Cross country skiing and snow camping in the alps
Some of Australia's most spectacular cross-country skiing and snow camping opportunities can be enjoyed in the Australian Alps national parks. Information about organised cross country skiing adventures can be found at the National Park and region visitor centres. If planning your own trip be mindful of protecting the fragile alpine environment and your own safety.
No matter what kind of activities you enjoy in the Alps, you can minimise the impacts you have on the environment and other visitors by following some simple rules.
Challenge yourself to leave as little trace of your visit as possible. Care for the Alps now - so they'll be just as wonderful in the future.
Planning your ski tour
- Keep your party small - Large parties (more than eight) have more environmental impact, affect the experience of others and are harder to manage.
- Sunlight in the mountains burns even on cold and cloudy days - Protect your skin and eyes. Always wear a peaked cap, good sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Be able to read weather charts - Plan your trip with the forecast in mind. Also plan for delays so you are not forced to travel in white-out and blizzard conditions. Carry several extra days' food.
- Let someone know before you go ski touring - Tell them about your party, your route, when you plan to return and the equipment the party is carrying. Remember to contact then when you get back.
Choosing a camp site
Fortunately a blanket of snow is excellent for protecting both alpine vegetation and alpine soils from the impacts usually associated with camping. This protective layer of snow means you can camp almost anywhere and if you follow some simple rules - leave no long-lasting signs of your visit.
- Choose a camp site well away from regular ski trails and outside alpine resorts. This will ensure security for your camping equipment and have the least impact on other skiers.
- Ensure your site is well protected from prevailing winds and likely storms. Be especially careful of slopes which are prone to avalanches.
- Camp within easy skiing distance of a toilet if possible so that wastes can properly disposed of.
- When you have finished at your camp site, demolish any snow walls or shelters you have built, fill in areas when you have ‘quarried' snow blocks, remove rubbish and minimise other signs of your visit.
Cooking, heat and fire
- Always carry a fuel stove when snow camping - If you carry warm clothes and use a fuel stove, fires will not be needed for warmth or cooking. Compared with fires, fuel stoves are faster, cleaner and a lot easier to use in winter.
- Fires are only permitted in huts where pot-belly stoves or fireplaces are provided - A fire built on the snow or a log raft will burn down and damage sensitive alpine vegetation. Such fires are illegal in the Alps national parks.
- Minimise the use of fires in huts in winter - Stored supplies of firewood may be needed by other groups in an emergency. It is also difficult to replace firewood in winter.
- Cooking outside in winter can be a highly enjoyable and social activity - Use a snow-shovel to construct a kitchen area near the tent site. Dig a trench for your feet and build a wall of snow blocks to deflect any cold winds. Sit on insulating mats for comfort and warmth. Combining meals is a friendly activity and saves fuel.
- Remember to dismantle snow walls - fill in your kitchen area prior to moving camp.
- Stoves should not be used in tents - due to the danger of the tent catching fire, hot liquids and food spilling, carbon monoxide poisoning and the depletion of oxygen in confined spaces.