13.3 MT MISERY (1765m) tends to be a bit of a fortress. Many approaches tend to be thickly vegetated, loose and steep, or all of the above. Possibly the most rewarding route leaves the head of Misery Swamp following up a clear slope on the true right of Misery Stream (an easier route leaves Pylon Gully climbing the northwest spur). Once above the treeline sidle across onto the Northeast Spur picking the easiest route to the summit. A traverse to MT BRUCE (1630m) takes about 3 hours in summer. In winter care is required on the wide slope approaches to several hills, as they tend to be avalanche prone. (Grade. 1)

CRAIGIEBURN RANGE PEAKS

The Craigieburn Range is located south of Arthur’s Pass National Park and runs generally east of, and parallel to, Highway 73 from Lake Lyndon to Cass. Most of the peaks and high points of the Craigieburn Range are readily accessible from the various ski-fields (Porter Heights, Cheeseman, Broken River, and Craigieburn), from tracks in the Craigieburn Forest Park, or from streams and rivers on its eastern flank.

Climbers should be aware that the Range south of MT COCKAYNE (1874m) is accessed through freehold or leasehold pastoral land, and prior permission must be sought from the appropriate high country station. Note that "Queen’s Chain" does not exist along riverbanks, however to follow flowing water is generally acceptable as long as you do not interfere with stock or fences, and do not light fires.

There are no permanent snow areas in the Craigieburn Ranges though some “ice” patches can persist well into summer, particularly in the steep-sided southern valley systems. In summer most of the hills are relatively easy ascents on screes or eroded ridgelines. In winter the character of this area changes dramatically. Most valleys and slopes can be avalanche prone. Cornices form on most exposed ridgelines, and ice can dominate many of the summits - a good knowledge of travel on varying snow conditions is essential.

13.4 BALDY HILL (1834m) is easily climbed in summer via the gentle screes out of Ribbonwood Stream to gain the steep Northeast Ridge. Some 400 metres before the summit turn northwest sidling screes to gain the easier ridge ascent to the summit. The views from Baldy Hill onto the lakes below are spectacular. In winter ALL the scree slopes can be avalanche prone. It is a relatively easy traverse around to MT MANSON (1859m). (Grade. 1+)

13.5 BALDY HILL (1834m) may also be climbed in summer from the Cass River. Identify and follow a sheep trail that ascends a side-creek opposite the 846m spot height. This leads onto steep grassy slopes then scree (all avalanche prone in winter) to gain a spur which joins the Northeast Ridge to the summit. (Grade. 1+)