7 September to 8 September - Snowshoeing weekend Base Camp

WALK LEADER: Jo Thorpe

MEET: 9:30 am Ski Tube Centre, Perisher Valley (inside near ticket office)  

ROUTE: Route highly dependent on weather but Porcupine Rocks, Mt Piper, Smiggins 4km trail or Pipers Creek all on the agenda, depending on wind direction. 4-6km…..maybe 8km if it’s a blue sky day and everyone’s happy

GRADE: Easy (no significant ascents/descents but if you’re new to snow, it maybe a little more challenging)

PLEASE EMAIL jo.thorpe@fnfc.com.au or text 0427 656878 with your phone number if you’re coming so we can carpool and in case you’re delayed getting to Perisher Blue or if there is a last-minute change of start point.

WHAT TO BRING (Apologies for the Scout Leader in me!):

• Snowshoes (see program for hire options)
• Hiking boots
• Gaiters
• Thermals
• Walking pants
• Waterproof overpants
• 2 extra upper layers (ie. 3 layers in total. I wear a fleece and then have a down jacket in my pack)
• Waterproof jacket
• Neckwarmer
• Beanie
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Light gloves
• Waterproof gloves
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Snacks, lunch, thermos &/or stove
• Basic safety gear e.g. matches, head torch, repair kit, 1st aid kit
• Insulated sitting mat (foldable chairs sink into the snow and then all you’ve got between your bum and the snow is a thin seat…..brrrrrrrr!)

N.B. I have some spare goggles, neckwarmers and gloves if you need them.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS:

• Drive to Perisher (you’ll need chains if you don’t have a 4WD or AWD). Day use fee is $29 per car so carpooling is a good idea OR
• Ski Tube from Bullock’s flat ($40-$50 – less if you book early or are over 65 years).  This is a REALLY EASY OPTION and isn’t impacted by adverse road conditions and stupid drivers!

DON’T FORGET POT LUCK DINNER SATURDAY NIGHT (Sept 7) at Jo’s house from 5pm. 10 Ramshead Trail, Crackenback Resort (turn into resort from Alpine Way, go past Alpine Larder on right, take 1stleft after kid’s playground and then park. Walk up hill for about 50-100m, turn right into Ramshead Trail and look for house with my black Nissan Juke and cycling garden gnome on the front porch!)