Backcountry Taster

Everyone was content with yesterday’s skiing achievements so it was suggested to do a backcountry taster (for those who had never been on a backcountry trip) and refresher (for those who have) trip! The plan involved catching the Pleasant Valley lift then to ski off towards the black run double trouble, climb the Paralyser and finally ski down the spur ending up at the old flying fox bridge ont Farm Creek.

The group included first timers - Emily and Ian, plus rookies Tom, Al and myself plus the experts Rob and Andy. By 10.30am we were at the base of the climb and putting on our skins! After much fussing we were off, heading upwards. An hour later we arrived at the trig and to a 360 vista of the main range and surrounds in all its glory!

The trip down to the flying fox was not as enjoyable. If we headed too far right we would end up on the super steep slopes or in Farm Creek and too far left meant we’d end up in the dense snow gums emerging on the Illawong track which would result in putting skins on to negotiated the spur next to Farm Creek. It was a fine balance and we found ourselves more initially encountering the dense forest of snow gums which meant good controlled skiing (something I'm not great at) and so we detoured more right into a few section of clear and skiable snow! Getting the height into the flying fox was tricky and the final pinch was difficult (for me). The loop took about 3.5 hrs and was deemed a success. I think Ian has been converted and Emily enjoyed her first foray despite being not well.

 

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