Roy Smith

Roy Smith is a mountain guide, holding NZMGA, Mountain Leader, IFMGA certifications. Roy Smith offers mountaineering, backcountry touring, rock climbing.

Guide Specifications

What Roy Smith Offers

• Mountaineering
• Backcountry Touring
• Rock Climbing

About Roy Smith

Roy was initially into rowing and rugby, but soon saw the light and became hooked on mountaineering. His first ascent of Mount Cook was a 13 hour Grand Traverse in his second climbing season (now has 23 successful ascents). His second ascent of Mt Tasman was via the Balfour Face, using classic (almost straight) bamboo tools filed at the last minute to make bigger teeth in the tip. This didn't help to grip the ice, but made them look more intimidating! He began training as a guide training when the NZMGA was formed in 1979. However, few guiding opportunities in those days led him spending a decade working in all sorts: from construction, oil exploration, snowmaking, and school teaching - as well as climbing and skiing in NZ, Europe, and North America. Roy returned to full time guiding in the late 80’s and now has guided 22 summer and winter seasons in the Southern Alps and Southern Lakes Regions as well as finding time for some guiding in the Dolomites and the Mt Blanc region of the Alps. He claims to know The Haute Route Ski Tour so well that he could guide it blindfolded. Mountain biking, roller-blading and surfing is what he enjoys in his spare time as well as hanging out on multi-pitch limestone routes in the sunny Mediterranean (or is it the espresso and pastries?), but he still reckons a good day in the NZ mountains takes some beating.