A full moon in a night sky... a 1000+ metre ascent... a legendary hut above the snowline... that's right, it's time for Midnight Ascent.

What is Midnight Ascent?

Midnight Ascent is an annual club trip to our snow-covered MUMC Hut, constructed in 1965, taking place on the weekend closest to a full moon. Highlights include fancy-dress, a three-course MasterChef competition, and snowy adventures with your fellow club members.

This year, the theme will be a return to the traditional fancy dress, a rare opportunity for some mumc people. Come dressed in your best clothes, eg suits, ball gowns, headpieces, velvet. 

Who can sign up?

This is an intermediate-advanced trip. We will be walking uphill for 4-7hrs with pack and tent through potentially deep snow. This year, we will also be snow-camping - we cannot sleep in the hut.

Please sign up if you can answer YES to all of the following:

• I have been on 2 intermediate club trips.

• I am confident in my ability to walk up steep slopes with a full pack.

• I have proven ability to be able to look after myself in very cold temperatures/rain.

• A leader could vouch for my ability to safely complete the trip.

• I will attend the trip meeting on Tuesday 29nd July. 

• I will bring a costume that fits the theme!

If you're unsure and want to come, please don't hesitate to have a chat with Ella or Eleanor. ()

What's the plan?

More details about all aspects of the trip will be released closer to the meeting but it will roughly follow the program below:

Friday day/evening: Drive with hiking group toward hike start

Friday midnight: Start hiking up North West Spur Track (aka Tom Kneen memorial track) It is a 7.3km hike with 1154m elevation.

Saturday early morning: Arrive at MUMC hut in time for the sunrise (hopefully)

Saturday morning: Set up tents and sleep in :)

Saturday afternoon: Costumes!

Saturday evening: MasterChef cooking competition

Sunday morning: Pack up and head back to Melbourne

Please click on link below for map. It shows more than we will be doing - we will be finishing at the first (most northerly) hut icon.

https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/mt-feathertop-north-west-spur/?fbclid=IwAR2GUA-dwbGrKvzvpS75Soy4Ib_276jqaxFm2fZindr-htdlTeJ4OItK8yM

When will signups open?

Signups are open - Don't miss this annual event! If it fills up fast so definitely join the list if you're interested! More information will be provided at the trip meeting, participants confirmed, and in the trip email.