July 5, 2017, Kosciuszko National Park
7/5/17
2085
2
All right, all right. So technically this report doesn't belong in 'backcountry trip reports' because we never quite made it to the backcountry. But we were thinking about it. Until we saw the forecast of 50 kph winds. And we arrived at the backcountry gate soaking wet.
The summit of Kosciuszko (highest point in Australia) is just 300 vertical meters above the highest chairlift. (That's 1000' stateside.) But it's a 13 km round-trip haul. Despite being well-equipped with our $15 Aldi ski goggles (the equivalent of ~$10 USD, since that $15 included tax), we instead headed to the highest restaurant in Australia for hot chocolate and a belgian waffle.
Despite having little snow (there was zero snow next to the parking lot), thanks to aggressive snow-making the skiing was OK enough that we made numerous laps.
One of the adventures of the day - traveling from the 'Friday Flats' base to the base of the Kosciuszko Express - involved downloading on a chairlift. (See photo.) It's a bit of a challenge because:
1) You don't have skis on, so you can't slide while getting on the chair
2) You have skis under your arm and a backpack on your lap, which makes it impossible to attach the chain which is supposed to be your safety restraint.
3) Because you can't attach that chain, the thought of falling off enters your mind more than you'd like, especially going down the steep section. (I opted to not look down.)
photos
Fortunately, the lifties are a big help - they pull down the back of the chair, which makes it much easier to get on and off.
We stayed at the resort for over 4 hours, but left before closing so we could continue on with other Aussie adventures. (We managed to see a platypus!)
The summit of Kosciuszko (highest point in Australia) is just 300 vertical meters above the highest chairlift. (That's 1000' stateside.) But it's a 13 km round-trip haul. Despite being well-equipped with our $15 Aldi ski goggles (the equivalent of ~$10 USD, since that $15 included tax), we instead headed to the highest restaurant in Australia for hot chocolate and a belgian waffle.
Despite having little snow (there was zero snow next to the parking lot), thanks to aggressive snow-making the skiing was OK enough that we made numerous laps.
One of the adventures of the day - traveling from the 'Friday Flats' base to the base of the Kosciuszko Express - involved downloading on a chairlift. (See photo.) It's a bit of a challenge because:
1) You don't have skis on, so you can't slide while getting on the chair
2) You have skis under your arm and a backpack on your lap, which makes it impossible to attach the chain which is supposed to be your safety restraint.
3) Because you can't attach that chain, the thought of falling off enters your mind more than you'd like, especially going down the steep section. (I opted to not look down.)
photos
Fortunately, the lifties are a big help - they pull down the back of the chair, which makes it much easier to get on and off.
We stayed at the resort for over 4 hours, but left before closing so we could continue on with other Aussie adventures. (We managed to see a platypus!)
Just curious did you get a Mountain Collective pass and are you headed to NZ?
Good call on the restaurant.
Jill and I have had a similar "experience" with a large pack and holding the skis in your hands as we got into the chair. Jill never looked down. You learn the placement of your feet as you attempt to get off the chair at the end of the chair "ride". ;)
You can have a similar "experience" at Timberline ski area as you ride the Magic Mile lift. But it is a 4 seat express that slows at the beginning and end of the ride.
You are probably heading to NZ after Australia. I hope. ;)
Jill and I have had a similar "experience" with a large pack and holding the skis in your hands as we got into the chair. Jill never looked down. You learn the placement of your feet as you attempt to get off the chair at the end of the chair "ride". ;)
You can have a similar "experience" at Timberline ski area as you ride the Magic Mile lift. But it is a 4 seat express that slows at the beginning and end of the ride.
You are probably heading to NZ after Australia. I hope. ;)
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