Hi guys,
I'm planning on summiting mount Kosciuszko around the 10th of August this year, maybe earlier and I wanted to know if anyone has done it in the winter,
And if so could anyone describe their experience and is it worth the extra effort to go in the winter time or best to wait until summer? And would anyone know if it would be possible to hike during early morning and reach the summit in time for sunrise?
I've looked up online and found a few blogs about peoples experience up the mountain but I wanted to ask questions to people that have done it first hand
Many thanks
Morgan
Mount Kosciuszko Winter Hike Early August
Chef Freeman on 09/03/2020 - 01:59
Comments
I was thinking of doing the main range track, I have experience from multiple hikes in the past ranging from 30k-60kms over 1-4 days, but nothing regarding snow, or anything of summiting sorts, I would consider camping had a look at Wilkinson's creek and maybe camp there the night before, before heading off to the summit the early next morning, in regards to gear I am good in terms of layers as I brought some stuff for my ski trip in Japan ( I know it's going to be much colder)
I did the loop walk first weekend of March several years back camping over night (not on the peak). Great trip however it was unusually cold for the time of the year. It was supposed to be a min of 12deg overnight. It got down to -8 and had extreme winds so didn't sleep much over the noise. Probably the coldest I've ever been as I wasn't prepared for temps to be so much lower than predicted.
If you're experienced then go for it, if not then probably better to do it in warmer temps. As for getting there for sunrise of course it's possible but it's directly related to how early you start.
Where abouts did you camp? I'm moderately experienced in hiking just not in winter and summiting I'm planning on hiking to Wilkinson's creek about 3km from the summit camping there for the night and then continuing early next morning, I will phone up the local office about my plan for opinions
I couldn't tell you exactly as I just stopped where needed and found a suitable spot. I am fairly certain I did spend one night near Wilkinson's Creek. Found a spot with large rocks on 3 sides and set the tent up in there hoping it'd provide some shelter from the wind. Not sure how effective it was.
I'm fairly experienced camping and bushwalking but it was my first time camping above the tree line and I made a bit of a mistake the first night. I set up camp and wanted to refill my water while it was still light so took my bottles and wandered off down to the creek. Filled them up, stood up and turned around to head back and realised I had no idea where I came from. There's no trail, no trees, just rocks and scrub and it all looks the same. I was used to recognising patterns of trees etc to navigate by and had a good sense of direction so was used to just wandering off and back without much thought.
My first instinct was I'd come from "that direction". Many people would've headed off in "that direction" and become even more lost but I knew enough to stand there for a few minutes and think it through and be sure. I had a good idea of how far I'd gone and I knew it was away from the creek and that I had walked down hill. Realised that my initial thought was about 45deg off. Once I had it clear in my head I walked straight back to camp no issue but it could've turned out very different. Didn't make that mistake again.
Sorry I can't help. I've never considered this, but now that I come across it, sounds like something I may enjoy. How long do you think it'd take for a novice (First time) climber with normal clothes/gear? Joggers and shorts kind of thing.
I can't find many pics of the view at the summit?
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/snowy-mountains/kosciu…
"Thredbo start, 13 km return; 4 to 5 hours
Charlotte Pass start, 18.6km return; 6 to 8 hours
Best time: After the snow melts; December through March"
not very long to do it overnight? was thinking about doing it over Easter. seems like a day hike?
If you just want to do the summit walk you can do it in a day. If you want to do the lakes loop or visit some of the huts etc then you'll need longer.
Climber? There's a steel grate walkway most of the way and the rest is a dirt path. The only climbing you'll be doing is climbing out of the car at the start and back in to it when you get back.
Thanks mate. I didn't have a clue haha
No worries. It might be our highest peak but it's accessible to almost anyone. It's just a walk. Decent distance but otherwise not difficult at all.
I just realised the entire Summit Walk is on Google Maps so you can do it virtually.
outside of winter, mountain bike out from Charlottes Pass, 8kms up the summit road fire trail (loose rock/gravel). Bit of an uphill each way from snowy bridge. Over an hour. Worst flies & sunburn in summer if not prepared.
I've done it. Tail end of winter.so in spring.
In fact, I'm planning on doing it this coming Easter holiday…
Which way are you thinking of coming from; Thredbo or Charlotte's pass? Former via chairlift is quicker than the latter.
Are you planning on camping? Do you have the appropriate gear?!Have you had backcountry experience? Weather is always a factor at that time on the main range!
This is mid season, so factor in snow levels at this time and you likely need either snowshoes or a Rondonee set up…
Guys/gals at Ski.com.au has loads of info…