Weather forecast has worsened - not improved - so this trip is cancelled.
Weather permitting (ie wind reducing over the coming few days from the current forecast 60km/h winds) I am keen to get out for some backcountry skiing the coming weekend. If the weather forecast worsens the trip may be cancelled.
The plan is an early start Saturday morning, pick up hire gear in Jindabyne (likely Wilderness Sports) on the way through and park at Dead Horse Gap. Up Dead Horse Gap, past the Rams Head Range, into Etheridge Gap, then down to Cootapatamba Hut. In the afternoon come up from Swampy River on the West Rams Head Range and possibly over Rams Head, then down the ridge to Dead Horse Gap. If the weather is poor, we may stay below the tree line on Dead Horse Gap and ski fairly low on the day.
A short drive from there to camp overnight, well below the snow line, at Leatherbarrel Creek Camping area (roughly 1200m above sea level).
Sunday, spend another day on skis, this time to the south east of the Alpine Way. Park at the Cascade trail carpark, and head along Cascade Trail to the junction with the track to Teddy's hut - from here we will head up towards Brindle Bull Hill. If time, weather and our energy permits ski along the tops in the direction of Mt Leo, then return via a similar route to the cars.
To join this trip you should:
- be comfortable skiing blue runs in the resort
- Have some backcountry ski experience on the type of equipment you’ll be using
- A moderate level of fitness - ski touring is very energy intensive
- Have your own gear or have used ANUMC club gear enough that you can hire and adjust it by yourself - since there will be no pretrip for this trip.
Due to ANU requirements at least one trip participant must have a current first aid certificate (my wilderness first aid is expired) - as such priority will be given to participants that meet the above ski levels and hold a current first aid qualification. The club has lots of skis - but note the gearstore hours and open days. If you are unable to make the gear store to hire club skis, there is the option to pick up hire skis on Saturday morning on our way down (I will be picking some up in Jindabyne at Wilderness Sports).
There will be no pre-trip as this trip is for people who have experience with backcountry skiing - full details will be finalised via email later in the week (when the weather forecast will be more dependable).