Welcome to the
Victorian Backcountry Companion

Drew Jolowicz on the Razorback. Alpine National Park. Victoria. Image @dylrobinson

Let’s start here with just a bit of ground work.

‘Accept’ below:

Below we set out some terms that are used throughout the tour notes and the ‘start here’ section, to help you work out the suitability of both your personal experience and your party’s experience relative to the various tours and their ratings . If things below don’t make sense, if there is anything on this page that is not clearly understood, don’t click ‘accept’ and come back when you are ticking the boxes. Get it wrong and you, or a party member, could be seriously injured or killed. Read and understand the terms of our disclaimer at the bottom before clicking ‘accept’.

All in good faith

The information here in the Victorian Backcountry Companion is provided in good faith. The Companion provides information about backcountry touring areas for skiers, split-boarders, telemark skiers and will also be of use to snowshoers. Travel in the mountains in winter conditions is inherently hazardous. These dangers include, but are not limited to, extreme weather, ice and avalanche. It is the responsibility of the user of this resource to understand these phenomena and use that knowledge to make safe and responsible decisions for themselves and all members of their party. This website is for research and reference purposes. This website is not intended to be relied upon as an ‘in the field’ resource.

Important:
When conditions change so do the tour ratings and the skills required for safe travel.

Australian backcountry skill level guidelines.

  • Some example foundations skills: Has bushwalked and camped overnight carrying a pack. Can comfortably ski ‘Blue’ terrain in a ski resort. Recommendations: Should do a Backcountry Basics / Introduction to Backcountry course / gain experience with advanced or expert guides

    Mentorship: Introductory participants can undertake introductory tours independently, will require advanced guidance in intermediate terrain

  • Can comfortably ski ‘Black’ terrain in a ski resort. Has spent 10 to 50 days in the backcountry and completed an overnight tour. Should hold a current standard First Aid certificate HLTAID011. Has developed a robust understanding of navigation principles. Can identify and avoid avalanche terrain and should hold a current Avalanche Safety Training Certificate Level 1 or equivalent.

    Mentorship and guidance: Intermediate participants can undertake introductory and intermediate tours independently, will require ‘advanced’ guidance in advanced terrain

  • Can comfortably ski ‘Double Black’ terrain in a ski resort. Has spent over 50-150 days in the backcountry and completed extended multi-day tours including snow camping. Must hold current Avalanche Safety Training Certificate Level 1, equivalent or higher. Must hold current standard First Aid certificate.HLTAID011. Has practised navigation principles in challenging conditions.

    Mentorship and guidance: Advanced participants can guide Level 1&2 in Introductory and Intermediate terrain. Can Shadow / Tail Guide with a Level 4 guide.

  • Can comfortably ski ‘Double Black’ in the backcountry. Has spent over 150 days in the backcountry and led extended multi-day tours including snow camping. Holds a current or equivalent certificate for Operations Level 1 Avalanche Safety Training or higher. Should hold a current First Aid certificate, HLTAID011 and Wilderness First Aid, SISSS00126. Has a proficiency in High Angle Rope Rescue Techniques (Alpine) through instruction or practise. Has provided instruction on avalanche, navigation, weather and survival techniques as part of a professional development initiative.

    Expert can guide all participants in Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced terrain

Australian backcountry terrain ratings.

  • This terrain requires some ability, based on an equivalent ski resort ‘Blue’ terrain rating. Skier must be able to safely respond to varied surface conditions. This is likely a groomed trail without any sudden changes in course, or a gentle open off-piste area. Usually managed terrain. Low fall consequences. Avalanche terrain not encountered.

  • This terrain requires moderate ability, based on an equivalent ski resort ‘Black’ terrain rating. Skier must be able to safely respond to varied surface conditions. Assessment of conditions, particularly avoiding avalanche hazards and/or the prevalence of hard ice is important for safe skiing on this terrain. Low fall consequences. Avalanche terrain may be encountered.

  • This terrain requires advanced ability, based on considerable backcountry experience. Skiing responsively to sudden changes in pitch and surface conditions is critical to life and limb. Experience and judgement around sluff management and sound responses to unexpected ‘on the move’ terrain outcomes is expected. Assessment of conditions, particularly avalanche danger and/or the prevalence of hard ice is important for safe skiing. This should be matched with a preparedness for a long steep hike up and out to relative safety. Serious, potentially fatal, fall consequences. Avalanche terrain will be encountered.

  • This terrain requires expert ability, based on extensive backcountry experience. Skiing responsively to sudden changes in pitch and surface conditions is critical to life and limb. Confident jump turn technique required. Expert judgement around sluff management and sound responses to unexpected ‘on the move’ terrain outcomes is mandatory. A fall from a cliff or impact with trees in this terrain could be fatal. Assessment of conditions, particularly avalanche danger and/or the prevalence of hard ice is essential for safe skiing. Likely fatal fall consequences. Avalanche terrain will be encountered.

 

MSC travel bulletin advice (Day Rating).

  • As they say, ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst’. This is usual caution. It is far from reckless abandon. It is the knowledge that even on a perfect clear day a snow bridge can collapse, or you could drop a ski and have it run away. Standard safety precautions are required.

  • Identified hazards exist. It is important to take great care to stay safe. It is your responsibility to confirm or refute the hazards and take the necessary steps to avoid or mitigate them in your travels. Hazards include weather, hard surface conditions and avalanche.

  • Travel in the kinds of conditions that conspire under ‘not recommended’ are not only unpleasant but dangerous, not just for you and your party, but also for would-be rescuers.

Disclaimer

By clicking accept below you are agreeing to the terms set out here:

  • I acknowledge that my participation in the recreational activities of snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, mountaineering and/or hiking as described in the tour notes and educational resources of this website entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or mental injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. more+ Assumption of risk

  • I am aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with wilderness activities as described in the assumption of risk set out above. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in the activities described and detailed in this website. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks. I acknowledge that the risk warning above constitutes a ‘risk warning’ in accordance with the WRONGS ACT 1958 - SECT 60: Duty to warn of risk.

  • I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Victorian Backcountry Companion (Mountain Safety Collective Limited & Fieldnotes), its authors and agents from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of information and advice, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of the Victorian Backcountry Companion, its Authors or agents or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur legal fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

Tick the circle and click the ‘accept’ button to enter the site