HOW TO GET TO THE MAIN RANGE - TIPS FOR CAMPING IN KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK

FP10602 – Dawn looking North to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko from the Ramsheads

TIPS FOR WINTER CAMPING IN KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK’S MAIN RANGE 

Winter camping on the Main Range of Australia’s Snowy Mountains is an adventure all those who like the snow or wild places should experience.

Any camping trip requires planning, but a winter trip to Mt Kosciuszko needs real consideration given the potential bad weather and the equipment needed, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery, no crowds and, on the right days, some magnificent fresh powder skiing.

Here’s a series of snow camping tips to help get you out in the Australian wilderness and having a great adventure!

Photo: Mike Edmondson

DSC5378 Skinning up to Mount Townsend with Mueller’s Peak in the background

HOW TO GET TO THE MAIN RANGE FROM SNOWY MOUNTAINS SKI RESORTS

• The Main Range is best accessed from the ski resorts of Thredbo, Charlottes Pass (will require snow cat from Perisher Valley) and Guthega.

• Thredbo gives good access to the Ramshead Range, Mt Kosciuszko area and the Abbott Range (which includes Mount Townsend).

• Hikes from Dead Horse Gap (just past Thredbo) to South Ramshead provide a great experience and more shelter should the weather turn bad.

• For first timers, the Ramshead Range is a good starting point with easy hiking from Thredbo, some interesting terrain, and an easy ski out if required. However, skiing here is more limited.

• Charlotte Pass provides good access to ski areas around Blue Lake, Carruthers Peak (including Little Austria) and for the more adventurous the Sentinel and Watsons Crags.

• Guthega provides good access to the Mount Tate area with nice runs either side of the Guthega River leading up to Consett Stephens Pass. Guthega can also be used as an access point for areas around Mt Twynam.

• With advances in technology, hikers now have many options on how to hike into the mountains. These range from snowshoes (easiest but least fun), cross-country skis (light and fast) and split boards (for snow boarders) through to touring skis (heavy but better for downhill skiing). Recent developments in ski, binding, skin, and boot technology now makes the backcountry much more accessible to the downhill skier.

• For the Main Range itself, allow yourself a day to hike in and find suitable camping areas. With all your skiing and camping equipment packs will be heavy (around 25kg) and the going slow.

Photo: Jon Fitch

FP14469 Sunset over Mueller’s Peak