Mt Twynam

With the only blue sky day forecast for our week, we decided today to have a back country ski trip - our destination to the trig at Mt Twynam. The group included all the adults with Eoin replaced by Mia. Eventually the group got going by 9am with the trip expected to take around 5 -6 hrs.

 

 

 

We skied down into Farm Creek, taking off our skis to cross over the bridge. Opting to not to put skis on we walked up the steep incline on the other side before a long traverse through the snowgums trying not to loose too much height. It was tough going and not particularly enjoyable. 

Eventually we emerged from the snow gums  and put on the skins for the first time in order to walk up towards Illawong and the suspension bridge over the Snowy River. Under blue bird skies and vast expanses of snow-covered rolling hills, the scenery was just gorgeous and we were all so happy to have the opportunity to experience such a glorious place!

 

 

 

The skis came off to cross one at a time over the suspension bridge. In summer, crossing this bridge usually involves climbing up/down quite a few steps however during winter, the snow covers most of these steps. The Snowy river below twinkled in the sunshine.

  

 

On the other side, the skis went back on and the climb began. From the Snowy it is a 550+m vertical climb to the top Mt Twynam and roughly 3km in distance. We passed a few skiers and several snowshoe groups plus a tent on the mountain all heading in different directions. Halfway up we stopped for morning tea.

 

Closer to the top the windier it became. Our trail led us over an icy rocky outcrop before coming through a saddle above Blue Lake then up a steep spur to the left before traversing the plateau to the trig. 

 

 

 

 

Covered in wind blown ice, the trig was an interesting sight to see. Not wanting to get too cold, we took various snaps of the said trig, the 360° vista and each other before commencing the descent. The ski back to the Snowy was fun but way too quick! From there it was an easier traverse with skins on through the snow gums reaching Farm Creek with a straightline ascent to the lodge. Stats for the day - 14.5km total distance with 800m climb taking us 5h50mins. We all agreed it was an excellent day out in perfect conditions.