As part of the 4th Victorian Backcountry Festival, we once again have a speakers program. As with other festivals, the program covers a range of mountain-related topics and great line up of presenters.

The program is being hosted by The General and Jack Frost, in Hotham village. It is being held over two days, the saturday and sunday.

The festival will run over three days: September 3, 4 and 5, 2021.

Saturday September 4

12pm to 2pm

Patagonia presents a Safety Clinic with Bill Barker – Hotham Ski Patrol Director

Where: Jack Frost

2:30pm to 5pm

Fitness and Psychology for the Backcountry

  • Kelly Van Den Berg – Girls Who Split
  • Drew Jolowicz – Hotham Ambassador
  • Nicole Paton – Mountain Athlete
  • Dr Henry Wajswelner – Hotham Physio

Where: The General

8:30pm to 10:30pm

Protecting Our Backcountry Environment

  • Regenerate Earth – 3 x Short Films & QA with filmmakers
  • Interactive QandA Panel hosted by Josh Fletcher from Protect Our Winters Australia. Joining Josh on stage will be:
    • Scott Brandon – Bright Brewery
    • Bev Lawrence – Hotham Environmental Officer
    • Tom Wainwright – Climateworks
    • James McCromack – Wild Magazine

Sunday September 5

12pm to 2pm

Kakapo Crest – climbing in Aotearoa/ New Zealand

Arcteryx presents Olivia Page Film Screening and QA. Kakapo Crest is her first film, about an all-female climbing first ascent (and overall ascent) of the Tusk in New Zealand.

Where: Jack Frost, with light food provided

2:30pm to 5pm

Staying Safe and Alive in the Backcountry

Featuring:

  • Stephen Curtain – BC Safety Film featuring interviews with Australian Ski Patrollers
  • Jeanette McGill – Recap of a Mt Kilimanjaro Rescue
  • Police Search and Rescue

Where: The General

8:30pm to 10:30pm

Backcountry Travel Inspiration and Beautiful Mountains

Featuring:

  • Hamid Shafaghi – IFMGA Mountain and Ski Guide: Showcasing BC skiing in Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
  • Tim Macartney-Snape: Showcasing local Australian BC areas where his mountaineer adventures started

Where: The General

Bookings

At this point you do not need to book for these sessions but there will be venue limits. We will, of course, be tracking covid requirements closely and will advise if we need to shift to a booking system.

Drinks and food are available for purchase at  both venues.

Stay tuned for extra details. Keep an eye on the website.