Why did the snowshoer cross the road? - To buy alpine touring skis.
The plan is to camp near Island Bend and spend the weekend in the snow. This weekend is going to be a very flexible affair so those who sign up are going to need to roll with the punches. The Island Bend camp site (and everything else) is booked out so we’re going to need to wild camp in the vicinity. Island Bend is very close to Mt Perigher ski resort and will most likely have a fair bit of snow on the ground. Be prepared to snow camp (well talk details on this at the pre-trip). The number of people who we’ll take is going to depend on people’s level of experience and availability of cars (which need to be 4wd or have snow chains). You’ll likely need to join the waitlist and we’ll admit additional people as we get more experienced skiers/cars. Snow chains can be hired at the service station next to Rhythm in Cooma, costs will need to be shared by those who are getting a lift to the snow.
When you sign up, you need to leave a comment:
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Level of skiing experience (touring or downhill): Advanced (black runs), intermediate (blue runs), beginner (green runs) or potato (have never skied).
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Whether you’re happy to assist in skiing lessons for the new folk (advanced/intermediate skiers)
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Have you snow camped before? yes/no
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Number of car seats you can offer (noting you’ll need to have snow chains if you don’t have a 4wd)
IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE THESE COMMENTS, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN THE TRIP.
The plan:
Thursday, 25 Aug, 5:30pm: Pre-trip outside the gear store - Mandatory.
Friday, 26 Aug, 5-6pm: cars assemble outside the gym, load up and leave.
Saturday/Sunday: drive to Perisher resort main car park, ski tour up into beginner-friendly valleys (Smiggin's Hole or Pretty Valley).
Sunday Afternoon: Drive back to Canberra.
The Skiing:
This trip is designed to give beginners a chance to learn some alpine touring skiing technique, for folk to gain snow camping experience and for more advanced skiers to go play. We're going to be hanging out in Perisher resort as there are beginner-friendly areas with groomed snow there. Those who wish may purchase a lift pass (about $200/day) from perisher resort which will let you ride the ski lifts. For the rest of us, we’re going to be practising those touring skills and ‘skinning’ up the hills - no lift ticket required for that. We’re going to keep a couple of people who can ski reasonably well with the beginners and those who want more adventure can split away from the group. We’re going to set up a roster with those folks happy to help out so we all get a chance to shred. Meet back at the cars at the end of the day to head back to camp/home.
Gear:
Skies/poles/helmet/ski boots/goggles or sunglasses
Tent - four season minimum. Ideally try to double up for extra warmth.
Sleeping bag rated to -5 degrees comfort or -12 degrees survival.
Sleeping mat - consider stacking an inflatable mat on a foam mat, especially if you’re a cool sleeper.
A suitable bag to store camping gear
Head torch
Eating/cooking gear
Warm cloths, thermals, thick gloves and warm hat
Rain coat/ski jacket
Solid shoes
Meals + snacks (There is no supermarket in the area where we will be camping. We will not stop to go buy supplies on the day of departure). You’re going to need way more food living in the snow than you regularly would and you’ll be miserable if you don’t have enough food. You can buy food at Smiggin’s Hole and Perisher front valley but it’s very expensive.
Water - 3 litres/person - we can re-fill from the river but you’ll need to boil/filter it.
Lastly, snowboarders are people too I guess. If you’re a snowboarder, you’re welcome to come along so long as you have a lift pass/split board (and you shower regularly).
As described