By Rama Gaind.
Be in awe by unrivalled views in the Snowy Mountains.
“The promise of spring’s arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter!” Author Jen Selinsky is so right. Springtime is awesome as it breathes new life into the world around us. The land is awakening. You will soon feel it.
Combine such sentiments with the fact that wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit. Essayist Edward Abbey was noted for his advocacy of environmental issues. The resulting sights, sounds, smells, images and anticipated encounters conjured up are a bonus.
While some tentacles of winter linger, when snow falls, nature listens. It has been said, snow is … a beautiful reminder of life and all its quirks!
As the season is due for a change, there’s opportunity for memorable travel experiences. One such offer is of a new, one-off, seven-day snowshoeing and trekking expedition deep in the springtime wilderness of the Snowy Mountains.
Learn the ropes with Tim Macartney-Snape and set out on the greatest vertical ascent of any walk in Australia.
Internationally renowned mountaineer, explorer and author Tim Macartney-Snape will lead the first home grown exploratory expedition – in the Snowy Mountains – for World Expeditions next month.
On 3 October 1984, Macartney-Snape was the first Australian, along with Greg Mortimer, to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
The challenging Hannels Spur and Blue Lake with Macartney-Snape expedition is a unique opportunity to learn mountaineering skills and alpine travel techniques from one of Australia’s greatest ever mountaineers in one of Australia’s most beautiful alpine regions.
With a challenging 1,800 vertical metres ascent up the western fall of the Snowy Mountains from Geehi Flat (450m) to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko (2,228m), Hannels Spur is the greatest vertical ascent of any walk in Australia.
With opportunities to ice climb in the vicinity of the Blue Lake in the heart of Australia’s alpine wonderland, this rarely walked route takes in the three highest peaks in mainland Australia – Mt Kosciuszko 2,228m, Mt Townsend 2,209m and Mt Twynam 2,195m (weather permitting).
The eight-day Hannels Spur and Blue Lake with Macartney-Snape departs Jindabyne on 5 September 2020 and costs $2,990 per person, twin share, which includes all meals, six nights wilderness camping, one night campground and transfers. You also use a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and insulated mat and use of a climbing/snow travel pack including crampons, harness and snowshoes and all safety equipment including group medical kit and emergency communications and all necessary permits.
Looking south from South Ramshead to the Pilot and Mt Cobberas.
Challenging expedition
This tour is a chance to learn mountaineering skills and alpine travel techniques from one of Australia’s greatest ever mountaineers in one of Australia’s most beautiful alpine regions.
The trip will be operated under strict CovidSafe protocols including single tents for all single travellers.
The journey encompasses two distinct sections, the first tackles the challenging Hannels Spur on an expedition-style ascent and the second consists of mountaineering training in the vicinity of the Blue Lake. Tim will cover an array of techniques to give you a solid grounding in the art of mountaineering and travelling safety in the mountains. You can expect a high level of guide support along with all the hallmarks of a World Expeditions trip, including all meals, a quality gear package and second-to-none leadership. Expect a challenging trip that delves deep into the heart of the mountains, uncovering the hidden gems of one of Australia’s finest wilderness areas. This carefully crafted itinerary provides the rare opportunity to learn the ropes with entrepreneur and twice-honoured Order of Australia recipient.
Looking west from the top of the main range Mt Bogong and the high plains in the distance.
The Kosciuszko National Park is like a backyard for Tim who has been traversing its snowy peaks for over 40 years. The park, spanning over 670,000 hectares has a rich Aboriginal and European history. Home to clans and People of the Mountains – Wiradjuri, Wolgalu, Ngunnawal, Monaro Ngarigo, backdrop to many adventures and part of our national folklore, home to our highest mountains and most unique landscapes. A journey into the heart of the Snowy Mountains is one to be remembered.
Get ready to escape the masses on a rarely walked route in the depths of the Snowy Mountains and to be awed by unrivalled views of the main range.
DETAILS BOX
World Expeditions
New exploratory trip with Tim Macartney-Snape
Telephone: 1300 720 000
Visit: www.worldexpeditions.com
