Lydia Bradey, of Hawea, is no stranger to conquering vertical obstacles. In 1988, she was the first woman and only New Zealander to climb Mt Everest without supplementary oxygen.
So, when she says women find an environment of climbing with just women less threatening, who would question her?
"They perform better and motivate each other. Look at the statistics of all-girl schools and passing rates."
After the announcement of the inaugural Remarkables Ice and Mixed Festival coming this August, several women have already lodged their interest for the "Chicks 'n' Picks" sessions to be taken by Ms Bradey and fellow adventurer Jane Morris.
The pair will give female-specific instructions when they take women on multi-pitch climbs beginning on August 16.
"It'll be fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to motivate them, as some sort of role model."
Ms Bradey said she would take the clients through several important aspects of climbing such as safety, technique and goals each woman wants to achieve.
"Sometimes you get a whole lot of competent women. Other times, they need a bit more help."
In 2008, she successfully guided on Everest, reaching the summit for the second time, and she describes mountaineering as her profession as well as her passion.
Her attraction to the sport comes from her love of nature, the simplicity and meaningfulness of life in the outdoors, and sharing experiences with other people.
The festival will bring top athletes from around the world both to share their knowledge as well as pushing themselves to the limit.
More than 45 climbers have registered for the festival and attendance is expected to reach 100 in its first year.
Attendance is likely to be capped at 100 participants for the first festival.
Climbers will be given a guide to the Remarkables, which has more than 30 unclimbed routes, and information on more than 150 summer and winter climb options.
About 60 climbers will tackle the west faces of the Telecom Tower, Double Cone and the South Face of Single Cone, and up to 12 are scheduled to climb Lake Alta, Border Crag and Grand Couloir.
