're totally oblivious to the risk involved. if there is avalanche danger present at the time you want to go, then its russian roulette. there are dozens of avalanche paths that cross the track. it all comes down to how much snow falls between now and the time you want to do. the longer you wait through winter the bigger the avalanche danger will get, the avalanche danger can get higher when the sun comes out and starts melting the snow, you get situations where you get snow falling on a layer of hard packed snow or ice, then it melts on top and the water then forms a lubricating layer between the layers of snow above ny ice underneath, then it lets go. or the wind gets up or the volume of snow just reaches a threshold where it is too heavy and lets go. there are large stretchese of forest on the milforf that have been destroyed by avalanches. do some mountaineering courses that cover travelling in winter or avalanches, then you will understand what you are getting yourself into.

talk to doc in te anau closer to the time, they will advise what the risks are at the time. talk to them now in fact they will be able to give you an idea of what the avalanche danger could be then if you encounter ice on the pass you will need to know how to use an ice axe and crampons. if there is a lot of snow on the pass, it will be a very slow and arduous exercise to cross it... Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Phone: +64 3 249 7924 Fax: +64 3 249 0257 Email: [Email address removed] Address: Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600

email address in here for the visitor centre http://www.doc.govt.nz/footer-links/contact-us/office-by-name/?mode=details&office=1406

Suggest if you are going at that time that you go in from the Milford Sound end, and return the same way. Then you only need to go as far as conditions are suitable. I have been told that some bridges are removed in winter so they don't sustain damage.

all academic if theres avalanche risk the only hut you dont have to pass an avalanche path to get to is clinton hut http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/southland/milford-track-winter-tramping.pdf

Gosh, Fiordland in winter. I wouldn't have the bollocks to consider that. My old man helped build the Milford road when he was a lad of 18 in 1930. His descriptions of the winters put me off. Mind you, he was living in a tent...