Essential Alpine Skills | Mountaineering Course in the Snowy Mountains

The Essential Alpine Skills course is designed to teach participants the necessary skills to enjoy our Alpine regions responsibly and safely.

The courses are conducted over 3 days (two nights) starting from Thredbo resort. We take the chairlift to the top of Crackenback and commence our adventure from there. There is free overnight parking at Thredbo. Weather permitting, we shall make an ascent of Mt Kosciuszko during the course.

Courses start at 8am on the first day at the nominated meeting place, where personal equipment is checked and group equipment distributed. We return to the carpark around 4 - 4.30pm on the final day.

The course will include elements of the following topics:

Clothing and Equipment selection

Cross country skiing or snow shoeing

Snow Shelters – site selection, tent erection and protection

Emergency shelters

Snow Camping and cooking

Snow craft

Route selection

Navigation

Weather assessment

Avalanche awareness

Group management

Hypothermia prevention and prevention/treatment of other alpine/outdoor health issues

Leave no trace skills and ethics

Accommodation is in tents, camping on the snow. Snow tents are available for hire. Participants will need insulated sleeping mattresses and sleeping bags rated to at least -10 celsius.

Participants provide their own food but will be advised of the type of food to bring.

Lightweight camping stoves and pots can be provided for those who need them.

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

While you do not need to be an elite athlete to take part, the course is physical and you will have to carry a backpack of around 15kg. There is no age restriction but K7 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.

Guiding fees are $1200 (GST inclusive) per person for the 3 day course for a minimum of 4 people. If there are less than 4 people Andrew Lock will contact you to discuss alternatives.

Thredbo Kosciuszko Express chairlift is $49 per person at the time of printing.

Occassionally, Snowy Mountains weather can be severe and it may be appropriate to postpone or cancel the course. If the course is cancelled by K7 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

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.

Kosciuszko Express chairlift ticket (if needed)

Any other costs not listed under Inclusions.

There are no dates set for this course. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a private group experience.

Courses start at 8am on the first day at the nominated meeting place, where personal equipment is checked and group equipment distributed. We return to the carpark around 4 - 4.30pm on the final day.