24 August 2010 Snow Shoeing from Guthega Power Station

Map: Geehi Dam 1:25,000

Getting There

This walk was organised and led by Karen Cody as a CBC Tuesday walk:

Tuesday 24 August: Snowshoe The Rams Head Range via Kosi and Etheridge – M–L/M. We’ll take the Thredbo chairlift to the Eagles Nest, then proceed to Etheridge and Mt Kosciusko. Return to chairlift via Swampy Plain River, Cootapatamba Hut and The Rams Head. 6 AM start from Kambah. Around 20 kms. Maps: Mount Kosciusko 8525–II&III, & Thredbo 8524–N 1:50,000 or Perisher Valley 8525–2S & Chimneys Ridge 8524–1N 1:25,000. Leader: Karen Cody, kco78410@bigpond.net.au. Transport: $150 per car, Park entry $27 per car, Chairlift $32 per person, Snowshoes & poles $25-35 per person. We’ll stop at Jindabyne to hire snowshoes. Limit: 8. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au.

7 of us met at Kambah and drove in 2 cars to Guthega Power Station car park. I was not looking forward to driving for the first time in snow but, as good fortune would have it, black top all the way with no hint of snow or ice on the road. We stopped at Jindabyne and 5 of the party hired snow shoes and poles. I used my trusty old MSR Denali Hiker shoes, which performed most adequately.

Further Information

A change in the weather forced a different route.

Photographs

Access all primary pics here. All thumbnails in the walk report are active - click for a larger picture.

Walk

Track overview	Track a	Track b

I forgot to put up my park entry sticker, so copped a warning which had to be sorted on the way out.

We sorted ourselves out in a fine shower at the car park, then walked up the Munyang-Geehi Road until there was enough snow to put on our shoes. It didn't take too long. A lovely walk of 4.8km in to Horse Camp Hut. The snow fell gently for a time and, when not sheltered, the wind drove it into us.

Guthega Power Station car park	Shoeing the animals	Crossing a creek SE of Horse Camp Hut

Many signs of activity near the hut. We passed a snow cave and a half built igloo. Plenty of folk at the hut, inside full and a couple of guys setting up a tent outside. A welcome break and another chance to be fed Gemma's berry-topped chocolate brownie. Yum. She must have carried in a kilo of it to share.

Snow cave near Horse Camp Hut	Max in igloo near Horse Camp Hut	Arriving at Horse Camp Hut	1 Horse Camp Hut

Next, a lovely 3.5km leg to the weir on the Munyang River, where the aqueduct intake is. We passed a snowmobile blade clearing the trail, but it was lunchtime for the workers.

Walking the aqueduct track between Horse Camp Hut and Munyang River weir	2 Walking the aqueduct track between Horse Camp Hut and Munyang River weir	Snow cat/blade on the aqueduct track between Horse Camp Hut and Munyang River weir	Walking the aqueduct track between Horse Camp Hut and Munyang River weir

A lovely spot at the weir, with the steel grating providing the only snow-free seating, so we dangled our feet there and once again relieved Gemma of her load.

Arriving at Munyang River weir	Munyang River above the weir	Aqueduct inlet at Munyang River weir	Munyang River above the weir	3 Lunch at the Munyang River weir (photo courtesy Karen Cody)

With time ticking, it was decided not to go on to White River Hut (woodshed - the hut recently accidentally burnt out). A little hut nearby.

Little hut near Munyang River weir

Another lovely 7.5km leg back down. The scenery nearly made one burst out in Christmas carols. Eric's winter chocolate was handed round.

Disappointment Spur Trail	Walking S back along the Munyang-Geehi Road	View up Munyang River to Dicky Cooper Bogong from near where we cross	Big snowball

An excellent day, thank you Karen. And great company from Eric, Gemma, Max, William and Colleen.

Distance: 16.5km Climb: 500m. Time: 9.15am - 3.40pm (6hrs 25mins), with 70mins of breaks.
Grading: L/E; M(9)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps:Snow Shoeing from Guthega Power Station

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This page last updated 20Aug22