Alpine Women:
Snowshoe or Ski Retreat
August 29- 31st, 2025
Thredbo ⁕ Main Range ⁕ Kosciuszko National Park
Monero-Ngarigo Country
This retreat is for women who want to experience the beauty of winter in the mountains at their own pace.
We’ve created an all-inclusive retreat with the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection. Whether you’re stepping into snowshoes for the first time or looking to take your skiing beyond the resort, you’ll get to explore breathtaking alpine terrain in a supportive, low-pressure environment. With experienced female guides leading the way, you’ll gain confidence in the backcountry while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded women. We’re here to help you move through the mountains with intention, find quiet moments among the snowgums, and experience something entirely new!
Snowshoeing & Skiing
The Australian Alps
The Snowy Mountains offer a rare chance to experience winter in Australia—where rocky ridge lines, snowgum forests, and expansive alpine vistas create an truly unique landscape. But for many women, stepping into the backcountry can feel intimidating without the right skills, support, or confidence. That’s where K7 comes in.
Designed for women who crave adventure but appreciate their creature comforts, this retreat offers a guided introduction to winter exploration at a pace that suits you.
Based in Thredbo Village, there’s no need for long drives—just Step Outside and into the mountains. With the Kosciuszko Express lifting you straight to altitude, you’ll have more time to soak in the scenery, push for a summit, and connect with like-minded women. Whether you’re trying snowshoeing for the first time or looking to take your skiing beyond the resort, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to explore further. This is your chance to finally tick off that snow adventure you've always dreamed of—and return home reenergised for whatever comes next.
Francesca "Chess" Smee brings a wealth of experience and energy to the mountains, making her the perfect guide for this retreat. Her journey began at Thredbo Ski School before taking her instructing skills to Japan and Canada.
She holds top industry certifications, including Level 3 Ski Instructing, Level 1 Avalanche Operations, Wilderness First Aid, and Cert IV Alpine Guiding—ensuring you’re in expert hands.
Chess recently featured as the lead athlete in MAVEN, Australia’s first all-female backcountry ski film, Chess is passionate about making the backcountry more accessible to women. Whether you're stepping into snowshoes for the first time or keen to take your skiing further, her supportive and encouraging coaching style will help you feel capable and confident in the alpine.
Our Lead Guide
Retreat Itinerary
August 29th- 31st, 2025
Our Alpine Women: Snowshoe or Ski Retreat is designed to give you a true taste of the Snowy Mountains in winter—without the stress of logistics or planning. Over three days, you’ll explore breathtaking alpine landscapes, moving at a pace that suits your comfort and experience level. Each morning starts with a nutritious breakfast and a briefing before heading into the mountains, where you’ll embark on guided day trips with seperate groups of ski tourers and snowshoers.
We’ll meet in Thredbo Village at the K7 Adventures office for a welcome briefing, gear check, and final trip preparations. This is a chance to go over the plan for the retreat, ensure you have the right equipment, and make any last-minute adjustments. From there, we’ll take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to Eagles Nest, where the adventure begins.
Ski tourers will start with an introductory backcountry tour at Bogong Creek, a quiet alpine zone perfect for refining uphill and downhill techniques. Snowshoers will embark on the Ramshead Ramble, a six-hour stroll through rolling terrain leading to the summit of Mt. Ramshead (2,190m), where breathtaking views stretch across the Main Range. The return journey weaves through snowgum forests, adding a serene contrast to the alpine ridgelines.
In the evening, we’ll gather at our cozy alpine lodge accommodation, where a delicious meal, optional stretching session, and fireside connection await. Choose to unwind with a glass of wine and hearty dinner or join in for some live music and storytelling, the first night sets the tone for a trip filled with adventure and camaraderie.
Day 1: Arrival & Intro Tour
We’ll ease into the morning with optional yoga and stretching, setting the tone for a big mountain day ahead. After breakfast, both groups will head into the Main Range, following separate routes suited to their mode of travel.
Ski tourers will make the ascent using efficient skinning techniques, climbing at a steady pace before enjoying an incredible descent down Kosciuszko’s South Face, an open pitch that offers a rewarding ski run. Snowshoers will take a gradual, scenic route to the summit, pausing along the way to soak in panoramic views of Charlotte Pass and Lake Cootapatamba before reaching the highest peak in Australia at 2,228m.
After the descent, we’ll return to our Thredbo Lodge, where an optional sauna session and a warm, nourishing meal await. The evening is all about relaxation and connection, with time to reflect on the day’s experience, chat with newfound friends, and enjoy the comfort of our cozy alpine retreat.
Day 2: Summit of Mt. Kosciuszko
Day 3: South Ramshead,Our Final Backcountry Tour
Our final morning begins with one last optional yoga session, followed by breakfast before heading out for our final adventure in the backcountry. Today, we’ll explore South Ramshead, a spectacular alpine zone known for its snowgum forests and open ridgelines.
Snowshoers will take a scenic ascent from Dead Horse Gap, moving through winding terrain before reaching the expansive ridgeline of South Ramshead, where the contrast of colourful twisted snowgums against the snow makes for a truly unique experience. Ski tourers will approach from a different line, making the most of the terrain for a final series of descents before wrapping up the retreat.
Back in Thredbo, we’ll gather for a farewell , sharing stories and celebrating the experience before parting ways. Whether this was your first time in the backcountry or a chance to expand your skills, you’ll leave with newfound confidence, a deeper connection to the mountains, and shared memories with an incredible community of adventurous women.
This Retreat is led by the Mountain Mavens.
Supporting Women in The Australian Backcountry.
What’s Included
Meals & Dining
Fuel your adventure with nourishing meals, thoughtfully prepared to keep you warm and energised.
⁕ Daily breakfasts and dinners at our cozy alpine lodge.
⁕ Packed lunches and snacks to enjoy on the trail.
⁕ Evening wine & cheese board by the fire—the perfect way to unwind after a big day in the mountains.
Accommodation
Rest, recharge, and take in the breathtaking alpine landscape from our mountain lodge.
⁕ 2 nights in comfortable lodge accommodation in Thredbo Village, with easy access to the Mountain.
⁕ Cosy communal spaces for fireside chats and relaxation after a day in the snow.
Gear & Equipment Support
No gear? No problem.
We’ll help you get everything you need.
⁕ Snowshoes are included!
⁕ Gear hire assistance for touring skis, and avalanche safety gear.
⁕ Pre-trip packing list and guidance to help you prepare.
Professional Guidance
& Safety
⁕ Led by professional, certified guides
with extensive backcountry experience.
⁕ Wilderness First Aid Responders on the
team for safety and support.
⁕ K7 Adventures NPWS Ecopass ensuring responsible guiding in the national park.
⁕ Comprehensive Medical First Aid Kit
carried by guides.
Guided Backcountry Adventures
Explore the stunning Main Range with expert female guides leading the way.
⁕ Choice of two experience tracks—snowshoeing for beginners or ski touring for skiers.
⁕ Day trips into Kosciuszko National Park, including Mt. Kosciuszko, Ramshead Range, and South Ramshead.
⁕ Small group ratios, ensuring a personalised and supportive experience.
The K7 Extras
Some things can’t be described—you’ll just have to experience them for yourself. Expect thoughtful touches, expert leadership, and the camaraderie that makes a K7 expedition truly unforgettable.
Personalised Assistance
It’s our mission to get you into the backcountry! Have questions about gear, fitness, or logistics? We’re here to help. Prefer to secure your spot with a deposit or break up payments over time, we’ll work with you to find a solution. Just ask!
Pricing & Registration.
$3,000 per person
This all-inclusive retreat provides everything you need for a seamless alpine adventure—expert guiding, personalised support in packing the right gear, comfortable accommodation, nutritious meals, and essential safety equipment. With small group sizes, professional coaching, and guided access to breathtaking backcountry terrain, this is a rare opportunity to explore Australia’s most unique winter landscapes.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
We offer flexible payment options, including the ability to secure your spot with a deposit, set up a payment plan, or pay the full amount upfront—click here to view our cancellation policy.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ’s below, send us a direct enquiry or call us!
Whats Not Included
⁕ Travel from Canberra: ⁕ Transfers from Canberra Airport to Jindabyne can be arranged with K7 but only at request.
⁕ Gear & Clothing Hire: Winter clothing, and gear rental are not included, but we will assist with booking the right equipment.
⁕ Alcohol: Feel free to bring your own! We can send you recommendations for where to stock up or our favourite local products.
FAQs
Who is this expedition for?
This retreat is designed for women who want to experience winter in the mountains—whether they’re stepping into snowshoes for the first time or taking their skiing beyond the resort. If you love the outdoors, enjoy a challenge, and want to build confidence in a supportive, women-led environment, this experience is for you. We’ll be exploring breathtaking alpine terrain at a relaxed, steady pace, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and capable.
What distances and elevation can I expect during the retreat?
Each day involves 5–12 km of snowshoeing or ski touring, with moderate elevation gain. The pace is designed to be enjoyable, with plenty of stops to take in the scenery, learn new skills, and rest as needed. We tailor the routes to the group’s ability and conditions on the day.
What do I need to bring?
We provide snowshoes, safety equipment, and all communal gear, so you’ll just need to bring your own winter clothing and personal items. A detailed packing list will be sent upon booking, and if you need help sourcing gear, we’ll guide you through rental or purchase options.
How is the group size and managed during the retreat?
This retreat is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small, supportive group dynamic. We travel in separate ski and snowshoe groups with a low guide-to-participant ratio for a personalised experience.
How do I get there?
You’ll meet us in Thredbo, with clear travel details provided before the retreat. If you're flying into Canberra, we can assist with coordinating transport options to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Can I skip any activities?
Absolutely. While we offer a structured itinerary, this retreat is about enjoying the mountains in a way that feels right for you. Whether you want to take a rest day, opt for a shorter route, or spend extra time unwinding at the lodge, we encourage you to move at your own pace.
