Backcountry Skiing

At MUMC, we take advantage of whatever snow there is, and by whatever means appropriate.

Where

Where 

Most MUMC trips to the snow take place within Victoria, between July and October. They include skiing excursions to places like Mt. Hotham where we dodge the lifts and head to the pristine gullies of Mt. Loch and the Razorback. Other intermediate/advanced trips head to Mt. Bogong, Falls Creek and more. We also run more beginner-friendly trips to places such as Lake Mountain or Mt. Stirling, as well as tours in the Bogong High Plains. Most of these locations are between a 3-4.5 hour drive away.

Photo: Oliver Clarke

Mt. Fainter North and Mt. Fainter South (collectively known as "The Fainters") is located between Mt. Feathertop and Mt. Bogong and is a convenient destination for shorter ski-tours.

MUMC members have been known to travel interstate (or even over the deep blue), with a tour of the Main Range being the high point of a season for some.

Photo: Su Li Sin

Advanced skiers go to The Main Range in NSW for challenging and extended ski tours.

Our club publication - The Mountaineer - contains many past trips and gear reviews, all helpful for planning your next big adventure!

Duration

Trips typically run over a weekend, leaving on Friday afternoon and returning home Sunday night. This allows for ~2 full days skiing. Day trips and extended one week trips are also run through the ski season.

Photo: Steve Chan

Ski-tours sometimes span two days, camping out in snow for the first night. Mt. Stirling is a popular destination for beginner skiers and those new to snow camping.

Gear hire 

MUMC has an extensive rental fleet. All of our 2023+ alpine touring skis are fitted with ATK pin bindings and are available in a range of sizes with a wide range of 2023+ lightweight alpine touring boots to match. These skis are ideal for larger descents and feel most similar to a typical downhill ski. They also come with skins and poles.

The club also has a small amount of 2025+ split boards with skins, however boots must be provided by the renter.

MUMC additionally has a large range of pattern based skis and accompanying boots which are most suitable for undulating terrain. 

There are a small amount of classic cross country skis with boots available too. 

All gear is waxed and adjusted to fit your needs and safety. Gear hire rates can be found here: 

That said, if you want to bring your Alpine Touring skis, snowboard ( and hire some of our snow shoes for the uphill ) or your splitboard feel free! You will however need to source this equipment for yourself. Many of the keen skiers in our ranks have their own sets of Alpine Touring skis.

A small note about skill levels

Don't worry if you've never seen snow, let alone skied on it - we were all beginners once and have trips at all levels, though most of our trips require you to  be a competent downhill skier (intermediate/blue runs).