Early Father's Day Present

With no friends to drag out on a back country adventure, Andy signed up for a tour with the newly founded Snowy Mountains Backcountry. It turned out to be a very small group - just one other participant - Steve and guide Amy!

The weather as it had been for the majority of the week was glorious - still and sunny. After a quick briefing and gear check, the group began the tour climbing part way up the Paralyser. From there with skins stashed back in their packs, it was a beautiful ski through the snow gums to Illawong and the suspension bridge.

 

The photos of this bridge in the snow always amaze me. In summer we climb a ladder of at least 10 steps up to the bridge where as in winter, these steps are completely covered and one can almost ski straight on!

Crossing over the Snowy River, the skins were back on the skis ready for the long ascent up Mt Twynam. The trek up to the trig takes a few hours of hard work but one is rewarded with sensational views of the main range.

From the trig, the group skied down into Pound Creek before climbing again up towards Mt Anderson. The icy conditions tested them and proved to be too tough to conquer (this time!) preventing the group from reaching the top. Instead skins came off once again for another enjoyable ski into Pound Creek.

Climbing Mt Tate east ridge, Andy and co then skied down into Guthega Creek before returning back to the lodge. Andy was most pleased with his early Father's Day present...certainly will be one to remember!

Meanwhile the girls and I entertained ourselves on the slopes around Guthega before returning to enjoy our last afternoon play in the snow! They excelled themselves this time constructing a tunnel toboggan run!!