Spring Skiing

Spring is here and it is the perfect time to venture off piste and experience something a little bit different. Skiing, boarding or even snow shoeing in the Australian Alpine region is a surreal experience. Whether you enjoy the Aussie snow gums and wildlife or just craving that untouched snow to make your own tracks, the Australian backcountry is ideal.

Leaving the resorts for the first time can be daunting but if it is anything like the first time I did it, it’s well worth doing. Once I saw a swell of snow, which looked like a sculpture of an ocean wave crashing in, I regretted waiting so long to get out there! And it is safe to say I’m hooked.

So how do you get started? If you have never done it before, make sure you speak to the right people to get you started. At Rhythm Snow Sports we have the equipment you’ll need as well as the knowledge and experience to give you the correct advice. Our backcountry department is full of people who are truly passionate about all things back/side/cross country. Come in with the idea of what you want to do and you’ll leave with a plan. We have everything telemark skiing, alpine touring, skating, classic or splitboarding to hire or buy, all of which need different skis or board, bindings and boots. You will probably have a lot of questions which is fine, ask away! At Perisher there is a Nordiac Shelter just near the ambulance station opposite front valley, it is a hub for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Ran by volunteers the shelter is a base for anyone heading out, experienced or novice. The shelter is filled with Cross Country enthusiasts who are more than happy to give you a hand or a few tips. From the Nordiac Shelter there are trials that are groomed every morning, they are really amazing trials that are clearly marked with directions and distances. My first day I did the trials and went off through the trees too, with 10kms under my belt it was a perfect day that left me surprised and impressed on how easy it was to try. Once you have had a taste of the untouched snow then there are endless amounts of spots to try out your new skills. I will reiterate that safety in the backcountry should be your first priority. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time exploring, it just means remember the basic rules of any trip, tell someone who cares where you’ll be and when you’ll be back. The best thing is you can never be too you or old to give it a try, if you are after something a little more gentle, grab some snowshoes and go for a walk through the trees, but if you're craving adventure look into going camping, making your own trials and exploring the area, you will earn every turn as they say, climbing up and skiing down. Over the next few weeks Rhythm Snow Sports will be giving you all the information you need on going back country. Explaining what, where, who, why and how. Any questions please feel free to email through to us at media@rhythm.net.au we will do our best to answer any backcountry cross country or other questions. Get out there while the snow is good and the sun is shining.