What better way to spend a long weekend than with some skiing on the Main Range, given this years snow season was much better than the last few! Longer days mean we can finish later, and higher daytime temperatures will warm up otherwise icy patches and make for nicer skiing. There is also a risk of slush later in the day, however the higher elevations may be less affected if the daytime temperatures are not too high.
The plan will be to depart Canberra early on Saturday morning, park in the overnight carpark at Thredbo and take the Kosciusko express chairlift ($50 backcountry pass) up onto the Main Range. Camp location will be somewhat dictated by weather conditions but may be in the vicinity of North Rams Head (if mild winds and good conditions) or possibly over in Wilkinson's Valley (if the weather is slightly less favourable) - likely to be confirmed on the day. The plan will be to use this camp as a base for both nights, with options to ski out to Cootapatamba Hut, Mt Kosciusko or Mt Clarke on the second day, then back to the cars at Thredbo on the Monday afternoon following some further potential skiing in the morning.
To join this trip you’ll need to:
- Be an advanced downhill skier - ie ski black runs with confidence and get down pretty much any ungroomed terrain
- Have skied in the Australian backcountry a few times so you know what the conditions can be like and how to control your backcountry skis.
- Have snow camped before, or at least have extensive experience camping with a full pack.
- Ideally, know what it’s like to ski with a heavy pack.
The trip going ahead on this particular long weekend will depend on the conditions and the weather forecast being favourable. If it’s not looking good the trip may be cancelled possibly as late as the day prior.
While beacon and probe are not essential, there has been a few avalanches this season (including one inbounds at Perisher that caught a skier) so it is worth carrying. If you have your own beacon and probe that would be a bonus.
If I haven't been on a trip with you please feel free to sign up but note I will be selective with participants (as this is not a suitable first time skier trip) and it would be beneficial for you to email me with a few details about your background and experience with backcountry skiing, snow camping and camping.
There will be a pre-trip at the gear store next Wednesday evening, so if interested please ensure you sign up by Tuesday at the latest.