Snowy Mountains Backcountry Tours & Courses.
Explore the Main Range and get away from the crowds with K7's custom Ski Touring and Splitboarding tours. Starting at Thredbo's K7 Basecamp or running out of Guthega, our experienced guides ensure a blend of safety and adventure. Tailored to your group's abilities and the snow conditions, this is an immersive experience for those seeking the true essence of the Australian Alps. Intermediate or advanced skiing level required. Enquire today for a unique snow experience!
Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Backcountry Courses
Introduction to Backcountry
FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY TOUR [THREDBO/GUTHEGA]
Our Introduction to Backcountry course is perfect for those new to Alpine touring or Splitboarding. It will familiarize you with the fundamental skills and equipment needed for safe travel, ensuring you gain the confidence to explore the backcountry.
Main Range Explorer
FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TOUR [THREDBO/GUTHEGA]
Expand upon the fundamentals and travel further with the Main Range Explorer. K7 will introduce you to some of Australia's best terrain while teaching more advanced backcountry skill sets.
Introduction to Ski / Splitboard Mountaineering
FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TOUR [GUTHEGA]
Are your sights set on riding steeper backcountry lines in Australia or even abroad? This short course will prepare you with the advanced techniques to ascend, descend and transition safely in steeper terrain.
Backcountry Tours
Summit and Ski Mt.Kosciuszko
FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY TOUR [THREDBO]
Join us on a Winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko and ride its epic South and or North-East Face. This experience can also be linked up with lunch in an Alpine Hut. An ideal tour for those wanting an introductory backcountry adventure.
Blue Lake Circuit
FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TOUR [GUTHEGA]
Summit Mt Twynam and ski a lap around Blue Lake, Australia’s largest frozen lake. This is one of the most visually stunning areas in the Kosciuszko National Park. A Medium to high degree of fitness is required.
The Western Faces
XL-FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TOUR [GUTHEGA]
Experience the longest, steepest, and most breathtaking ski runs on the Main Range. Prior backcountry experience and a high degree of fitness are required. This will be an eye-opening experience and leave you hungry for more.
Custom Multi-Day Experiences
Immerse yourself and progress in the backcountry with our customisable multi-day tours. Perfect for adventurers seeking deeper experiences, these 2-3 day guided trips in the Kosciuszko National Park are tailored to your preferences and skill level. Explore our options using the buttons below to learn more about the value, options, and unique aspects of our multi-day backcountry tours.
Multi-Day: Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Backcountry Courses
Backcountry Progression Sessions
3 FULL-DAY BACKCOUNTRY TOURS [THREDBO/GUTHEGA]
Are you a local or seasonal worker looking to progress in the backcountry this season? This one is for you. Rally a group of mates and pick your dates, objectives, and goals.
Backcountry Progression Sessions [BPS] are an educational and empowering series of tours, designed to equip attendees with the skills and confidence needed for planning and enjoying their own backcountry adventures.
You’ll get your guide for 3 full days from sunrise to sunset to help you progress. Invest in yourself and grow your skills in Australia so you have more confidence for future seasons.
Our experienced guides will cover concepts like developing a mountain mindset and basic practical skills like ski touring set-up, navigation and tools like ice axes and crampons. Participants are encouraged to push their comfort zones and learn the ropes while staying safe.
Backcountry Tours
Backcountry Immersion Tours
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE BACKCOUNTRY PACKAGE
Elevate your mountain adventures with our premium Backcountry Immersion Tour. We'll select the optimal three days from your Holiday or throughout the season, focusing on refining your abilities and accomplishing personalized goals. All of this will be under the expert care of a dedicated K7 guide, who will cater to you from the first light of dawn until dusk, ensuring a fully immersive and enriching backcountry holiday.
Throughout the experience, enjoy shuttle service, gourmet lunches, snacks, and quality coffee, all catered to your group’s requirements.
For this all-inclusive tour, you’ll be equipped with K7 Adventures backpacks and a 40% off Arc’teryx code. We can also coordinate activities like yoga, ice baths and infared sauna sessions for your rest days.
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.
Do you have a specific question or trip in mind? Booking for a group of 7 or more? Use the form below to send as a custom enquiry.