A Climb of Mount Kosciuszko

The walk up Kosciuszko presents little challenge to experienced climbers. It is a pleasant hike from the Charlotte Pass Road or a slightly harder walk up from Thredbo village. A less travelled, but more interesting approach exists via Hannel’s Spur.

Parties may also choose to extend the trip to take in other surrounding peaks, and there are many fantastic multi day loops/traverses, in all seasons. Consider Mt Townsend, Rams Head, Caruthers Peak, Mt Twynam.

6.5km one way – 2 hours

• Kosciuszko Lookout – 2km
• Rawson Pass – 5km
• Mt Kosciuszko – 6.4km

Begin at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo (15min, cost applies). You can also walk up from the village via Merritts Nature Track which adds 4km and 2 hours uphill. The marked trail runs past Rams Head Range to Kosciuszko lookout, then crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, climbs to a saddle, and continues to Rawson Pass. It is then a gradual climb along the Summit Walk up to the summit.

9km one-way – 3 hours

• Snowy River – 4.5km
• Rawson Pass – 7.6km
• Mt Kosciuszko – 9km

The trail follows the old road to Mt Kosciuszko. Begin at Charlotte pass, cross the Snowy River the track climb gradually to Rawson Pass. From here, walk to Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

15.5km one way – 1 to 2 days

• Moiras Flat 6.5km one-way
• Wilkinson’s Creek – 13km
• Mount Kosciuszko – 15.5km

Hannel’s Spur offers the greatest elevation gain in Australia (1800m) and has historically been a training ground for some of Australia’s best mountaineers. Commence at Geehi Flat on the Western side below the range, ascend through a range of vegetation from heavily forested slopes above the Geehi and Swampy Plain Rivers to sub-alpine and alpine tracts on the top of the range. The trail is often overgrown toward the top of the treeline, some navigation may be required. Descent to Thredbo requires planning a car shuttle back to Geehi Flat, there are no existing services.

There is typically snow on the ground from June to October, although there has been greater variability in recent years due to climate change. The summit can be approached by any of the above routes in winter, but the local ski resort of Thredbo provides a natural access point. Winter activity in the Australian backcountry has exploded in popularity and continues to rise. The vast, low angle terrain provides fantastic opportunities for travel by ski, splitboard, snow shoe, or snow kite. Remote sections of the range provide longer and steeper ski runs. Ice climbing is also possible in a good season (yes – in Australia) at nearby Blue Lake.

The risks of backcountry winter travel remain significant and are not to be underestimated. Changeable weather and variable snow conditions can present challenging conditions even for experienced climbers, and every year multiple unprepared parties are caught out – lost, wet and cold. Complete whiteout is possible even in a good forecast and in many areas there are few natural landmarks. Winds in excess of 100kph rip across the plateau. Solid navigation skills are essential and a means of navigating by GPS is highly recommended.

The major winter alpine hazards are:

• Exposure – the most common issue with conditions that are often wet, windy and around zero degrees. Hypothermia is common in lost and/or underprepared parties. Travel with spare dry clothes and a means of creating shelter.
• Falls – widespread ice and hard wind-stripped snow are common. Despite relatively low angle terrain, slips can be deadly, and furthermore slopes tend to funnel into various terrain traps such as trees and rivers which increase hazard. Standard climbing equipment including an ice axe for self-arrest is recommended.
• Avalanche – there have been deaths in the region. Local knowledge and awareness have improved greatly in recent years, however multiple slides are recorded every season. The most common types we see are wet loose, persistent slab, and cornice fall. Both natural and human triggered occur. Standard safety equipment (minimum beacon/shovel/probe) is required.

The Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) is a non-profit group that provides education, advocacy around backcountry safety in Australia, and importantly issues backcountry condition reports during the winter. They have also installed a free avalanche training centre (ATC) in Thredbo to increase rescue skills.