Backcountry skiing and snowboarding is an exciting way to explore Australia's Snowy Mountains in winter but it's important to be prepared with the right gear.
Basic Gear for Backcountry
Here are the things you need for skiing and snowboarding when outside of the resort's boundary.
Skiing and Snowboarding Essentials:
- Skis or Snowboard: Choose specialised backcountry equipment designed for all types of snow conditions.
- Bindings: Opt for lightweight tech bindings or other types offering flexibility and motion range.
- Skins: Attachable fabric strips for grip during uphill trekking.
- Poles: Adjustable, larger-basket poles aiding balance and uphill travel.
- Boots: Lightweight yet supportive boots with compatibility for your chosen binding type.
Adapting to Swiftly Changing Conditions in the Snowy Mountains
Exploring the Snowy Mountains means navigating swiftly changing weather conditions. Sunshine and clear sky can swiftly give way to high winds, cloud, and a temperature drop all within 30 minutes.
In this changing terrain, it’s wise to carry extra layers and optimising bag space for the layers you already have on. By doing so, you gain the flexibility to regulate your body temperature during the adventure, adapting easily to the changing conditions.
What To Bring And Wear For A Backcountry Day Trip:
- Lightweight Flexible Jacket: Your jacket should be windproof, waterproof, and lightweight. Consider insulation that's removable to prevent overheating during walking uphill. This jacket is crucial for staying warm and dry in changing weather conditions.
- Snowshoes (Optional): A spare pair of snowshoes comes in handy if someone in your group faces equipment failure or loses a ski. They provide an alternative mode of transport and are lighter to carry.
- Lightweight Ski Pants: Essential for cold weather, these pants are made of waterproof, breathable fabric to keep you dry. Layer thermal tights underneath for added warmth on chilly days.
- Backpack: Make sure it's big enough to carry the majority of your gear.
- Snow Socks and Gloves: Thin, moisture-wicking socks are best for ski/snowboard boots to avoid cold feet. Well-sized, padded gloves with water-resistant layers, like "Goretex," ensure warmth and comfort. Consider padded mitts for more warmth.
- Beanie, Cap and Polarised Sunglasses: Often overlooked but crucial, caps and sunglasses shield your eyes from the sun and snow glare. They're particularly important during uphill travel on to protect against the sun. Don't forget to wear sunscreen! The beanie is for the cooler temperatures and keeping your ears warm.
- Fuelling Your Adventure - Snacks and Water: Maintaining energy and staying hydrated is very important. Pack energy bars, trail mix, fruit or lollies. As for water opt for a hydration bladder in your backpack for easy sipping while on the move. Otherwise, bring along your water bottle.
Anticipating the Unpredictable Backcountry Essentials to Consider:
In the Snowy Mountains, unforeseen challenges can arise. While some items might not seem essential, they can play a crucial role in your safety and well-being. Here's what to consider:
- First-aid Kit: For accidents during your backcountry skiing trip, a first-aid kit is an important backcountry skiing gear that could save a life. Make sure to include items like bandages, gauze, and antiseptic in your kit. It is also a good idea to include pain medication and other medicines for unplanned events such as frostbite. Even if you are an experienced backcountry skier, it is always a good idea to have a trained companion with you as they can help you with navigation, first-aid, and even skiing techniques.
- Navigation Tools: Navigation and communication are a must when venturing into the backcountry. Equipment such as Mobile phones, GPS, or even traditional maps will help you stay on track and in touch with the outside world. If you have a GPS device it may be possible with a phone app to uses it as a satellite phone giving you coverage in most locations. In case of an emergency, these things can help you signal for help or find your way back to safety.
- Avalanche Safety Gear An avalanche is a scary thing to experience, but backcountry skiing gear like the avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel can help you should accidents happen and you need to find buried skiers and dig them out. Before heading into the backcountry, it is important to check the avalanche forecast for the area you will be skiing in. This will give you an idea of the snow conditions and what backcountry skiing gear you will need. When you are not confident, it is better to avoid avalanche terrains. You have to take avalanche hazards seriously since avalanche victims tend to become casualties. An avalanche safety gear should be present to almost all participants of the expedition.
- Snow shovel This will help you in case you need to dig yourself or help someone else out. Be sure to have one that's short, light, and strong.
- Emergency Shelter Emergency shelters are lightweight tent fly sheets that can be deployed quickly and provide shelter from the wind and cold in case you get stuck. They are worth carrying on longer day trips into unfamiliar terrain.
- Go With A Guide. If you are not sure about the challenges of a backcountry trip there are guiding services in the mountains providing trips for most skill and fitness levels. K7 Adventures is one such service. With options for a guided full day, 1/2 day and multi-day trips in skis, split-boards or snowshoes.
Complete Your Backcountry Adventure with Comfortable Accommodation at Lantern Thredbo Apartments
As you gear up for your thrilling adventure in the Snowy Mountains, remember that a cosy retreat awaits you after your exhilarating day. Lantern Thredbo Apartments offer the perfect place for rest and relaxation, ensuring your well-deserved comfort after a day of adventure.
Before embarking on your journey, secure your accommodation at Lantern Thredbo Apartments.
Contact us now at bookings@lantern.com.au to reserve your spot and secure the ultimate lodging experience for your backcountry adventure. Make Lantern Thredbo Apartments the perfect complement to your thrilling journey.