Guide: X-Country Skiing Trips

X-Country Skiing (cross-country skiing) is an extremely popular winter activity for MUMC. It's an activity that Bushwalkers, Rockclimbers and Kayakers partake in, and is acccessible to all—even if you're a complete beginner. This is a brief run-down on what to bring and where to go.

Equipment

The Typical Items from these gear lists will be sufficient for a day trip in the snow.

• Base Layer
• Warm Wear
• Shell Wear
• Miscellaneous

And specifically, these items:

• Head torch (an item from Campground)
• Overpants (an item from Shellwear)
• Gaiters (if you are using leather boots; an item from Shellwear)
• Plastic bag for storing wet items (remember that snow melts)
• A change of clothes for the car trip

Of course, the boots being your chosen ski boots (plastic or leather).

It's quite common for darkness to fall at around 5–5:30pm in winter, and having a torch is invaluable for managing equipment at the end of the day (or just in case, if you take a little longer than expected...)

Overnight (or longer)

Since you'll be staying out in the snow for one (or more) nights, you'll want to take the Typical Items from these:

• Campground
• Winter Gear

NB: Take the 4-season tent and sleeping bag instead of the 3-season ones.

In addition to taking the Typical Items, you might want to throw in a few of Optional Items too: such as a nice warm top to wear around camp, or to keep hot water in.

Food

Food for the snow is very similar to what you would take on a winter bushwalk.

You need to eat lots of snacks during the day to keep your energy levels up. Scroggin (a mixed bag dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, lollies) and snacks (e.g. muesli bars) are good choices. Make sure your snacks are readily accessible in pockets or the top of your pack. It's important that you stay hydrated—so drink plenty of water and/or powdered drinks such as Gatorade and Vita Fresh.

Lunch could be bakery goods, sandwiches, bread and dips etc. Be aware that in cold conditions you might not want to stop for too long.

Hot drinks such as soup, tea, and hot chocolate are welcome at the end of the day. For dinner you want high energy, nutritious food that is quick and easy to cook—there are lots of possibilities.

For breakfast, porridge is a good choice, or cereal/muesli etc. with hot powdered milk.

Driving In The Snow

If you're driving to a snowy location, here are some useful tips to know before you go.

Chains

• Never drive faster than 40km/h with chains fitted!
• You must always carry wheel chains in Alpine areas (even for 4WD), and fit them where directed or when needed.
• Wheel chains give you more traction when there is ice or snow on the road. Chains can be hired in Melbourne (cheaper), or on the way to the snow. You will need to know your tyre dimensions, which are usually written on the tyre. Make sure you know how to fit chains—ask for a demonstration and practise beforehand!
• Alpine roads have sign-posted chain-fitting bays on the side of the road where you can pull over and fit chains when needed. A foam square to kneel on will make fitting chains a lot more comfortable. Chains should be fitted to your car's driving wheels (usually the front) or to the front wheels for 4WDs. Once you have put the chains on, and made sure there are no loose ends, you will need to drive a short distance and then tighten them.

Parking

When parking in alpine areas, do not use the handbrake (it can freeze). Instead, leave your car in gear and point your front wheels away from the slope. Lift your windscreen wipers to stop them freezing in place. If you think you might need them for the return journey, fit wheel chains when you park.

Other Tips

Make sure your car is in good condition before taking it to alpine areas. In particular:

• You must have anti-freeze in your radiator
• Your battery must be in good conditon (jumper leads are also a good idea). When heading down the mountain make sure everyone's car has started and is capable of moving! It's not uncommon for car batteries to die in the cold.
• Dual fuel vehicles (LPG/petrol) should switch to petrol for driving in snow.
• Always drive slowly and sensibly in the mountains, and use low gears rather than your brakes.
• If you're going slow for whatever reason (e.g. being cautious) and cars are stuck behind you, find one of the chain-fitting bays and let them pass. It's very aggravating to be stuck behind a slow driver who won't let you get out!

Popular Destinations

Here are some popular locations in which to practice your snow plough and telemarks.

Day Trips

Lake Mountain
A cross country resort near Marysville, and the closest skiing area to Melbourne (about 2 hours drive). The terrain is flat and there is a large network of groomed trails. Trail fees and parking fees apply. A perfect destination for beginner skiers (and skaters).

Mt. St. Gwinear
A popular cross country skiing destination adjacent to Mt Baw Baw. Parking fees apply and the area is ski patrolled on weekends, The terrain is gently undulating, with trails marked by snow poles. Perfect for beginner/intermediate skiers.

Mt. Stirling
A cross country resort adjacent to Mt Buller. The terrain is steeper than the other XC resorts, and there is a very extensive network of groomed trails. The summit area is quite open and has several nice runs. Trail fees and parking fees apply. The upper trails and summit are best for intermediate/advanced skiers, but beginners can still have fun on the lower slopes.

Weekend Touring Trips

Mt. St. Gwinear/Baw Baw Plateau
The Baw Baw plateau is in between Mt St Gwinear and Mt Baw Baw and can be accessed from the car parks at either end. The terrain is gentle, making it a great touring area for beginners and intermediate skiers.

High Plains (from Falls Creek)
Access the High Plains from the Falls Creek resort. There are lots of possibilities for 2-5 day touring trips. There is plenty of gentle terrain so the area is well suited to beginners, however there are also numerous peaks around for more advanced skiers to play on. This is a good destination for a trip where the participants vary widely in skiing ability.

Mt. Stirling
This is a popular destination for overnight ski touring trips, allowing you to explore more of the mountain than you can in a single day. The terrain is a bit steeper so beginner skiers need to feel happy climbing uphill in skis and skiing gentle slopes with a pack. Best for confident beginners and intermediate skiers.

The Fainters
Access Mt Fainter from Bogong Village. From here it is a gentle but consistently uphill walk until you reach the snowline, where you continue skiing gently uphill. The summit area is extensive and open, with numerous runs of various standards, some quite long, making it another good destination when the skiers in the group vary in ability. Beginners need to be able to ski gentle slopes with a pack.

Razorback
A classic weekend trip is to ski across the Razorback to Mt Feathertop and back. The terrain is reasonably rugged so this is best suited to intermediate/advanced skiers.

X-Country Downhill Trips

The focus of these trips is to ski downhill runs in the back country. Generally these trips involve significant amounts of uphill walking, followed by skiing reasonably steep terrain. They suit intermediate and advanced skiers who have above average fitness.

Mt. Bogong
Very steep uphill walk to the summit, which is reasonably flat. From the summit, it is possible to do gentle touring around the summit, though most people will be skiing the many intermediate and advanced runs on offer.

Mt. Feathertop
Very steep uphill walk and nothing but steep skiing from the summit. A perfect destination for advanced skiers.