Alpine Access is excited to be collaborating with Arc’teryx Australia/NZ in 2024 on the WINTER PROGRESSION SERIES: events to be offered through Winter in the NSW and Victorian Alps focusing on building backcountry skills. Whether a backcountry first-timer or an experienced tourer, there is a day or weekend for you to expand your skill set and gain new knowledge and experience.

BACKCOUNTRY NOVICE

BACKCOUNTRY INTRO DAY: If you’re new to the backcountry, join a group to learn the foundations of backcountry touring: Hotham 12th July / NSW 26th July / NSW 9th August. These days are scheduled on the Friday before an AST1 Course and are an ideal opportunity to build your confidence before doing an AST1.

Time will be spent at the trailhead before the tour discussing backcountry travel technique, equipment & clothing, route selection, trip planning and general snow safety protocols, and we’ll also get some fun runs in! We will assist you with organisation of equipment for the tour.
Prerequisites: Strong intermediate level skiing/boarding skills and moderate fitness required.

To book your spot, click here: Backcountry Intro

BACKCOUNTRY INTERMEDIATE

AST1 AVALANCHE SKILLS COURSE: Acquire skills and knowledge to apply during your future backcountry adventures! A two-day course where you learn trip and route-planning, how to identify and travel through avalanche terrain, snow stability tests and companion rescue. We also focus on touring technique and the particular hazards of the Australian backcountry. Course dates in NSW and VIC throughout the season.

For course dates and details, click these links: Avalanche Training NSW or Avalanche Training VIC

AFTER AST1: THE NEXT STEP: On a full day backcountry tour, we will show you how to put your AST1 skills and knowledge into action. The group will discuss the plan for the day using the available information and forecasts and implement safe travel and snowpack assessment techniques. Tips will be given on efficient touring technique including kickturns & transitions. Going further into the backcountry than the AST1, it will be a great day riding some good terrain! Days scheduled in NSW & VIC. Prerequisites: AST1, advanced skiing or snowboarding ability, good fitness.

For details and to book, click this link: After AST1: the Next Step

BACKCOUNTRY ADVANCED

Introduction to Ski Mountaineering/Alpinist Skills: Would you like to learn how to more safely access steeper, more technical terrain? Join a group on a day tour in the backcountry and learn skills such as:

what equipment to bring and how to use it
trip planning & preparation
knots & hitches for mountaineering
crampon, ice axe technique & self-arrest
belay techniques & rope systems
snow, ice & rock anchors

Prerequisites: Advanced level riding skills, moderate fitness & some backcountry experience required

Days scheduled in NSW in July & August 2024. For details and to make a booking click this link: ski mountaineering intro

Snow Camping Adventure 7-8 September 2024: Join a group for 2 days and 1 night on the NSW Main Range to experience snow camping! Our experienced guides will show you how to set up camp, manage your equipment & prepare food, as well as snowcraft and winter survival techniques. A camp base will be chosen from which the group can access some good terrain for backcountry riding. Prerequisites: Advanced level riding skills, moderate fitness & some backcountry experience required.

For more details and to make a booking, click this link: Snow Camping