Backcountry Ski Tours In Australia

I am preparing information on backcountry ski tours through five regions of Kosciuszko National Park. The second draft of "PART A: THE JAGUNGAL WILDERNESS: THE KERRIES AND BRASSY MOUNTAINS OF KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK" has been released for comments. Click on the subpage in the menu to access a free version of the book, GPX files and list of waypoints.

If you wish to use part of the contents of this book or to provide comments, you can get in touch with me at: mailto:feral.kaza@gmail.com I will acknowledge all contributors to the revised version.

JUNE 10 2020 UPDATE: The bridge from Guthega Power Station leading to the start of Disappointment Spur fire trail has been damaged and removed. The creek crossing can be dangerous in flood conditions.

Where to get ski/snowshoe gear:

It’s best to call ahead and reserve your gear to avoid disappointment.

· Wilderness Sports in Jindabyne https://www.wildernesssports.com.au/pages/cross-country-ski-touring-hire

Winter hours June - October Long weekends, Sat - Thurs: 8am - 6pm, Friday: 8am - 10pm

Phone: +61 2 6456 2966

Location: entering Jindabyne from Cooma/ Canberra /Sydney turn left after the Snowy Mountain Region Visitor Centre building into the Nuggets Crossing car park, they are situated opposite the car park from Woolworths and Alpine Sports.

· Rhythm Snowsports in Cooma https://www.rhythmsnowsports.com.au/pages/hire

From the June Long Weekend until the first weekend in October, Rhythm Snowsports is open from 6am - 7pm daily (Closing at Midnight on Thursday/Friday nights)

Phone: 02 6452 2303

Email: CustomerService@RhythmSnowSports.com.au

Location: 8 SHARP ST, COOMA, NSW, 2630

They are the second BP Service Station on the left hand side, when coming into Cooma from Canberra

What to get:

Cross country skis:

· BC 70mm or BC 90mm width Cross Country skis, or

· NNNBC ski boots

· adjustable ski poles.

Note: some people are more comfortable in wider BC 110mm cross country skis and plastic 75mm touring boots if they have balance problems or are used to/ seek downhill skiing.

Snowshoes:

· MSR or Crescent Moon brands are preferred, as they provide for a more natural walking style than the YOWIE brand

· Comfortable walking boots

· Adjustable ski poles.

What clothing and other gear should be brought on a day tour on the snow:

Recommended clothing

Skiing / Snowshoeing is hot work! Wear a multi layer system for easy temperature adjustment. Heavily padded snowsuits are not suitable as they have inadequate temperature control and will become too hot. Cotton is also unsuitable as it does not retain warmth when wet.

You may choose to wear specialised cross country ski clothes or use the suggestions below:

• Thermals, top and bottom (base layer)

• Thin wool jumper or polar fleece (middle layer)

• Windproof outer layer eg tracksuit pants (outer layer)

• Warm wool socks and hiking boots if snowshoeing

• 2 pairs of warm gloves

• Polar fleece neck tube

• Warm hat or beanie

• Sun hat

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING AND GEAR YOU SHOULD CARRY

WET WEATHER GEAR

• Waterproof jacket

• Waterproof over pants

• Waterproof over mitts

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Sun glasses

• Sunscreen for face and lips

• Personal first aid kit including specialised bandaids for blisters

• Emergency blanket or other shelter

• Backpack

FOOD

• Water bottle or “Camel Back” (full) approx 1 litre or more

• Adequate food for tour including high energy snacks of choice eg; muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, etc.

OTHER USEFUL EQUIPMENT

• Waterproof gaiters

• Small closed cell foam mat to sit on the snow

• Whistle

• Waterproof matches or lighter

• Map and compass

• Pocket knife or Leatherman

• Small torch

• Toilet paper

• Change of clothes / shoes for the trip home