Wānaka mountain guiding company Aspiring Guides is celebrating new ownership with a series of free backcountry education evenings for members of the public. 

“Hosted by our local guides Tom Wilmot and Dan Phillips, our free winter education evenings are about ensuring the local community have the opportunity to learn and upskill themselves for the winter,” new owner Doug (Beechy) Beech said. 

“The events will cover avalanche awareness, equipment and identifying risks in the backcountry - all about keeping safe in our amazing environment.”

The first session will take place on Friday June 30, Beechy said.

Aspiring Guides has run from its Wānaka base since 1990 and Beechy, who has more than 20 years experience in tourism and guiding, says he plans to bring a “fresh approach” to the business.

“I see an opportunity to reinvigorate the business off the back of a tough few years,” he said. 

Aspiring Guides has extensive access to Department of Conservation land plus exclusive access to private land on both Branches and Rob Rosa stations where they create unique trips and offerings in areas that are not easily accessed.  

“We are bringing back to life our key products to enable safe access to the mountains but also  changing the business to be a more regenerative and sustainable model,” Beechy said.

“I want to make sure that Aspiring Guides is not just taking people into the mountains but that we are doing it in a way that is  sustainable for our environment and community from the start.”

Aspiring Guides’ first free winter education session will take place at BSocial on Friday June 30.

Tickets are limited - email [email protected] to register.

PHOTO: Supplied