Ruari Macfarlane

Raised by climbers, I built a powerful connection with the Southern Alps, from Aoraki to the Darrans, from the word go. A career in ski patrol and avalanche forecasting, then later alpine SAR (5 years), along with a strong passion for snowboard mountaineering and climbing, led inevitably to mountain guiding. I completed most of my qualifications as an ACMG guide in Canada, where I was based for 6 years, but completed my final exam in NZ. Accolades include podiums in top international freeride competions, and Macpac Alpinist of the Year 2020, but my deepest passion is the high and wild places of Aotearoa, and I love sharing them with others, whether on skis, rock shoes, crampons, or good 'ol tramping boots.