Main Range Skiing

So a few of us are planning a trip to the Main Range at the end of the month. We'll take a day off work either Thursday or Monday (weather depending) to make it a 4 day weekend.

The main range encompasses the highest peaks in Australia including notably Kosciuszko, Townsend and Twynam. This is a large area, all lying under plenty of snow thanks to the late season dumps this year, with many long and exciting ski runs above the tree line. The plan currently looks to be, head off from Guthega, cross the snowy river on the cable suspension bridge, and make our way up to Twynam, and base ourselves somewhere sheltered near there for the duration of the trip. 

To get an idea for some of the skiing in the area:

• http://www.ozbc.net/nsw_twynamwest.htm
• http://www.ozbc.net/nsw_carruthers.htm
• http://www.ozbc.net/nsw_townsend.htm

In terms of trip standards, if we can find another leader who would like to just stick to the easier slopes (of which there are plenty), then anyone who has been on a multi-day ski touring trip before, where they have carried a backpack with tent, and camping gear, and are competent skiing resort blue runs would be welcome to join. Alternatively, if there is a leader who would like to come on snow shoes, then another possibility is to open the trip up to a second group on snow shoes based in the same location near Twynam.

Otherwise, we're currently looking for people who are competent on resort black runs, and have been on a multi day ski tour before (carrying a backpack with camping gear). If you're a solid skier, and reasonably fit, then we would probably be willing to overlook the lack of experience in the camping department. (it's much easier to learn how to ski with a backpack, and how to snow camp, than it is to learn how to ski in the first place!)

I haven't looked into it closely and how it would work with timing, but it appears as though it would be possible to hire Alpine Touring skis/boots in Jindabyne or Cooma (cheaper, but extra driving):

• https://www.wildernesssports.com.au/pages/alpine-ski-touring-gear-hire 
• https://www.rhythmsnowsports.com.au/ski-snowboard-hire-rental-demo/hire-prices-and-rental-rates.html (XC Cross Country Section)
  

If you're a confident downhill skier, and have been wanting to try out ski touring on alpine touring gear (where there is very little compromise in terms of performance compared to downhill skiing with the club's telemark gear), this might be a good opportunity, as this is one of the very few places that hire out AT gear in Australia, and it's a big investment to buy.

Finally, if you have any questions regarding the trip, feel free to post them in the comments here or chat to one of us on a Tuesday night at the club rooms.