This article was published in Tararua Tramper October 2025
Ice axes optional - Holdsworth in the snow
MF - Saturday 23 August
Today it’s hard to believe that Powell Hut’s 1938 origin was as a ski lodge. These days snow coverage of Holdsworth is infrequent, patchy and short-lived.
But the weather played ball for our scheduled Holdsworth in the Snow, dumping a load mid-week and staying cold and frosty until Saturday.
The pipes were frozen at Powell so Marie attacked the water tank with her ice axe and scooped enough water to fill a billy. We were quietly supping tea when Campbell Smith staggered down towards us, burdened by 195cm skis and clumpy lime green ski boots expertly attached to his heavy pack. He also sported a triumphant grin and gleefully showed gopro footage of a dream run down Holdsworth.
It was just the inspiration we needed to head off on our own summit quest. Conditions were perfect – no wind, soft dry snow, and sun shining.
Beneath the towering ice sculpture of the Holdsworth trig a young woman celebrated her ascent of the eastern ridge by cooking a mashed potato and sausage dinner.
After the obligatory summit shots for Nina’s socials, some goofing around with ice axes and a few snow angel capers, it was back to Powell for another brew and well-earned chocolate.
We still had the crux of the trip to come. Crampons and microspikes were put to good use on the icy steps below the hut. Back down at Donnelly’s flat we caught up with Campbell Smith again, struggling with his unwieldy load but still glowing with triumph. (S W)
Sarah White (leader), Marie Henderson, Paul McCredie, Graham Morley, Sieny Pollard, Jo Poole, Nina Sawicki, Karen Vaughan, Mike Voets