The team, which named the pair on its website today, said it was devastated to lose two well-liked and respected members.
Mr Smith and Mr Chand fell on Monday. Their bodies were removed from the peak in the Darran Mountains yesterday by Southland police Search and Rescue members.
The New Zealand Alpine Team, made up of volunteers who mentor young climbers, said in a statement it was "with great sadness'' it reported the deaths.
It said the men were attempting a route on the south face of Marian Peak.
"While details of the accident are not yet fully known, we believe that while climbing, the leader fell before being able to place gear after the belay. This resulted in a . . . fall, pulling the team off the wall."
Mr Smith and Mr Chand both joined the team in late 2015.
"They were both well liked and respected members of our team. They were experienced and competent mountaineers with many successful ascents in New Zealand and overseas.''
Mr Smith excelled as a rock climber, while Mr Chand had a long list of successful ice and alpine ascents.
"To lose two of our friends and teammates together in this way is devastating for us. Our thoughts are with their family and friends.''
The club's website shows that Mr Smith grew up on the West Coast and got into climbing while studying in Greymouth.
Mr Chand's interests included climbing, running, mountain biking and snowboarding. Originally from Canterbury, he studied at Lincoln University.
Both were part of the team's second intake of mentored climbers, coming in for the 2016-2019 period.
