Video – Off Grid in Mt Buller’s Backcountry

There’s no more spiritual experience in the Australian Alps than spending a night under their starry skies. Image:: Joey Corcoran

Mountainwatch | Video

Filmed atop Mt Ingebyra, a mountain deep in the Australian Alps. This film explores the connection between skier and mountain. Be amazed as the skiers diffuse through the slopes and emerge enlightened, invigorated and covered with smiles.

We spoke to the film’s producer Watkin McLennan:

Where was it filmed?

We want to keep it a bit of a secret, a bit like a hidden surf break. We don’t want the whole of Australia changing their flight plans from Queenstown to Wangaratta.

Watkin executing an all-Aussie BC turn. Classic. Image:: Joey Corcoran

Why ski touring? Why backcountry?

SoO Airtime started because I wanted to get NSW skiers down to Mt Buller. I wanted them and the rest of the world to see how good Buller could be. I feel like we accomplished that in 2010 and 2011. OFF GRID was just the next step. I wanted to show people how good backcountry skiing in Australia could be.

What’s unique about the Australian backcountry?

It’s not easy. Often getting there involves a steep walking trail below the snow line with skis and boots on your back. But once on top, the mountains here have stacks to offer. I love the vast rolling alpine plains. However, their rounded friendliness can have a sting. The big risk I think comes from the weather. We have the pleasure of dealing with the awkward temperatures of around freezing. So often it rains, snows and hails all at once. This can make it hard to stay warm and its not at all fun for sleeping in tents. The other serious hazard is ice. Thanks to the around freezing temperatures, the mountains often turn into a slippery dome. Increasingly risky are the consistent steep slopes that continue well below the snowline into rocks and trees. A slip at the top, even on a mild slope can quickly turn into a catastrophic ride.But all of that aside, these mountains have huge, largely empty runs to be enjoyed.

Watkin sends it amongst the Snow Gums Image:: Joey Corcoran

I remember reading in last year’s Chillfactor about the trip. One of the guys described the trip as a “legit mountain experience”. What do you think he meant by that?

These mountains are big. There are 100m cliffs and house sized cornices. They are steep, around 50 degrees in places. The Australian Alps aren’t much compared to some other mountain ranges but when you get out of the ski resort and above the tree line it quickly becomes apparent that you are on a mountain and shit can go wrong.

There is a shot from a hut. I’ve heard about the old cattleman’s huts. What are they like?

The cattleman’s huts were built for summer grazing. Most of them have poor insulation and smoky fireplaces. A lot of them now have been rebuilt as emergency shelters after being burnt down in bushfires. So they’re often sterile, lacking in character. However, there are a few hidden gems. These are built solid and make incredible winter chalets. Camping beside one can make the whole experience much more enjoyable.