Victoria's most spectacular peak - learn the skills required to climb to her summit in winter.
Expedition Snapshot
Location:
Activity:
Duration:
Main lodging:
Difficulty:
Comfort level:
Alpine National Park
Winter climb
2 days, 2 nights
Tented camp on snow
Advanced
'Expedition camping'
Expedition Overview
Mount Feathertop is the most spectacular winter peak in Victoria and arguably in Australia. It's long, sharp ridgeline running north to south, creates steep faces to the east and west - the perfect structure to capture weather systems. Large snowfalls over winter and prevailing westerlies create an accumulation of snow in the form of large cornices along its summit ridges, giving them a feather-like shape - hence the name!
This expedition is designed to introduce you to the basic alpine travel stills required to safely climb to the summit during winter. We'll learn how to walk in crampons, how to hold and use an ice axe as well as arrest a fall, should it occur.
If you're a fit, keen hiker and always wanted to try your hand at a steep snow-covered peak and learn the necessary skills along the way - this trip is for you!
Expedition Details
Itinerary
Who is this expedition for?
Inclusions
- Experienced and qualified guides
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Group safety equipment such as first aid kit and satellite phone
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All catering while on expedition
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2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
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Group equipment including stoves - BYO personal cutlery and crockery
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Use of 2-3 person tents - depending on the current COVID-19 situation single tents may be required
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Hire of crampons, ice axe and climbing helmet
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Twin share ‘3 star’ accommodation for the first night
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Transport to and from the trail -
All permit and camping fees
Exclusions
- Personal clothing and equipment (including pack, sleeping bag and mattress)
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Any meals, drinks and other purchases in towns
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Personal medical and evacuation/ambulance insurance
Route Description
Day 1
Equipment list
This is a list of personal clothing and equipment that you will be required to bring for this expedition. If there is anything you don't have we can assist with either hire equipment or a discount code for our online store. Please enquire!
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Sturdy/stiff waterproof hiking or mountaineering boots -
2 pairs of hiking socks -
1 Pair of light shoes/sandals/slippers or hut booties for night time (optional) -
Gaiters - recommended -
Crampons, ice axe and climbing helmet - Supplied!
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1 x shirt and pants for trekking -
1 x light to mid thermal top and bottoms for day use -
1 x mid to heavy thermal top and bottoms for evenings and sleeping -
Mid to heavy weight fleece or merino top or light synthetic fill layer -
Large down or synthetic fill over jacket -
Waterproof and windproof rain jacket and pants (must be full waterproof and breathable min 20,000mm ie not ski jacket) -
2 pairs of underwear
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Warm beanie or balaclava -
Neck warmer -
Dark sun glasses (sun on snow can be very bright!) - must be UV rated and ideally polarised -
Sun glasses strap - too many pairs of sunglasses have been donated to the mountain gods to not recommend these strongly! -
Snow/ski goggles -
Light glove liners -
Warm and waterproof over gloves - good quality ski gloves will suffice
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Sleeping bag comfort limit rated to at least -8, recommended -10 or below. -
Sleeping bag liner (recommend thermal liner if you have a lighter sleeping bag) -
Inflatable sleeping mattress (ideally R-value 5 or above) -
Close cell foam mattress for additional insulation - can be supplied on request
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Personal toiletries
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Toothbrush/paste
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small facecloth or wet wipes (optional)
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Feminine hygiene (if required)
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Sun screen (recomend UPF 50+) or zinc
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Lip Balm
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Personal Medications
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Pain killers (whatever works for you)
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Anti-inflammatories
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Throat lozenges
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Small personal first aid kit
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Small hand sanitiser
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Toilet paper
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Hiking pack - 45-60L -
2 x water storage containers - either 2 x Nalgene bottle (or similar) or 1 bottle and 1 bladder. Bottle must be able to take hot water -
Personal plate, bowl, knife/fork/spoon set -
Hiking poles (can be supplied with snow shoes on request) -
A few small accessory carabiners (to clip drink bottles etc) -
Head Torch with 2 sets of batteries -
Water proofing system for your pack - dry bags, large heavy duty garbage bags (bring a few spares!) and pack cover -
Camera! (optional) -
1 x awesome attitude (this cannot be hired, must be brought from home)
Get in touch! We're here to help.
Come and visit us in the Grampians any time! Or get in touch however you like via the contact us page.