Without a shadow of a doubt the last 18 months has been trying for our outdoor communities and society as a whole. The Covid-19 Pandemic has severely impacted life as we knew it. Perhaps a life that was taken for granted but never will be again. Lockdown, out of lockdown, back in lockdown and then out of lockdown. A revolving cycle of uncertainty has ensued, mixed with frustration and glimpses of hope. For those with a passion for outdoors, the best laid plans have been made, postponed, cancelled and then re-made to fit with the current health guidelines.

Winter in the Australian backcountry didn't escape the chaos and unpredictability of the virus.

National Park closures and five-kilometer exercise bubbles were in place for large portions of the season. From my kitchen window at Hotham, I look straight out to Mt Feathertop's East Face with Mt Bogong not far off to the North-East. For much of winter it was a case of look but don't touch.

Fortunately, come early September, restrictions eased for most of Regional Victoria, National Parks were open and access permitted. Together with Simon Murray from Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) and good friend and photographer Dylan Robinson we set out to explore the Roof of Victoria by visiting Mt Feathertop and the state's highest alpine peak Mt. Bogong.

Witnessing the stars glisten above the East Face by night as we recounted the days achievements was a dight to see. Waking to a stunning sunrise the following morning with the mountain beaming in the morning light above our tents helped build anticipation for the days adventure. As far as ski objectives go? Getting to ski the long sustained Diamantina Face with perfect snow all the way to camp was a highlight, as well as getting to ski the East Face as temperatures warmed on the second day.

To beat an incoming weather system a last minute change to our exit strategy was made. This also meant a footwear change which I failed to account for, meaning a blister inducing journey down Bungalow Spur in ski boots (I guess you can't win them all).

With low valley cloud comes contrast and the first night provided maybe the most spectacular sunset I've seen in the Aussie Alps. In a case of right place right time, we were fortunate to be on the summit of Victoria's highest peak to witness it. After being buffeted by wind and cloud that afternoon spirits were fading. That is, until I peered through the tent vestibule at about 5pm only to see the cloud ceiling drop to create the most perfect inversion right on golden hour. A photographer's dream, for the next hour we scrambled, skied, scrambled and skied again, trying our best to utilise the most pristine light. Sometimes it's the fleeting moments that make all the effort worthwhile. Bogong was all about those moments.

Sometimes it's just not meant to be and retreat is the only option. After being chased to Michell Hut on the second night to escape the wind, we awoke to borderline conditions on the third morning. Although scoring some solid skiing in Cairn Gully the day prior, we were hungry for more. Faced with two choices we could either head up for another windy, potentially foggy borderline day, or listen to the mountains and leave it for another day. The latter it would be.

This article featured in our 2022 Rhythm Magazine, explore more featured articles here!