Beyond the resort boundary is where the real mountains begin. K7's backcountry tours and clinics take you into the Main Range on ski touring gear or a splitboard — guided by locals who know all the best views, lines and precariously balanced boulder stacks. Tours run from Thredbo's K7 Basecamp and Guthega. All experiences are tailored to your group's ability and the day's conditions. We’re here to answer all your questions on gear and logistics.
Snowy Mountains Backcountry Tours & Clinics.
Scroll Down & Explore!
Backcountry Starter Tour
Full-Day Backcountry Tour · Thredbo / Guthega
This full-day course covers the fundamentals: equipment familiarisation, skinning techniques, terrain, and the decisions that keep you moving safely. No prior backcountry experience needed. Just blue run skiing/boarding ability and a willingness to learn beyond the resort boundaries.
Summit and Ski Mt Kosciuszko
Full-Day Backcountry Tour · Thredbo / Guthega
Skin to the top of Australia, then ski down. This full-day tour ascends to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and rides the NE Face, South Face, or both. Can be tailored as your first backcountry adventure or for returning riders. Upper-intermediate skiing or boarding ability required.
Main Range Explorer
Full-Day Backcountry Clinic · Thredbo / Guthega
Discover the best kept secrets of Australia's iconic Main Range. This full-day tour covers advanced techniques while your guide shapes the route around your group, the conditions, and what the mountain is offering that day. Advanced skiing or boarding ability required.
Blue Lake Circuit
Full-Day Backcountry Tour · Guthega
Summit Mt Twynam and ski a lap around Australia's largest frozen lake. The Illawong traverse, the suspension bridge crossing, the NE gully into Blue Lake: this is one of the most visually striking routes in the Snowy Mountains. High fitness and prior backcountry experience recommended.
Ski Mountaineering Skills
XL Full-Day Backcountry Clinic · Guthega
The skills that open up steeper terrain in Australia and beyond. This clinic covers crampon and ice axe use, steep skinning, advanced ascent and descent techniques, and slope stability assessment. Can be tailored towards local lines or preparation for glaciated environments like New Zealand or Canada. Prior backcountry experience required.
The Western Faces
XL Full-Day Backcountry Tour · Guthega
The longest, steepest ski runs on the Main Range. Around 400 metres of vertical per lap, accessed via a 2–3 hour skin from Guthega. K7 has been navigating this terrain safely for years. They know which aspects come into condition and when. Upper-intermediate backcountry experience and peak fitness required.
Good things happen when you Step Outside...
Google ★★★★★ · 138 reviews
Nicole Weber
"My first backcountry experience and the Intro to Backcountry tour was an absolute cracker. Lewis was great from the first enquiry right through to checking in after the tour. Steve was an amazing guide and the whole experience was exceptional. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try backcountry for the first time."
Intro to Backcountry
Anthony Biggs
"Highly recommend touring with K7 Backcountry. Was guided by Hamish who was phenomenal — patient, professional and friendly. We had a great day skiing some big lines in the Aussie backcountry."
Backcountry Ski Touring
Joshua OC
"Just had an amazing experience with K7 on the Main Range Explorer Splitboard tour. Our guide Callum was knowledgeable and kept the crew safe while making it fun and getting some great riding in."
Main Range Explorer — Splitboard
Backcountry Clinics. Built for progression.
Arc'teryx & Tough Tits Co. Community Clinics — Dates Coming Soon!
Designed for skiers and boarders looking to expand their skills.
The best way to get better in the backcountry is to go there with people who know it. K7 clinics are small, skills-focused, and built around the idea that learning happens faster when you're doing it alongside like-minded people who are after the same thing you are. No lectures, no classroom — just guided progression in real alpine terrain.
Our Arc'teryx Community Clinics are coming this winter. Subsidised, accessible, and designed to open the backcountry up to more people. Dates to be announced soon — follow us on instagram below so you hear first.
Backcountry Immersion.
Designed for skiers & boarders looking to expand their skills.
Fast-track your backcountry skills and actually apply what you learn. Three days, one expert K7 guide, a small group. Built around real alpine terrain, varied snow conditions, and the kind of decision-making that only comes from being out there.
Click Find Out More to see available dates — or Book Now to set your own.
Iain Nealie
"Chris was a brilliant guide and splitboarding teacher — just the right level of instruction, guidance and challenge. Super flexible and really prioritised getting us familiar with backcountry touring. Our group came away feeling much more confident and excited about future adventures. Safe to say we'd fully recommend K7 and Chris!"
Backcountry ImmersionJim Trail
"Great three-day Backcountry Immersion course. First day was a blizzard, yet we were out there skiing and learning snow profiles and how to stay safe. Day two we found powder, day three was a magical bluebird day on the Main Range. Our guide Chris Zinon was awesome. 100% would recommend!"
Backcountry Immersion
Backcountry FAQs
What is Backcountry Skiing and Split Boarding?
Backcountry Skiing, or Alpine Touring (AT), is Skiing in unmarked, often remote areas outside traditional ski resort boundaries. It typically involves hiking or skinning uphill before skiing down. Split boarding is the equivalent activity for snowboarders. Snowboarders will use a snowboard that splits into two down the long centre axis, allowing them to walk uphill; they will then put the board back together and snowboard down.
What equipment do I need for Splitboarding?
Essential equipment for backcountry Splitboarding includes a splitboard with the appropriate hardware (Pucks), Splitboard skins, Stiff Snowboard boots, Splitboard Bindings, z-fold poles, and appropriate clothing layers. Additional safety gear can be a great
Is backcountry skiing/Splitboarding dangerous?
Backcountry skiing can be dangerous due to risks such as whiteouts, Icy surfaces, avalanches, variable snow conditions, and the sport's remote nature. Proper training, preparation, and awareness are essential to mitigate these risks. Getting a guide is a common way for people to learn how to mitigate these risks and to feel safe and secure in the backcountry.
What level of skier/boarder must I be to join a K7 Adventures Backcountry Tour?
K7 Adventures requires participants to be strong intermediate to advanced skiers or snowboarders who can maintain control and link turn on ungroomed surfaces. Backcountry snow is not ‘groomed’, so experience with off-piste (ungroomed trails) skiing or snowboarding is essential. It is crucial to honestly assess your skill level when joining a backcountry skiing or snowboarding group. If you want to discuss your ability level with a K7 guide, please complete the form below or call us on 0488 592 900.
What equipment do I need for backcountry skiing?
Essential equipment for backcountry skiing includes skis with touring bindings, climbing skins, ski boots compatible with touring bindings, poles, and appropriate clothing layers. Safety gear such as boot crampons, ski crampons, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are optional in Australia, depending on conditions and tour location. Your K7 Adventures guide will assist you when to bring with these optional extras.
How do I start backcountry skiing or split-boarding?
To start backcountry skiing, it's recommended that you take an introductory course to learn essential skills such as backcountry safety, navigation, and proper equipment use. Joining a K7 tour or going with experienced friends can also be helpful.
How difficult are K7 Adventures Backcountry tours?
Our tours range from basic introductory levels to advanced and strenuous. Your fitness level will be the best indicator of which tour suits you.
Our Introduction to Backcountry course is recommended for those new to the backcountry. It will familiarize you with the fundamental skills and equipment needed for safe travel. The Summit and Ski Mt. Kosciuszko Tour can also be tailored as an introduction and is perfect for those wanting to summit Mt. Kosciuszko in winter.
The Main Range Explorer Course and the Blue Lake Circuit are ideal for those looking to learn more advanced backcountry skills while travelling further and skiing more. These tours require a good fitness level and some familiarity with backcountry equipment.c
Our Introduction to Ski Mountaineering Courses and the Western Faces Tour are more challenging, requiring higher fitness levels and experience. These tours involve longer days with significant elevation gains, so familiarity with your equipment is necessary to cover the ground needed.
Do I need special boots for backcountry skiing/ Splitboarding?
Backcountry skiing is more enjoyable when specific boots are designed for touring. These boots are typically lighter and have a walk mode, allowing for greater ankle flexibility during ascents. You can go backcountry touring using regular ski boots and frame touring bindings. Yet, it is not recommended as the boot is typically heavier and stiffer, resulting in fatigue and sore shins.
Splitboarders should aim to rent or buy stiff snowboard boots.
Unsure which route to take?
Speak with a guide directly to begin your backcountry adventure.