Kosciuszko NP: Hiking and (maybe) Snowshoe Day Trips (various)

The road to Charlotte Pass is currently open, and the Kosciuszko chairlift from Thredbo is also operating till Monday 12 October. This presents a good opportunity for hiking and (maybe) snowshoeing, basing ourselves at the CAC lodge at Lake Jindabyne. Possible destinations include Club Lake, Blue Lake, Hedley Tarn and Mt Kosciuszko, depending on weather and snow. In poor alpine weather we’ll hike lower routes, such as the Thredbo River or Wragges Creek.

The trip suits experienced hikers who are new to snowshoeing—if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Good fitness and suitable gear for alpine weather are essential. We’ll be travelling above 1,700 m, which may affect those unused to higher altitudes.

Discounted lodge accommodation is available, with preference given to those staying all three nights. Payment is required to confirm a place. Cancellations over a month beforehand receive a refund less a small admin fee; in other cases, refunds will be tapered.

We’ll drive to Jindabyne Friday morning, do a local activity that afternoon, and head out again Saturday and Sunday, with an optional Monday morning hike. The aim is to return to Canberra by dinner time.

Snowshoes and gear can be hired from Rhythm Cooma or Wilderness Sports Jindabyne. The current snow season has been very poor and it is currently a 4km hike to reach any snow (26/9). Those who own snowshoes should bring them; the leader will decide closer to the trip whether others need to hire them.