Tuesday 20/09/2022 Charlotte Pass – Summit Walk – Snowy River – Muellers Pass – Mount Townsend – Muellers Peak
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Participants: Margaret Baz, Jean Cane, Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, John Oakley
Today was our big chance to complete a longer trip further away from Charlotte Pass Village as the weather was looking perfect, with a clear blue sky and zero to a very light breeze. Our small party of New South Wales Nordic Ski Club members departed the lodge shortly after 9:00am and started making our way up and across the downhill slopes towards Charlotte Pass. After an overnight freeze, this is always amongst the more difficult parts of any trip from the village. The churned-up, frozen snow off-piste sections between groomed runs can be particularly challenging. Most of us found ourselves slipping backwards at times as our patterned bases failed to take purchase, occasionally resulting in a fall for some.
Max elevation: 2187 m
Total climbing: 947 m
Total descent: -959 m
Average speed: 5.59 km/h
Total time: 07:31:31
After regrouping at Charlotte Pass we followed the walking track for the next two kilometres, being careful over the first couple of hundred metres as we negotiated the multiple “bumps” that typically form amongst the treed section.
We paused frequently to take in the breathtaking views of the Main Range along the way. It was clear there was plenty of snow over the Range, as there seemed to be far fewer rocky outcrops visible than normal. We now headed down towards the Snowy River where we found a snow bridge to cross. Along the banks of the Snowy River, we noted the snow still piled high, especially on the western banks where tall cornices loomed high over the river.
From the snow bridge, we followed the Snowy River (north Arm) all the way up to Muellers Pass. The snow was firm but softening slowly enabling very easy, enjoyable skiing. On top of Muellers Pass, we had clear views down over Wilkinsons Creek right into the Victorian Alps. From the pass we descended a little to avoid sidling across the steeper, much firmer snow that hadn’t yet seen much sun, they made a fairly direct approach towards Mount Townsend.
Once below the summit, I was surprised to see the massive build-up of snow and how steep the step to the summit was, it appeared much steeper than I could recall from previous trips. I skied a short way up this slope before removing my skis and climbing up via the steps someone else had recently set. This was steep enough that hands were easily placed on the snow to assist.
Jean and Sue climbing the summit step
Whilst on top we encountered several other people who were also making the most of a particularly spectacular day. The views were superb in all directions and all the rock outcrops along the summit were heavily plastered in rime.
John, Sue, Jean and Margaret on Mount Townsend summit
Our return down-climb proved very challenging for one team member in particular who was obviously not terribly fond of negotiating heights. Amidst our welfare concern for a safe descent, we got some colourful self-commentary during the protracted descent. John also provided great entertainment on this pitch as he had determinedly managed to ski up and was equally determined to ski down. It was not too surprising that the snow gave way under his skis as he did, so he had a much lower body positioning as he did than usual!
Jagungal from Mount Townsend
We now moved over to the eastern edge of the ridge for lunch. From here we could see across the Main Range all the way to the Grey Mare Range and Jagungal. We noted a very large wind slab avalanche on the southern face of The Sentinel Ridge. Over lunch we discussed the massive snow loading we had been observing and decided not to proceed with our intended ski down to Lake Albina, thinking the risk was a little too high on a north-facing slope that had seven odd hours of warming already today. I hatched an alternate plan to head straight over the ridge top to the summit of Muellers Peak and down to Muellers Pass. On most occasions I have visited this area there had not been enough snow on the approach to Muellers Peak’s summit to consider trying to negotiate all the rocky outcrops and bare patches. Today it looked doable so off we headed. After passing below the first rocky section we headed to and followed the summit ridge without too much difficulty. The snow had softened enough to safely get the grip and edge control we were hoping for. The views across the length of Muellers Peak were brilliant and certainly worth the effort. It was also a more scenic route back to Muellers Pass than the way we had come in.
Sue had earlier in the day noticed the pack pocket she carried her phone in was open and her phone was not there. Apples’ “Find My” app located it back in the lodge before we left but it was now unable to provide an updated location. We came to the conclusion that it had fallen out and decided to retrace our steps from Muellers Pass as that is where she believed it must be, sitting on the snow somewhere all alone without any reception. The rest of our party headed towards Mount Clarke with the intention of adding it to our modified route, as it and Mount Northcote were in my original plan.
Sue and I diligently followed our old tracks as best we could and had no success, we encountered another group once we got back to the road, they hadn’t noticed it either. We were a little dejected as we crossed over the very churned-up downhill slopes approaching the lodge, unsuccessful in our mission.
Once back inside I called I called her phone again, only this time to hear it ring! It was left in the room all along but Apples’ “Find My” app hadn’t updated the “missing” phone’s location after we left the room. Technology!?
I think the rest of our party might have tired a little climbing Mount Clarke, as they ended up skirting around it after some initial climbing before returning over the snow bridge we had found in the morning and returning to Charlotte Pass. It was a day to remember!
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