Mountain Journal

·         Festival registration/ orientation

·         Catch up with friends

·         Grab a coffee from The General

·         Acknowledge Country/ Welcome to the festival

·         Safety/ conditions briefing from Bill Barker, head of Hotham ski patrol

NB: please note that there are a couple of tours that start earlier and in a different location.

Date – September 7th

Location – Razorback Ridge (near Mt Hotham Alpine Resort)

Meeting Point – Diamantina Parking Space / Hut (Great Alpine Road) @ 8am.  This allows 30mins for any gear checks & set up, and the 8.30 safety briefing / trip planning.  Please Note – car parking can be limited there, and travel times up from Harrietville can be quite variable (based on traffic and road conditions), so please allow ample time to arrive, prepare, and be ready for the 8.30am start.

Trip Plan – always subject to snow & weather conditions, but our aim is to explore some of the great terrain off the Razorback Ridge – thus, this will be confirmed on the day.  Our expected touring departure & return times are 9am & 3pm.

Gear Needed – Food/Water for the day.  Splitboard Equipment & Avalanche Safety Gear (beacon, probe, shovel) are required by ALL participants, as well as an understanding of how to use them.  If assistance is needed acquiring (buying or renting) this gear, please contact Amine Yasmine (amine@slidepath.com.au +61474561512)

Splitboarding Experience – Lets Split aims to be inclusive for all ability levels.  We are community based initiative, aiming to get more people safely involved (and passionate about) Splitboarding.  That being said, familiarity with the touring process & the splitboarding gear is needed to ensure everyones safety.   We expect that your snowboarding ability to be at a High Intermediate and above, and that your current fitness levels allow for a full day of on snow activity.  Please contact Amine Yasmine (amine@slidepath.com.au +61474561512) if you have concerns about yourself meeting any of these requirements, and we can working toward preparing you correctly.

Spend a full day with an introductory course to backcountry as part of a group tour for up to six people.

Cost $249

https://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/signature-programs/backcountry-tours/introduction-to-backcountry

This workshop is aimed at intermediate skiers who can demonstrate wedge and parallel turns. The Beginners Telemarking Lesson will step through the basic techniques which skiers will be able to practise the more they ski. For many learning to Telemark at least takes the dedication of a couple of seasons with many lessons, so patience and persistence is key but also keeping it simple. Participants must use plastic boots and metal edged skis i.e Tele or Alpine Touring gear.

Free event

ecogeckopeace@gmail.com

LEVEL – have skied, but never tried XC

FOCUS – fundamental techniques to get out and enjoy touring the trails

WHERE – meet at Hoys Jack Frost

50% off for festival participants

BOOK – traversehotham.com.au (limit 10pax)

ABILITY- Intermediate skier on resort

FITNESS LEVEL- Medium

EQUIP- Touring Ski/bindings and skins, touring backpack (water, food)

FOCUS-Meet up with some likeminded ladies, see some of Hotham’s amazing scenario, practice kick-turns and have some fun

LOCATION-To be determined on the day (weather dependent)

narellewatters@gmail.com

Free event

Open to gals and guys of all ages

Minimum snowboarding skills – Intermediate

Fitness level – Medium

Meeting Point – Top of Blue Ribbon Lift 10.00am

Bring – All your touring gear and water.

A 3 hour morning session before the speakers presentations at the General, aimed at riders new to split boarding or riders wanting to brush up on skills for the festival. We’ll give you our tips for touring and help with gear. You will have the opportunity to set up and test gear and practice some basic skills to keep you safe and get you started. We will descend down a blue run in resort and then tour up on skins for some practice.

This session will cover;

·         Planning a trip

·         Touring with a buddy

·         Transitioning

·         Use and care of skins

·         Ascending and descending in split position, kick turns

·         Safety gear

Packing a backpack for the backcountry.

Please email royalrussia08@hotmail.com for more info and to book your place

Free event

40 mins (or longer depending on the group)

If you haven’t done an avalanche training course yet, this session will provide a good introduction to the use of a safety beacon and the basics of companion rescue. The secret to an effective recovery operation is to be proficient with the use of a beacon to find a buried companion, and practise makes perfect!

rolf.schonfeld@gmail.com

Free event

This will leave from the village. The aim is to provide some basic skinning/ navigation skills in the field, then a simple tour up the side of the summit run (green run) to the summit area and beyond.

ABILITY

Beginner (Able to use touring equipment over short XC trail).

LOCATION

Starting and finishing at Wire plain with short tour along Big spur.

EQUIP

– touring gear (snowshoes, skis or split board with patterned bases or corresponding skins are needed)

– watch with second hand or counter.

– smart phone (not totally necessary but will be useful)

– optional: own sharpie, compass and topographic map if you wish.

WE WILL PROVIDE

Compasses, maps, sharpies

WHAT WE WILL DO

This session will focus on introductory navigation techniques with map and compass with some specific techniques for backcountry, off track navigation. Additionally some discussion will cover gps and smart phone applications. We will take a short tour along Big spur where we will cover basics of reading a topographic map, judging distance and using a compass. This clinic aims to allow participants to take the first steps to finer navigation and provide pathways to improve ones technical skills in the backcountry.

Beginner lesson and tour 2 hours

MINIMUM LEVEL – must be able to ride (its ok – you don’t forget how to ride a bike) – all welcome.

FOCUS – learning the fundamental techniques to get out and enjoy touring the groomed trails

WHERE – JB Plain

Cost: $30 hire at Hoys, or bring your own.

Free event

peter_robinson_50@hotmail.com

0448 250 526

(but you need to organise your own bike).

LEVEL – anybody curious about XC skiing

FOCUS – the equipment, basic theory, opening minds to possibilities

WHERE – Wire Plain Hut

50% off for festival participants BOOK – traversehotham.com.au (limit 10pax)

Protect Our Winters (POW) Australia seeks your 30-second story on what protecting winter means to you in a film-making workshop ski tour ‘out the back’.

With Aeropress coffee.

If you love winter enough to protect it, then consider this relaxed, creative film-making workshop rolled into a half-ish day ski tour, complete with Aeropress coffee.

Starting his film career with the BBC Natural History Unit and fortunate to work as a polar guide/film maker in Antarctica to facilitate Antarctic science, cruising through wintry snow gums is how it all started for ski guide Steve Curtain. Join Steve on a tour near Mt Loch or Derricks Hut with your iPhone, iPad with iMovie editing (or PC equivalent) to learn professional film-making basics to produce a 30-second story. If you’re inspired, submit your film for a Protect Our Winters (POW) Australia people’s choice award at the Bird, Sunday evening, with a prize from a POW Australia partner. Sharing your love of winter inspires others.

Steve is a member of Protect Our Winters Australia and shares a bigger picture including the role of a global POW movement, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica to ensuring our winters are with us for a long time yet.

Bring an openness to learn, sense of fun

Cost $10

BYO day touring gear including day pack, lunch and head torch. Please note you should be sufficiently experienced to day tour safely.

Pad and pen

iPhone or iPad with iMovie (or PC equivalent) to plan, film and edit a story ‘out the back’.

Spare battery/cord to power devices.

Meet 10am Hotham Central, Saturday.

Max number 15.

SMS Steve 0468 489 771 to confirm details.

DETAILS Cost $10

LEVEL – have skied, but never tried XC

FOCUS – fundamental techniques to get out and enjoy touring the trails

WHERE – meet at Hoys Jack Frost

Reduced fee for the festival

BOOK – traversehotham.com.au (limit 10pax)

ABILITY

Beginner (Able to use touring equipment over short XC trail)

EQUIP

– Touring gear. Snowshoes, skis or split board with patterned bases or corresponding skins are needed

– Warm gloves or mitts

– Optional – rubber gloves (heavy dishwashing gloves are fine) that go over warmer gloves will keep hands dry

– Optional- touring shovel if you have it

WE WILL PROVIDE

Shovels

WHAT WE WILL DO

This session will focus on gear, environmental factors and self management required for camping in the snow and how this might differ from an overnight bush walk. Some topics will include pitching a tent, snow kitchens/cooking and emergency shelters. We will be taking a small tour to select a site desirable for camping in the snow. Louie and Cari will provide you with the snowcraft, snow camping principles, and the skills needed to set up your winter base. This clinic will be interactive and hands on- so bring your warm gloves and mitts!

BOOK

This workshop is free but places will be capped for functionality reasons. Email Louie to secure a place. If you are after the cutoff, we will put you on a wait list.

Louie Dalzell loudalzell24@gmail.com

Free event

MINIMUM LEVEL – beginners level – all welcome

FOCUS – fundamental techniques to get out and enjoy touring the trails

WHERE – JB plain (accessible via the village bus)

EQUIPMENT – show shoe bring your own or hire (both One Tree Sports and Hoys have snow shoes for hire). Plus warmth gear and parka, drink, food.

Free event

peter_robinson_50@hotmail.com

convener@bsar.org

If you haven’t done an avalanche training course yet, this session will provide a good introduction to the use of a safety beacon and the basics of companion rescue. The secret to an effective recovery operation is to be proficient with the use of a beacon to find a buried companion, and practise makes perfect!

rolf.schonfeld@gmail.com

If you have done the full day introductory lesson with Hotham Lift Co, you can satisfy the new appetite for Hotham’s amazing backcountry and return for a half day guided tour.

$169 per person.

Full details and bookings: https://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/signature-programs/backcountry-tours/return-to-backcountry#72581-details

1 km ski/ walk in.

LEVEL – anybody, no experience needed

FOCUS – discovering alpine wilderness on Hotham’s doorstep at the magic hour

WHERE – meet at Village Transit Lounge

50% off for festival participants

BOOK – traversehotham.com.au (limit 10pax)

Morning tours

LEVEL – beginner+ to intermediate (have XC skied at least a few times)

FOCUS – exploring accessible backcountry between and just off our XC trails

WHERE – meet at Wire Plain Hut

BRING – a day pack containing water, sustenance, layers, sunscreen

Free event

BOOK – no need, just turn up

• Digging in, make an improvised shelter
• Call for help
• Make location visible
• Emergency equipment to carry (e.g. Bothy)

2. Searching on snow on skis (in the field) – 2 hours

• Ski out for a search task.
• Feature search and area
• Radio use and protocol (we can supply radios)
• Map interpretation and navigation

convener@bsar.org

9am – 2pm

Mount Tabletop is a distinctive flat plateau linked to the Great Dividing Range by a low ridge.

This is not suitable for beginners, but all are welcome.

Come along to the saturday intro tour or have a chat to me before hand before committing if you have never snowshoed before.

We will leave from JB plain and follow the Tabletop track. This is ungroomed and can be steep / off camber.

We will have lunch with a view (I will supply hot chocolate, so please bring a cup).

We will then follow our track back to JB Plain. Approx 5 hours with lunch.

Free event

peter_robinson_50@hotmail.com

Open to gals and guys of all ages

Minimum snowboarding skills – Intermediate

Fitness level – Medium

Meeting Point – Loch Carpark 9.00am – 4.00pm

Bring – All your touring gear, backpack with lunch, snacks and water.

This tour will be focussed on gaining split boarding touring skills. The day will be a good opportunity to spend time on the split board getting comfortable with being on skins, learning to transition smoothly, performing kick turns whilst finding rhythm going up and down tracks on your split board. See some of Hotham’s magnificent scenery outside the resort boundaries. If the weather is clear there are amazing views across to Mt Feathertop with great photo opportunities.

Mt Loch summit is our destination where we will stop for lunch before returning back to Loch carpark mid afternoon. If you have a lift ticket you may return via the resort lift system from the top of Orchard lift if you wish. This is a full day tour.

This a free tour-no lift ticket required

Inquiries and booking –

Kelly 0429900886

Royalrussia08@hotmail.com

Group leaders

Daniel Sherwin

Duration

8 hours (0830 to 1630)

Where

Gotcha chair, 0830 for first uplift

Level

Intermediate to advanced

Requirements

• Backcountry access lift pass (single set of uplifts to top of Orchard. Return uplift up Village Quad)

• Splitboard, skins and accessories (ski-tourer’s also welcome); intermediate or better skills in undertaking both uphill and downhill travel is required

• Ski crampons recommended

• Avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, plus experience using them and undertaking safe travel in the backcountry

• Food and water for the day plus some contingency

• Spare layers

Maximum group size

20 – second leader/tail guide will be necessary above 10 persons

Description

This is a typical lift-assisted backcountry tour in the area immediately around Hotham.

Bootpacking and skinning to gain elevation will be necessary during the day. All participants should be fit and prepared for a long day, primarily on foot in variable snow and weather conditions.

daniel@cogna.com.au

Group leaders

John Banks

Peter Mart

Duration

6 hours (0900 to 1500)

Meet Where

Loch carpark 0900

Level

Intermediate

Requirements

• Metal edged skis, pattern base or waxed for climbing, skins if you have them

• Intermediate skills in undertaking both uphill and downhill travel is required

• Food and water for the day plus some contingency

• Spare layers

Maximum group size

20 – second leader/tail guide will be necessary above 10 persons

Description

This is a backcountry tour in the Mt Loch / Machinery Spur area.

Tour location and length will be dictated by the group skill levels and weather, and may be changed if necessary.

All participants should be fit for climbing in variable snow and weather conditions.

Contact Peter Mart

Meter.Part@hotmail.com

Spend a full day with an introductory course to backcountry as part of a group tour for up to six people.

Check website for full details.

Cost $249

https://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/signature-programs/backcountry-tours/introduction-to-backcountry

If you have done the full day introductory lesson with Hotham Lift Co, you can satisfy the new appetite for Hotham’s amazing backcountry and return for a half day guided tour.

$169 per person.

Full details and bookings: https://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/signature-programs/backcountry-tours/return-to-backcountry#72581-details

Films and speakers, including Josh Fletcher, Bill Barker, Stephen Curtain and Niamh O’Connor Smith.

Ted Suurkivi is the head boot fitter at One Tree Sports. He is a keen backcountry skier and will offer a session outlining the latest in boots and bindings for the backcountry, plus the most common issues like cramping arches, blisters on the heels, etc. He will explain what work that can be done on ski and snowboard boots. eg, footbeds, liners and how they all customized to the feet to give maximum comfort, performance and less fatigue for longer tours and more aggressive downhill performance.

BYO boots for assessment.

The Victorian alpine areas are significant protected landscapes full of high environmental values – getting out into the backcountry is all about appreciating the alps.  Georgina Boardman heads the environment team at the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board.

Georgina will talk about the landscape, the Boards role working with other land managers to protect the alps and several recent projects within Mt Hotham.  The Mountain Pygmy Possum is the most recognised of the threatened alpine fauna and super lovable as well. Georgina will give insights into recent work to improve MPP habitat including an new version of the Tunnel of Love at Little Higginbotham and the monitoring program that will, hopefully, reveal its long term success.

Melissa is a keen backcountry skier from Canberra and will be chatting about where you can start your exploration of the New South Wales backcountry. Whether you’re hunting for steep lines, seeking a classic touring route, or just after the side-country powder stashes, the Main Range has it all. Melissa will also discuss some of her adventurous multi-day trips skiing and camping in the Kosciuszko National Park and building a pulk (sled) for hauling gear.

Come and share the adventures and tales of three split boarding gals across diverse ages as they tell their stories from various destinations around the world and the experiences of women in the backcountry. The girls will also bring in their personal gear to talk about, ranging from split boarding basics, avalanche and safety gear, communications and navigation to snowboarding mountaineering equipment.

Mia, who is 14, will talk about her backcountry splitboarding adventures in the VIC Alps and Colorado.

Australian’s ski resorts are on the front line of climate change impact. Resorts across the alps are already doing great work on climate adaptation, but there is a lot more we can be doing to prevent runaway climate damage. The good news is that we have a lot of power as individuals, and even more power when we work together as a broader snow-loving community. We will be chatting about how you can get started if you want to get active in protecting the places we love for future generations to enjoy.