A party of seven climbers chose the Two Thumbs Range as an alternative destination when Mt Cook’s weather proved unfavorable during Labour weekend. The group assembled in Geraldine before heading to their objective.
The approach involved traveling up Bush Stream to the Rangitata River, followed by a challenging 250-meter ascent to Crooked Spur Hut. Early morning departure at 5:00am led the team through tussock terrain toward Brabazon Saddle at 1,731 meters.
The climb split into two routes: one pair ascending directly up the face through connected snowfields, while four climbers tackled “a thin white line on the left of the face.” Both groups converged on the shoulder south of the summit.
The six successful climbers reached the Two Thumbs summit at 2,546 meters by 1:15pm. The descent proved more complicated, with the north-northeast ridge presenting navigation challenges before a 45-meter rappel deposited the team at the col. They returned safely to Crooked Spur before nightfall.