The waiting is over. Winter is finally here!

Now all that’s left to do is get out into the hills.

Here’s a short list of some of the backcountry-related organised snow events that I’m aware of.

Please feel free to let me know what I’ve missed (cam.walker@foe.org.au) or post a comment below. Hoping you have an awesome winter.

Do an avalanche course

That’s what I’m talking about.

Main Range Backcountry are offering 2 day AST level 1 courses in both NSW and VIC from July til late September.

Full details here.

Guide services

Check here for a list of companies that offer guiding services in the Australian backcountry.

 

Kosciusko Alpine Club XC Classic.

This is a race of about 8 km from Perisher Valley. Date for 2017 yet to be set but it’s usually in August

The KAC XC Classic

Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club events – VIC

The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club runs some great events (apart from the Hoppet – see below). These include Ski De Femme and the Birkebeiner Classic (held on July 2 – details here). Full details here.

Hotham to Dinner Plain pub to pub race

The Hotham to Dinner Plain pub to pub race starts at 9am on August 5th.

Details here.

 

Snow, Trek and Travel High Plains Tour.

July 8. ‘A great event to open your cross country ski season. Challenge yourself to either two and a half, five or 10 kilometre distances in either classic or skate.’ Details here.

 

Kiandra to Kosciuszko 10 day tour

August 18 – 27. The NSW Nordic Ski Club is holding a Kiandra to Kosciuszko “Blackdog” Its a fundraising cross country ski challenge, raising funds for the Black Dog Institute. Details here (scroll down to the month).

SplitFest.

August 21-22. The annual gathering of split boarders.

It’s always a great weekend, party in Jindabyne on the Friday night, camp out in the national park, and a guided trip with Adam West on the Saturday. You need to bring your own gear and be self sufficient for camping in the mountains. All details here.

Experience Mittagundi.

August 25 – 27

The legendary mountain school for kids is offering a 5 day program for adults. From Wed 23rd August until Sun 27th August we will be running a Winter program just like the ones that our young people experience – for adults.

http://www.mittagundi.org.au/winter-program-2017-adults/

Kangaroo Hoppet

August 26, Falls Creek

Australia’s International ski marathon, an iconic event that starts and finishes at the Nordic Bowl, near Falls Creek resort. It’s the Australian entry in the international Hoppet series. Details on how to register available here.

The Snowy Mountains Snowshoe Stomp

Scheduled to return in Perisher August 2017. Check here for details.

World telemark day. Sept 2.

A tradition started by Telemark Skier magazine. The Southern hemisphere day happens in early September. All free heel skiers (and friends) are welcome to join events. If there isn’t one in your area, why not plan one?

So far, there are events planned for Mt Hotham and the Snowy Mountains. In the Snowies, the NSW Nordic ski club will be offering Clinics and tele meetups. Details here soon.

Bigfoot Snow Trail

Sept 2. ‘Bigfoot Snowtrail is a unique and spectacular event, offering both a snow marathon and a snow sprint event in Victoria’s beautiful Falls Creek Resort’. Details here.

CLUB and RESORT EVENTS

Cross Country events in the Snowy Mountains starting at Perisher resort. For a list of races and all events, check the Perisher XC website.

The NSW Nordic Ski Club offers trips throughout winter. Full details here.

Inspiration

If you need some inspiration, check this set of posts from the Huck and Dyno website: the gnarliest runs in Australia – NSW and Victoria. (I’m looking forward to the Tasmanian installment).

Hotham side country

If you’re skiing/ riding in the Hotham area, there’s always this guide to sidecountry terrain around the resort.

And if you’re looking for some new ski or snowboarding buddies for some backcountry trips, the Backcountry Forum is a great place to start.

[Some pics from the winter of 2010]