Women’s Backcountry Weekends, Thredbo, August 18-19, Sept 8-9

August 6th, 2023
Thredbo’s Beyond the Boundaries Tour takes you into the nearby Main Range.

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After the success of last season’s Women’s Beyond Boundaries tour, Thredbo Backcountry Tours and The North Face are presenting two women’s backcountry weekends this season on Friday August 18-19 and September 8-9.

The weekends will be led by all-female guides with two tours on offer, an Introduction to Backcountry tour and Beyond the Boundaries tour to upskill and boost confidence in exploring all the beauties of the backcountry.

Last year’s Beyond the Boundaries Tour was led by two of Thredbo’s female backcountry guides, including head guide Alex Parsons, who were joined by six female backcountry enthusiasts and The North Face team rider and Thredbo Ambassador Arkie Elliss.

Arkie Elliss, slashing the wind-blown snow on last year’s Womencs BC weekend. Photo: Boen Ferguson

The tour was a couple of days after a snowfall and the group enjoyed clear skies and fresh snow. As they headed out to the Ramshead range the guides passed on their expert knowledge to the group, discussing route finding, snow observations, prevailing winds and decision-making in the backcountry.

After stopping at the base of Mt Ramshead for a snack break and to take in the epic views of the Main Range it was time to put on crampons and get in some steep ascent practice. The crew powered up the side of the mountain until were at 2190m taking in the views from Australia’s fourth highest peak.

Head guide Alex Parsons leading the way.

After a transition to downhill riding mode, it was time to ride.  “The ladies all had fantastic technique and there was heaps of windblown snow to slash,” said Alex “After a few high fives, we hunted out some shelter for a lunch spot and chatted about how relaxed and fun it was to have a whole crew of women in the backcountry. It was such a supportive environment and the guides were impressed with everyone’s capabilities.”

The group enjoyed excellent weather and snow conditions. Photo: Boen Ferguson

The wind started to pick up after lunch, so the call was made to head for more sheltered slopes southeast-facing slopes where the group found with windblown powder for a ride towards Aries tors, one of the more picturesque spots in the National park and perfect for another snack and photo break. From there the crew dropped into the side face of Signature Hill before heading back into the resort.

“It was easily one of the best backcountry days of the season,’ Alex said. “Clear skies, awesome snow and great company. The women who came are so inspiring and it was a real privilege to guide them and help them on their journeys.”

The 2023 Women’s Backcountry weekends will kick off on the Friday night in Thredbo Alpine Hotel for a meet and greet with the guides and a screening of the Australian backcountry Film Steep Reflections. The tours will also be joined by a few athletes from the North Face team, rounding out what will be a great experience.

For more information and to register for the tours click here.

A group of happy backcountry women. Photo: Boen Ferguson

Introduction to Backcountry Tour

Join in on the action to learn the needs and knows of backcountry in a safe, fun and supportive all female environment. This is a prerequisite for the secondary women’s day, should participants have no prior backcountry experience. Your guide will introduce you to the specialist equipment, safety aspects and skills required to negotiate simple backcountry terrain. You’ll learn a lot during this tour and many of your backcountry questions will be answered.

Duration: 6 Hours – All Day

Backcountry Skill Level: First Timer

Rider Level: Strong Intermediate to Advanced

Location: Ramshead Range & Bogong Creek area

Highlights: Equipment Familiarisation, Skinning, Basic Navigation, Awareness & Safety

Beyond the Boundaries Tour

Enjoy heading out of the resort boundaries and into the vast and stunning Australian Main Range. Learn backcountry skills, safety and awareness and explore some of the best and most unique terrain Australia has to offer. From Bogong to Mt Kosciuszko, the mission is to find the perfect line and score fresh snow.

Duration: 7 Hours – All Day

Backcountry Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Rider Level: Strong Intermediate to Advanced

Location: Bogong Creek Area, Mt Kosciuszko, Ramshead Range and Dead Horse Gap

Highlights: Terrain Variety, Fresh Snow, Familiarisation of Main Range Backcountry, Alpine Touring & Backcountry Skill Development