Join Alex and Lachie on an 2 day Blue Lake ice climbing & mountaineering trip in the Snowy Mountains backcountry.
Trip is suitable for people with rock climbing experience and snow experience. This is NOT a beginner trip.
Blue Lake is Australia’s best ice climbing area. But don’t let his fool you. Pitches are small, with the biggest single unbroken vertical pitch being approx. 10m.
Ice conditions are often marginal and weather can be a mixed bag. We have no idea what it will be like at end of August… this snow season is, so far, one of the worst on record. But the good thing is that our ice is formed through a freeze thaw cycle… so warm day temps and freezing cold nights is actually not that bad.
Participants must be self sufficient for snow camping as our camping location will likely be Pounds Creek Flat but this may change depending on conditions.
You are required to source your own technical climbing equipment (some gear available to rent from UNSWOC) – though some gear, like ice tools and rope can be shared. Make sure to review the Gear List because you will need to be able to source the stuff detailed on the list.
You also need to be fit and strong. Hauling 20kg to 30kg of camping + ice climbing gear 7km across snow is not easy and most of the route is up hill!
Trip is strictly limited to 6 people including trip leaders.
You must be willing and able to leave Sydney on Friday at approximately 3pm.
In the application please provide any experience you think is relevant and your level of fitness.
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