Mt Tate - Guthega Trig
Just over the lake from Guthega the Mt Tate area is a great option for a daytrip into the backcountry. It’s just far enough away from the nearest resort to deter most, presents some very interesting terrain and holds great quality snow.The Guthega Dam forms part of the snowy mountains hydro electric scheme. Water is released from the lake regularly which means the water levels in the dam fluctuate throughout the ski season. The high water mark is clearly visible around the lake. The water in the lake is not stagnant like water in the natural alpine lakes so it doesn't freeze as solid as other lakes in the highcountry. As a result you can not cross the ice on Guthega Dam safely.
The easiest access to the area is via the Guthega Dam wall. If there's snow on the ground you can ski down the road below the Guthega Car Park and all the way across the dam wall. Once you've crossed the dam you have several options. To access the Tate East Ridge its best to cross the Guthega River just upstream of the northern extent of the lake. There is a small wooden footbridge across the Guthega River in this area but it's also possible to hop your way across. From here skin straight up the slope and you'll reach the Tate East Ridge. If you're heading to the Mt Tate summit skin a few hundred metres past the footbridge, cross the river and skin straight up the slope then head to the summit passing Gills Knobs on the way. If you're planning on skiing the slopes to the east of Mt Tate (known as the Guthega Trig) veer to the right and follow the ridgeline all the way to the top. It's also possible to follow the Guthega River all the way up the valley and then climb to either side to ski runs.
The general layout of the area is shown in the following photograph.
Looking north west to the Mt Tate area from Mt Perisher.
The skiing in the Mt Tate area is pretty self explanatory. It's easy to scope out the slopes from above or below.
As you can see from the photograph above Mt Tate is the highest point in the immediate area. It's eastern face offers around 300 vertical metres of skiing, which is the most on offer in this area . The upper slopes feature large rocky outcrops which provide interesting rolls, bowls and mini chutes. There are some gums lower down but the slopes are mostly treeless. Early in the season Mt Tate and the slopes immediaitely east of it are your best bet at finding a skiable cover in this area.
The east face of Mt Tate. The summit of Mt Tate is obscured by the cloud. Note that this photograph was taken in 2006 - the cover is usually much deeper than this in most seasons.
The Tate East Ridge actually heads to the south from the summit. As you head south the terrain up high remains similar but the tree line kicks in a bit higher and the trees are generally more dense. In a good year you can ski any line on the eastern facing slopes. In below average years the skiing on the eastern facing slopes may be limited to the gullies that are most protected from the sun. If there's enough snow to ski down to the valley floor most of the lines off the east side of Mt Tate and the Tate East Ridge offer a similar amount of vertical.
The east face of Tate East Ridge. Mt Tate is located out of shot right. The Guthega River is located at the base of the valley in the foreground. Note that this photograph was taken in 2006 - the cover is usually much deeper than this in most seasons.
Skier on the treeless upper slopes of the Mt Tate east face.
Skier heading down the east face of Mt Tate toward the Guthega River.
Lines down the upper slopes around Gills Knobs (on Tate East Ridge).
The slopes on the western side of the Tate East Ridge provide around 200 vertical metres of intermediate skiing. The slopes have a consistent pitch and feature scattered snow gums in parts.
The western side of the Tate East Ridge. Mt Tate is in the top left of this photo and Gills Knobs are the prominent rocky outcrops top middle of the photograph.
The western facing slopes to the east of Mt Tate provide some excellent tree skiing and hold some really great snow after a dump. This ridge has no official name but i've heard it referred to as Guthega Trig. There are no distinguishing features on this slope. The whole lot is sparsely covered by snow gums which add interest to the runs available, and provide shelter in poor weather. Like the Tate East Ridge the vegetation is more dense further to the south (ie. closer to Guthega). The slopes closer to Guthega are a little steeper but do not offer as much vertical.
If you’re headed up the valley to Mt Tate the Guthega trig isn’t a bad way to head. It’s a consistent gentle climb to the top from the Guthega Dam. Once at the top you can get a nice tree run in through the trees before skinning to the top of Mt Tate.
The slopes to the east of Mt Tate (off Guthega Trig) provide some mellow tree skiing in fluffy snow.
Tracks down the slopes to the east of Mt Tate (off Guthega Trig).
Andrei gets amongst some fresh stuff on the slopes to the east of Mt Tate.
The slopes to the west of Mt Tate are fairly rugged and exposed. In addition these slopes are a bit more sheltered than similar aspects further south along the main range and as a result the vegetation is thicker much higher up. I've only observed them from near the summit. Whilst there's likely to be some good skiing available in the right conditions the slopes discussed above are probably your best chance of getting amongst some pow.
The slopes on the eastern side of the Guthega Trig can offer some good skiing in the right conditions but these slopes typically hold much less snow than similar aspects on Mt Tate. Oragraphic effects see more precipitation fall on the western side of the mountains. In addition the area to the west of Mt Tate has a much greater potential to generate wind blown snow that the well treed slopes on the windward side of the Guthega Trig. If conditions are good the terrain east of the Guthega Trig offers steepish terrain with plenty of vertical and nicely spaced gums.