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Australia's 10 Highest Peaks in Winter

Trip Dates

28 June - 1 July 2024 - places available

15-18 August 2024 - places available

or suggest your own dates - 4 days duration.

If these dates don't fit your calendar, please contact Andrew Lock Adventures to arrange a more suitable date. Please note that there are minimum numbers for specially scheduled trips.

Overview

Mount Kosciuszko, as Australia’s highest mainland peak, stands at 2228 metres in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. However within a circuit of just 55 kilometres are the 10 highest peaks on the whole continent. While walking them has become popular in the summer months, completing the adventure in winter is the ideal challenge for those seeking a higher level of adventure in the winter alpine environment.

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In order of descending height the peaks are:

  • Mount Kosciuszko 2228 metres

  • Mount Townsend 2209 metres

  • Mount Twynam 2195 metres

  • Rams Head 2190 metres

  • Unnamed peak on Etheridge Ridge 2180 metres

  • Rams Head North Peak 2177 metres

  • Alice Rawson Peak 2160 metres

  • Unnamed peak south west of Abbot Peak 2159 metres

  • Abbot Peak 2145

  • Carruthers Peak 2145 metres

 

This winter alpine expedition takes place over 4 days and we will camp in the snow for 3 nights. There will not be any technical climbing so you do not need to be an experienced climber but you do need a reasonable degree of fitness.

The adventure starts from Thredbo, NSW. We will take the chair lift up to the Eagles Nest and trek into the mountains from there.

We snow shoe or cross country ski in a large circuit over the four days, branching out at various locations to ascend each peak. Our direction of travel and the order in which we climb the peaks will be dictated by the prevailing weather, snow conditions and the ability of the team. Our campsites will be chosen en route according to our progress and the weather conditions.

Australia’s mountains are not affected by high altitude issues however this adventure provides a challenging outing during the winter months. While not technical, it is not to be underestimated. Blue skies can quickly give way to whiteout and blizzard conditions. There is no visible marked path in winter as the summer trail is buried beneath snow, ice and sastrugi. Our guides carry all necessary navigation and communication equipment to ensure your safe return.

 

Timings

We meet at 8am at Thredbo on the first day where personal equipment will be checked and group and rental equipment distributed. We then catch the chairlift up to the Eagles Nest.

Our final day is timed to have you back at Thredbo by 4pm.

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Your Guide

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Andrew Lock is Australia’s most accomplished high altitude mountaineer. He is the only Australian (in fact the only person in the British Commonwealth) to have climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8000 meter ‘death zone’ mountains, including Mt Everest, twice. He was the first Australian to lead a commercial expedition to Everest’s summit and has been leading treks, mountain climbs, scientific, research and adventure expeditions for more than 25 years from the Arctic to Antarctica and the Himalaya to the Australian outback. He was expedition leader and field training officer on three Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions and has been teaching Alpine and mountain skills for 20 years. Andrew first experienced the alpine environment as a teenager right here in the Australian Snowy Alps and returns every year to pursue his love of back country skiing, climbing and alpine camping.

Costs

 

Guiding fees are $1600 (GST inclusive) per person. This includes your Snowshoes, Ski Poles and lift ticket on the first day.

Occassionally, Snowy Mountains weather can be severe and it may be appropriate to postpone or cancel the trip. If the trip is cancelled by Andrew Lock Adventures, all deposits will be fully refunded.

Included

  • Highly experienced mountain guide

  • Full Liability Insurance

  • NPWS guide fees & charges (this doesn’t include the National Park’s Visitor/Car entry fee

  • Kosciuszko express chairlift return ticket ($50 vlaue)

  • Communications, first aid kit, water purification tablets, navigation equipment

  • Snow shoes, adjustable ski poles and snow shovels

  • Disposable biodegradable toilet waste bags

Not included

  • Travel to and from Thredbo

  • Accommodation and meals

  • Hire costs of required clothing and/or equipment

  • Any other costs not listed under Inclusions

Accommodation/Camping & Meals

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On most courses we camp above the snow line for two nights. You will need a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove. Download the recommended clothing and equipment list at the bottom of this page for further information, including where these can be rented from if you do not already own them. It is recommended that tents and stoves be shared to lessen your load. We can assist with putting tent partners together if desired.

You will need to arrange your own accommodation the night before the course starts and on the night of the last day of the course.  (see the additional information sheet for information on some local accommodation options.)

We can also provide advice on appropriate camping food to bring.

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Fitness

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This is a physically demanding adventure. While you do not need to be an elite athlete to take part, you should have good fitness and be able to carry a 20 kg pack for 3 to 4 hours. There is no age restriction but Andrew Lock Adventures reserves the right to decline participation to anyone who we feel may be at undue risk due to health or fitness issues. If you have any concerns about your ability to undertake the course please contact Andrew Lock Adventures and/or your doctor.

 

Clothing and Equipment

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You must bring the correct clothing and equipment. The correct boots are essential for this adventure. You can download the required Clothing and Equipment list specific to this trip at the bottom of this page. Please review the list and contact us if you have any questions. The clothing and equipment list provides additional information about retail outlets that rent out alpine camping equipment.

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National Parks Permits and Insurance

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The course is run in conjunction with K7 Adventures which has the required National Parks and Wildlife Service permits and liability insurances. However these do not cover you for accident or injury and you should have your own travel/medical insurance.

Booking a place

To reserve a spot on this course, click the SIGN ME UP button and complete: 

  1. Booking Form

  2. Medical History and Liability Waiver

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  • A 50% deposit of the course fee is required to confirm your place.

  • The deposit is required not less than 4 weeks prior to the course.

 

 

Click the PDF image below to DOWNLOAD the Required Clothing and Equipment for 10 HIGHEST PEAKS IN WINTER EXPEDITION

Required Clothing and Equipment for 10 HIGHEST SUMMITS

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