Mt Feathertop winter panorama.jpeg

Razorback Snowshoe

Walk the iconic Razorback Trail from Mt Hotham to Mt Feathertop - in winter - and camp overnight in the snow!
Expedition Snapshot

 

Location:
Activity:
Duration:
Main lodging:
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Alpine National Park
Snowshoe
2 days, 2 nights
Tented camp on snow
Intermediate
'Expedition camping'
Expedition Overview

 

The Razorback is one of Victoria's most iconic ridgelines. It is a 10km long high elevation ridge that links Mount Hotham with the spectacularly isolated Mount Feathertop. In summer, its a stunning walk that provides 360-degree views for most of the day. In winter, the undertaking is completely different.

 

This journey is for those who are comfortable hiking and seeking the additional challenge, experience and rewards of the winter environment. We will don snowshoes and walk the 10km length of the Razorback over the course of a whole day, enjoy a stunning alpine sunrise and descend back into town for lunch.  All the while being supported, guided and enjoying some of the local spoils of the area.

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The perfect first overnight snow hike with a balance of adventure, comfort, food and produce.

Expedition Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Harrietville. Team dinner and a briefing - Accom in hotel Day 2: Transfer to Diamantina Hut, snowshoe for approximately 11kms over the Razorback. Arrive at Federation Hut mid to late afternoon and establish camp. (B, L, D) Day 3: Pre-dawn (weather dependent), climb of Little Feathertop for sunrise. Back to camp for breakfast, rest, then head 9kms down Bungalow Spur. (B)



Who is this expedition for?

Hikers with a little experience, looking to challenge themselves with winter conditions and be introduced to hiking in the snow. While this is a fairly accessible trip, a moderate level of fitness is required to walk on snow for a long day. Who is this expedition NOT for? If you have no hiking experience, you may be best suited to trying our range of summer walks first. If you need to guarantee warmth and comfort at the end of a long day - this trip might not be for you.



Inclusions

  • Experienced and qualified guides
  • Group safety equipment such as first aid kit and satellite phone
  • All catering while on expedition
  • 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Group equipment including stoves - BYO personal cutlery and crockery
  • Use of 2-3 person tents - depending on the current COVID-19 situation single tents may be required
  • Hire of Snowshoes and trekking poles
  • Twin share ‘3 star’ accommodation for the first night
  • Transport to and from the trail
  • All permit and camping fees



Exclusions

  • Personal clothing and equipment (including pack, sleeping bag and mattress)
  • Any meals, drinks and other purchases in towns
  • Personal medical and evacuation/ambulance insurance



Route Description

Day 1 We'll meet in Harrietville, ideally by 7 pm for a team dinner, but you're free to arrive at any time. Enjoy a team dinner at the pub and a briefing for tomorrow's hike. Day 2 10 kms - ⬆251m - ⬇275m An early start. After breakfast, we'll be driven up to Diamantina Hut to start our hike along the Razorback. Straping on our snowshoes to traverse the Razorback Ridge for approximately 11kms over the undulating ridge, stopping for lunch along the way, to savour the views. We'll make it to Federation Hut to establish camp mid to late afternoon. Day 3 9 kms - ⬆0m - ⬇1124m From Federation Hut, pre-dawn (weather dependent), we'll climb the nearby peak of Little Feathertop for an amazing sunrise. We'll then descend back to camp for breakfast, rest, then head down Bungalow Spur. We'll take a lot of snacks so we can get all the way down to Harrietville for lunch, and depart to head home by around 2 pm.



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! Footwear

  • Sturdy 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
  • Snow Shoes - Supplied!
Clothing
  • 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
Head and hands
  • 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
Sleeping gear
  • 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
Health and hygiene

  • Personal toiletries

  • Toothbrush/paste

  • small facecloth or wet wipes (optional)

  • Feminine hygiene (if required)

  • Sun screen (recomend UPF 50+) or zinc

  • Lip Balm

  • Personal Medications

  • Pain killers (whatever works for you)

  • Anti-inflammatories

  • Throat lozenges

  • Small personal first aid kit

  • Small hand sanitiser

  • Toilet paper

Trekking gear
  • 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)



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