Lake Alta Track

This walk climbs steadily to a picturesque glacial lake. There are information boards explaining the environment on the last part of the walk. The track begins on the road behind the Remarkables ski field buildings and follows a ski field road to the top of the Alta Chairlift. From there, cairns and flagstones mark the way through alpine wetlands, up to the glacial cirque. Keep to the track to avoid damaging the rare alpine plants. The track is high up (starts at 1600m, ends at 1800m) – this means it is cold all year and there can be snow at any time. Check the forecast before you go and pack warm, waterproof clothes.

Lake Alta route in winter (May to November)

There is deep snow in this area in winter and spring (generally May to November). The track is covered by snow and you cannot easily see it or walk on it. We strongly recommend snowshoes and poles. It will be very hard to make your way through the snow to Lake Alta without these. The Lake Alta route passes through a working ski field. If you want to try this trip in winter, you need to contact NZSki to ask about what route to take (www.NZSki.co.nz or call 0800 697 547). There is no formed track in winter (as it is covered in snow), so you need to know where you are going and be confident navigating yourself in snow. The ski field web cam will show you the snow conditions that you’d need to walk through. Be aware that there is avalanche risk in the Lake Alta area. Not sure this trip is for you? These walks are all good winter options without snow and with great scenery: Lake Hayes Walkway , Bannockburn Sluicings ,Mt Crichton Loop Track .