Mountain Journal magazine theme – 2026
The mountains are changing – are we ready?
Change is everywhere. As the snow line slowly but steadily climbs higher up the mountains, climate change is impacting on winter as we know it. Erratic weather, boom and bust snow cycles, the borderline rain that should be falling as snow. Businesses and mountain staff feel the brunt of these more unpredictable days. Winter ice skating and regular snow on the lower peaks is already fading into the distance as we move into an uncertain century of unprecedented warming. In summer we often face the challenges that come with longer and more intense fire seasons.
Since the covid lockdown years, two new generations have found themselves in the mountains, both bringing opportunity and risk. As has often been said “everybody discovered the backcountry since Covid.” While you can still find open slopes, silence and untracked snow, the backcountry is busier than ever before. Social media gives us a one dimensional view of mountains that look gorgeous but which can prove deadly. Bogong, the Main Range, Stanley Bowl and the trails of the Bogong High Plains are often crowded and many of the people who are out there lack the experience to be there safely, and don’t know the culture of good manners and mountain etiquette. The death of three people on high mountains in the past winter and a large number of rescues demonstrates the sometimes devastating flip side of backcountry adventure.
At the same time, new groups are making their way to the resorts. The snow play crowds fill the roads and carparks, and bring new pressures on the resorts. This latest wave of new people to the mountains need to be welcomed and supported as they find their place.
At the same time, a growing number of First Nations groups are re-asserting their rights to manage their Country.
These profound changes bring us to a new point in the human story of the mountains. These are times that are exciting and daunting in equal measure. How do we manage these pressures, while creating space for the new arrivals, demonstrate respect for the old cultures, and leave space for wild nature?
These are the questions we hope to delve into in this edition of mountain journal.
We intend to produce an edition full of information, resources and stories about where to find the skills needed to adventure safely and how to be a good member of the outdoors community.
What are we looking for?
The theme for this edition grew partly from the conversations that happened last winter about over crowding in resorts and the challenges of sharing the backcountry (covered in this article, and taken up at the Australian backcountry festival). We want to explore the broader issues of accepting and navigating change while holding on to the things we love, which include deep snow, wild country, community and inclusion.
We are looking for.
- Profiles, stories, interviews, perspectives on managing the changes.
- Good images of the mountains!
- You might be training people in survival skills or low impact camping, running a business that helps people appreciate the high country, you might be someone who has seen the changes over time and want to reflect on that. You might be finding ways to make your business viable in a warmer world. You might be involved in a group that is doing good work in the mountains – clearing tracks, planting trees, doing citizen science. You might be creating space for new people to find their place in the mountains.
Deadline
January 10.
Please send contributions in a word doc with images saved separately.
If you plan to write stories longer than 1,000 words please get in touch to discuss.
Want more info?
Check this summary of the different sections of the magazine.
https://themountainjournal.com/write-for-mountain-journal/writing-for-mj-magazine/
Can we pay?
Sorry, no. MJ is a 100% volunteer effort, so we have no ability to pay you for your work or images.
If you have questions, please get in touch
Cam Walker
0419 338 047
Mountain Journal 
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