By Gina Woodward
THE backcountry, yes that beautiful expanse of our Main Range that many of us wistfully stare at from the comfort of the resorts… well now is your time to explore it and gain a huge sense of achievement as you truly earn your turns.
It’s not to be messed with as it’s the real deal out there and Mother Nature is the boss. However she’s playful, surprising and welcoming all at the same time, especially when you’re in safe hands with the guides from Snowy Mountains Backcountry (SMBC).
Based in the Guthega Centre, Doug Chatten and his team of expert professional guides offer a full range of programs. Alpine ski touring and snowshoeing options are on offer with short course, half days and full days.
The most popular in 2019 was the full day Backcountry Intro Tour, designed to help you enjoy and understand the backcountry environment, plus give you access to all the gear needed to explore it.
Included in this introductory program price is the loan of a backpack and emergency equipment for the day. As the risks in the backcountry are real, safety is number one at all times. Participants needing to rent additional gear can access a special program price for alpine touring skis, climbing skins and adjustable poles. Those wanting to do the program on a snowboard can rent snowshoes and bring their own board.
On our trip out from Guthega in Spring 2019, we enjoyed sunshine and soft snow with a small group all eager to learn more. Starting in the SMBC headquarters, we worked through the expectations of the day and how to use safety equipment including personal locator beacons.
Leaving Guthega with a sense of excitement and slight trepidation, we descended to the dam wall and began our adventure into the backcountry after learning to apply our climbing skins to the skis. Learning to traverse efficiently, how to read a slope, when to stop, and what pace to climb at are all important parts of the process with techniques and tips shared by the guides.
In this friendly learning environment, we explored not only the environment but learnt about the heritage of the area and enjoyed magnificent views in all directions. Well-deserved snack breaks gave us the energy to continue climbing, and enough to yell out a few ‘woohoos’ skiing untouched slopes we’d never seen before.
Owner, Doug Chatten, says the programs are as much about learning as they are about an adventure experience. “Each participant takes away a lot of knowledge - you will leave SMBC knowing how to move through the mountains more safely,” he says.
Snowshoeing is also a great way to explore and learn about the mountains. This sport is growing in popularity in Australia as it opens up a great winter experience that may be totally new to some people. Doug said, “On these tours guests can cruise and contour in a low impact way or take on the workout of a full day adventure experience including Tate Ridge.”
Their range of courses offer a fantastic way to learn about the skills and equipment you need in order to fully experience this magical landscape. In 2020, the popular BC Intro Tour features again, plus new introductory programs for Ladies Only and another for high school age students.
SMBC also offers a pathway of programs for backcountry enthusiasts that takes you through the stages from novice through to ski mountaineer. Contact Snowy Mountains Backcountry through their website or on social media to signup for the experience of a lifetime in 2020, discovering Australia’s stunning Snowy Mountains.
Snowy Mountains Backcountry
To book any backcountry or snowshoe tour visit the website.
SMBC headquarters is based at the Guthega Ski Centre at the Guthega carpark.
Phone Doug Chatten on 0400 349 319.
