NSW Backcountry
As I mentioned on the home page, I’m along way from having skied all the lines on the Main Range. Actually I’d doubt anyone has skied everything on offer out there. However, I have skied at least one line in most of the main areas discussed, and I’ve spent way to much time peering at the possibilities in the 1000’s of photos I’ve accumulated along the way. Most of the commentary provided is based on my first hand experience or observations of other skiers that i've observed on my travels.
Many of the areas I discuss have been written about before. In order to maintain consistent naming protocols amongst backcountry enthusiasts I’ve adopted many of the named used by Alan Andrews in his book "Skiing the Western Faces". Where there are no recognised names I use general terms to describe the areas.
As stated on the 'Introduction to the Backcountry' page snow conditions in the backcountry are far from perfect most of the time. In the treeless exposed on the Main Range the snow gets tortured by the wind. Most snow events in Australia are accompanied by strong winds so even after a dump the snow in most of the higher areas will still be quite firm. Drainage gullies typically provide your best chance of finding the soft stuff and many of the named ski runs on the Main Range follow these. If conditions are fine and warm all sun exposed slopes tend to soften and on days like this anything with cover should be great fun. Following and understanding the weather is really important if you want to get the most out of your backcountry ski trips.
The links below will take you to the more popular skiing regions in the NSW backcountry:
The Sentinel and It's Ridgeline
Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak
Leatherbarrel Creek / South Ramshead
The Paralyser / Perisher Backside
Coming Soon........
Mt Northcote, Mt Lee and Mt Clarke
The Abbots / Byatts Camp
Etheridge Range
Mt Andersen
Charlotte Pass Area