Australia: Snow Climbing at Mt Kosciuszko
Introduction
In preparation for our climb of Mera Peak (6,476m/21,247ft) in the Himalayas, we decided to undertake a snow climbing course in the Kosciuszko National Park. Mt Kosciuszko is the highest point in Australia at 2,228m/7,310ft and our day course was on nearby slopes.
Trevor and our guide from K7 Adventures, with a great view looking towards the east coast
Mt Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko is the traditional ‘Seventh / 7th Summit’ based on the Bass list. There is also the Messner list which includes a more technical 7th summit - which is Puncak Jaya/Carstenz Pyramid in West Papua.
Snow shoeing out to the back country
Objective
Our objective this day was to head up and out the back of the Thredbo ski fields, snow shoes in hand, well beyond the maddening ski crowds. We were met by blue skies, no wind, lots of snow and ice and the odd bunny rabbit for company. At times, I’m sure the rabbits must have thought someone is in the wrong place – and I know it wasn’t only the rabbits thinking that!
Sorting out the ropes to get ready for our climb
Skills Test
This was a test of our climbing and self arrest skills, with ice axe, crampons, ropes and harness – together with our clothing choices. Note to oneself, wear warmer socks next time.
All ready to go!
I must say, our guide for the day had a lot of patience! Being our first time, it took awhile to master all the knots. Once harnessed up though, it was up and atom. First, ascending with an ice axe, front pointing with crampons. Then abseiling down with gravity taking hold on the way down.
Starting the abseil back down
Self arresting was interesting and while easy on the gently angled snow slope, would be more challenging if you had ice to contend with. With the snow melting in the afternoon sun and with dusk approaching, it was time to snow shoe back home with all of our gear in tow.
Abseiling down – view from the top
All up, it was a very useful day out practicing our snow climbing skills in a wonderful winter playground in the Australian Alps.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Almost finished the abseil down
Insights
Stay warm, adhering to the clothing layer system and take plenty of water.
The winter season used to extend from mid-May until mid-October. However rising sea temperatures have meant shorter winters with a diminished snow pack.
If you are planning to climb Mt Kosciuszko between June and September, expect cold weather and from time to time blizzards that may last for several days. These blizzards arise from strong winds from the Southern Ocean, hence the snow in Australia having a high moisture content.
There is a National Park entry fee – purchase at the NPWS Jindabyne Visitor’s Centre or the Vehicle Entry Stations on the Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road.
If driving up from Jindabyne to Thredbo, make sure you leave early and allow extra time. It’s not uncommon for early traffic jams to build especially during the winter ski season and the car parking gets full pretty quickly.
Always check the snow and road conditions. It’s not uncommon for roads to be closed during the winter season.
Carry snow chains in winter (check the road signs).
Check the local weather and mountain forecasts before you go – Bureau of Meteorology Weather Alpine Forecast for Thredbo and the Mountain forecast for Mount Kosciuszko
