I'm heading down under to climb Kozzy next week and have a couple of questions.

Does anyone know what the condtions are like under the Thredbo lift? Is there still snow on the ground?

Can you buy a return lift ticket from the top or must you buy it from Thredbo in advance?

I doubt there's be any snow anywhere on Crackenback at this time of year, but freaky weather events can happen. (Crackenback is the slope above Thredbo village).

I've never tried to buy a ticket at the top station, but I suppose you can. I'm not even sure that the lift attendants actually check yer ticket if you are heading down.

Be warned. There is now an appalling steel walkway between the top of Crackenback and Rawson's Pass. Ugly as a hatful of arseholes.

Have you considered the main range walk from Charlotte Pass?

I'd prefer to hike up from Charlottes Pass, but the missus is going to be with me. She doesn't hike much so we need to take the shorter route. She'll take the lift up and I'll hike up from Thredbo and meet her at the top of the lift... Care to join us?

I received this email from the Snowy Region Visitor Center:

Main Range Conditions 3/11/09
The track to Mt Kosciuszko is clear of snow to the first long climb and a small drift a little way further along. The first Buttercups have been spotted on the right side of the track just after the Merritts Bridge. From the Kosci Lookout to halfway rocks the track still has a few large snow drifts. The Marsh Marigolds are now in full bloom and look great. You are now able to see the track in sections that allows for easy navigation to Lake Cootapatamba, which is now visible. There are small skinks around and many frogs can be heard in the bog areas. From the Cootapatamba Lookout there are still large areas of snow to Rawsons Pass. The toilets are now mostly visible, but the door is still blocked with snow. The walk up to the summit is still very deep and snowshoes are recommended, the cornice is still absolutely spectacular as are the views towards Mt Jagungal and Charlottes Pass. Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out. Enjoy.

Always fun to meet up with SP ers but I can't make it at such short notice. I'm about 1000km away.

Sounds like there are still significant drifts accross the track (more of that monstrosity that's hidden, the better, if yarsk me.) Sounds like there's a fair bit of snow on the lee side of K too. I still doubt there's be any snow on Crackenback though so you should find it ok going. There might be the odd corny drift in sheltered spots, by the sound of it.

Try glissading back down to rawson's pass. That's always fun. Enjoy.

How long are you in Straya? (I'm in Queensland)

I'm not worried about myself, but I do hope the missus can make it to the top of Straya's highpoint. Here's our sched.

SYD S-M
Jyndabine T-W
SYD Th-F

Quick trip! Let me know if you change your mind. Cheers.

You can only buy a ticket from the office at the base of the chairlift. Last time I went up/down in summer I didn't use the lift, so don't know if they check tickets then (I'm thinking yes). I went up in July this year - note ticket is only good for the day you buy it on, you can't go up one day, stay and take the chairlift down the next day.

www.thredbo.com.au for webcams

D

Well, I just heard from the Wilderness Shop in Jindabyne that the lift is down for maintenance after this weekend. Damn! That pretty much kills Mrs Alpinist's chances of summiting. She won't hike the distance from Charlottes Pass, but now that suddenly becomes an option for me to consider.

In summer, hiking up under the chairlift line only adds about 40-50 minutes to the ascent, plus you score stuff that has fallen out of the pockets of skiers. You can't get lost as you just look up to see where you're going.

D

True. Most people place Kosciuszko as a mountaineering goal (sorry for the generalization), due to the seven summits. But you have to remember it can hardly be considered as a challenging mountain. As Damien says it shouldn’t be a problem summiting with your wife as it doesn’t add much to the ‘climb’ if the lifts are not working.

Living somewhat nearby (Sydney), I would like to join you but due to work commitments (summiting midweek on a Wednesday) I can’t. Good luck with it. I do hope you are not coming to Australia just to climb Kossie. There is plenty more to see and do. I don’t like to admit (being Australian) but we cannot boast many mountaineering challenges so if you can, catch some cheap flights to New Zealand for more rewarding and spectacular mountain climbs.

Good luck,
Paul.

We are definitely doing a lot more than climbing Kozzie while here. We're playing tourist mostly but having a great time. Harbor tour yesterday, Bondi Beach today, Play at the Opera House tonight. What a great city!

Alpinist wrote:We are definitely doing a lot more than climbing Kozzie while here. We're playing tourist mostly but having a great time. Harbor tour yesterday, Bondi Beach today, Play at the Opera House tonight. What a great city!

Cool, Glad you are enjoying the City.

For sure, Sydney is my most favorite big city!

Sarah and I are having a great time out here. I hiked Kozzie yesterday with perfect weather and I had the summit to myself. We explored both Jindabyne and Thredbo during our 2-day stay in the Snowy Mountain area. We're back in Sydney today for a couple more days of fun. We're doing a hot air balloon ride tomorrow morning and then have to head back home on Saturday. What a beautiful country! I wish I had more time to explore but we'll definitely come back one day.

I'd love to met Dadndave but unfortunately we don't have the time this trip to go to Queensland.

Alpinist......I was up there last December and there was still sections of snow here and there! certainly nothing you would have to worry about that's for sure. Just your standard hiking boots will do the job fine as the elevated walking track will be exposed all the way.



I usually go up every year around this time but cant this time mate, would have loved to though.
good luck



Andy