There's a moment on every one of our expeditions where the boardroom simply falls away. No slide decks, no KPIs, no scheduled coffee breaks — just weather, terrain, and a decision that needs to be made right now. This is the heart of our executive leadership development program, and it's why so many senior leaders are trading conference rooms for the Southern Alps.

Why leadership training and development looks different in the mountains

We built this leadership development camp on a simple belief: leadership training classes can only take you so far in a classroom. Real leadership is forged under pressure, and there's no substitute for genuine hardship shared with a small team.

What sets our Executive Leadership Program apart

Our program is guided by people who've led under far higher stakes than most executives will ever face. Our guides bring decades of Special Forces and tactical policing experience, and they know exactly how to read a group, build trust fast, and push people just far enough past their comfort zone to create real growth.

Over seven days in New Zealand's Southern Alps, small cohorts of four to six executives navigate alpine traverses, take turns leading the group, and work through genuine physical and mental challenge together. It's leadership training and development stripped back to its rawest form — no titles, no shortcuts, just the people in front of you and the mountain ahead.

Preparing for Executive travel that actually challenges you

Getting the right gear matters more than most people expect. We always point participants towards our guide on choosing the right trekking pants for the trail, and for footwear, our waterproof hiking boots guide and roundup of the top hiking boots for 2026 are essential reading before you commit to a week in alpine terrain.

Curious what an alpine leadership camp actually involves before you commit? Grab our FREE executive leadership development program guide for a first look at the landscapes and demands of the experience. 

And if you're after a shorter taster before a full expedition, our hiking and camping short courses are a great starting point. Know a leader who needs this kind of challenge? A PAST Outdoors gift card makes a great gift.

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