Yes, last winter was a bit ordinary. But to be a skier or rider in Australia is to be an eternal optimist (did you see the story this week that hundreds of the world’s leading climate scientists expect global temperatures to rise to at least 2.5C above preindustrial levels this century?) so we have to remain hopeful.

Its May. Its getting cool. Its only a few weeks til the start of the ’snow season’ (yes, it is just a capitalist construct). But its still very exciting that winter is getting close.

Here is the beginning of a list of backcountry events and human powered adventure in the high country. Fingers crossed for a good winter.

Please send your additions for inclusion in this guide: cam.walker@foe.org.au

Events

AUGUST 24

Kangaroo Hoppet

24th August 2024, Falls Creek Nordic Bowl

Every year, on the fourth Saturday of August, over 1000 cross country skiers of all nationalities, ages and abilities come to Falls Creek for the Kangaroo Hoppet. This unique event, held on Falls Creek’s world class network of groomed trails extending out into the Bogong High Plains of Australia’s Alpine National Park, is a great opportunity for everyone from beginners to Olympians to step into their skis and celebrate cross country skiing in Australia.

AUG 31 – SEPT 1

Splitfest Down Under

In its 12th year and back in it’s usual haunts (Guthega in the Snowy Mountains)

https://www.facebook.com/events/289825324076028/

FRIDAY AUG 30TH — SUNDAY SEPT 1ST 2024

Victorian backcountry festival

3 DAYS OF STOKE AT MOUNT HOTHAM

Now in it’s 7th year, the BC Fest is back at Hotham again, with a great tours program, workshops, speakers program, the outdoor ski in outdoor bar on a mountain top- and lots more.

https://backcountryfestival.com.au/

Backcountry safety and tours

Alpine education series. These happen pre winter: ‘We’re looking forward to another round of pre-season backcountry education nights in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra presented by Arc’teryx, Alpine Access Australia and Mountain Safety Collective.’

https://mountainsafetycollective.org/alpine-education-series-2024

Alpine Access Australia provides a range of course in Avalanche Safety, plus backcountry guiding and snow campaign. Victoria and NSW.

https://www.alpineaccess.com.au/

Mike Edmonson offers a arrange of backcountry tours in the Main Range area of the Snowy Mountains.

https://mikeedmondson.com.au/page.php?Kosciuszko-Winter-Camping-9

Amine Yasmine from SlidePath organises backcountry splitboarding tours.

https://slidepath.com.au/lets-split/

Don’t forget that Mountain Safety Collective has avalanche training centres at Mt Hotham and Thredbo.

https://mountainsafetycollective.org/avalanche-training-centres

MSC also does backcountry condition reports through winter.

https://mountainsafetycollective.org/backcountry-conditions-reports

And here are some ideas on green options to get to the snow.

Charging up for a green trip to the slopes