… snow, Snow, SNOOOOWWWW! Yes, the end of August is statistically the best time to venture out into the Australian backcountry and guess what we’re doing? Yep, hitting the sugar coated hills in the High Country for another time.

The outlook for the Australian climate drivers (ENSO, IOD and SAM) are all meh (= neutral) but that was also the case last year and we still got a 🔥 AF season.

Hopefully this year the good conditions allow a shorter drive and we can go into the Buller/Howitt area. Possibilities include:

1. The Bluff North Face
2. Mt Buller West Ridge
3. Mt Stirling SE Face.

The general schedule will be the same: Camping at the base of the mountain on Friday night >> walk, climb and play on Saturday, establish camp Saturday night >> more playtime and return to Melbourne on Sunday.

This trip is only suitable for advanced climbers which means you own an ice-axe or preferably ice-tools, some crampons and a climbing helmet and know how to use them. On top of that you have to be a VCC member and be known to the trip leaders. Adequate skill and fitness levels are also necessary. These are firm club requirements. We kindly ask everyone who signs up to commit 100% since places are extremely limited.

Trip Leaders: Matt Scattergood, Petey Mason and Philipp Hammes

Contact Philipp, the trip leader, to secure your place or to get more information about mountaineering in the VCC.