Backcountry Bliss with Newcastle University Mountaineering Club

In mid-July, the University of Newcastle Mountaineering Club headed out for our intermediate back country skiing trip. This trip was made up of competent resort skiers who were yet to experience back country bliss. The weather was predicted to dump a whole bunch of snow on us and that began as we walked the switchbacks from Guthega Power Station as rain turned to snow.

Rebecca battling through the weather.

Our base was Whites River hut, our tents? Some brand new Mont Dragonflys. We set up camp and enjoyed the serenity of our surrounds.

Ezzie and Cooper setting up their tent in a moment of respite.

Over the next few days we spent our time equally between the hut, digging our tents out and skiing the faces around the hut. Unfortunately the weather didn't allow us to venture any further afield. Our second last day brought the best skiing (and the most digging!) with around 50cm of the white stuff - magical!

A Mont Dragonfly Tent (in there somewhere)

We were a little sad to be heading down just as the weather was predicted to turn good, but everyone had a great time and are keen to do it again (I just need to help them forget how tiring it is!).

Left to right: Peta, Cameron, Sophie, Declan, Cooper, Phoebe, Rebecca, David B, David S, Liam, Jarred, & Ezzie (photographer)

By David Schmidt - NUMC Ski Trip Leader