Mount Suter
Mount Suter is a mountain in Fiordland, New Zealand.
Description
Mount Suter is part of the Earl Mountains and is situated in the Southland Region of the South Island. It is set within Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World [Heritage Site]. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains into tributaries of the Hollyford River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Hollyford Valley in two kilometres, and above Falls Creek Valley in one kilometre. This mountain's toponym was applied by Bill Gordon's first ascent party to honour mountaineering guide Kurt Suter. Suter learned to climb in Switzerland and began guiding at The Hermitage in 1930.Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Suter is located in a marine west coast climate zone. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains, causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.Climbing
The first ascent of the summit was made in March 1959 by Bill Gordon, Ralph Miller, Noel Dunlop, and Morrie Davis.Climbing routes with the first ascents:
- Original Route – Bill Gordon, Ralph Miller, Noel Dunlop, Morrie Davis –
- South Ridge – Dal Ryan, Colin Lea –
- East Ridge Gully – Jon Taylor, Andy Eccleshall –
- South Face – Ben Dare, Stephen Skelton –