Ball Pass Crossing, Copland

A good many people now are taking Fitzgerald Pass as a route into the Copland. It's a little south of Copland Pass and less risky in terms of rockfall with the approach on the Hooker side. Getting to the gut on the far side of Hooker hut for the traditional ascent to Copland Pass requires considerably more effort. Alpines Guides at Mt.Cook stopped guiding the route in 1997. The last time i took Ball Pass was in march 08 and no tools were required at all as the glacier had receded that much. Although i did it as a daywalk i still encountered a few people including a local guide doing track maintenance near to the pass. Wish i could join you but i can't get time off work in Feb. Good luck