Mt Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko may be the highest point in Australia but it doesn't offer great skiing. The terrain isn’t all that exciting and its exposed positioning generally results in hard packed conditions in all but a few areas.The most noticeable feature of Mt Kosciuszko in winter is a huge cornice that forms at the top of the south east facing slopes, above Lake Cootapatamba. Unless you’re into 30m free falls hucking the cornice mid winter probably isn’t the smartest idea. In any case the underlying slope, whilst very steep, only offers around 100 vertical metres of skiing. In late spring the cornice becomes a lot more skier friendly and the short steep lines below it can be skied much safer.
Mt Kosciuszko viewed from North Ramshead. A large cornice is present along the top of the south east facing slopes due to the prevailing westerly winds.
With the exception of the slopes beneath the cornice the western face of Mt Kosciuszko offers the steepest skiing. The western face of Mt Kosciuszko is fully exposed to the prevailing westerly and the afternoon sun, which can lead to some interesting effects on the snow over. The western face is also covered in large jagged bits of granite. These points aside the skiing can be very rewarding in the right conditions. The cover on this side of the mountain doesn't last long once things heat up.
The western side of Mt Kosciuszko viewed from Mt Townsend. The slopes on the western side are a nice grade but are very rocky and exposed to the worst of the weather. This photograph was taken in early October 2001.
For a long cruisey run point your skis south and tram line it to the southern face, some 1200m from the summit. The southern face presents a long gentle cruiser down to Cootapatambu Hut. A small lip to skiers right promotes snow deposition in this area and it can be skiable after as little as 20cm of snow has fallen at the ski resorts. A good place to head if your desperate to ski after that first significant fall for the year. The aspect of this slope also means that it holds snow well into late spring/early summer.
The southern slopes of Mt Kosciuszko viewed from South Ramshead. After scooting over 1km south from the summit (making sure to stay skiers right of the cornice) skiers can enjoy the south face all the way down to Cootapatamba Hut. The cornice that forms behind the rocky ridgeline provides a nicely protected run down the south face and the chance of getting some freshies.
Some fresh early season tele turns down the south face of Mt Kosciuszko.
The slopes that head east from the summit and the north spur present skiers with cruisy runs into Rawson Creek. These slopes catch the morning sun and corn up nicely during spring.
The north east facing slopes of Mt Kosciuszko slope gently into Rawson Creek. They are reltively protected from the wind so they can hold fresh snow and also corn up nicely in spring.
Looking down the north east facing slopes of Mt Kosciuszko from near the summit. The lee slopes of Mt Kosciuszko can hold skiable snow after any fall of 20cm or more. This photograph was taken on 26 May 2002.
Repeat skiing any of the runs off Mt Kosciuszko is pretty straight forward. Only the cornice above the south east face prevents skiers from returning to the summit for another run.
Closest access to Mt Kosciuszko is the top of Thredbo. The next best access points are from Dead Horse Gap and Charlotte Pass.