7 Day NSW State Alpine School

This school is open to Scouts (over 14), Venturers, Rovers and Leaders. 

Scouts over 14, will be able to partake in either Day skiing or Day snowshoeing (age exceptions may be made if skills and resilience can be demonstrated).

Venturers, Rovers and Leaders, with at least two nights of bushwalking and day skiing/snowshoeing experience (exceptions may be made if skills and resilience can be demonstrated). Have the choice of Day skiing, Day snowshoeing, Overnight ski touring or Overnight snowshoeing.

Venturers, Rovers and Leaders, with a minimum of two nights of snow camping and confidence skiing in the backcountry can opt for the extension stream if they want a further challenge.

If any participant does not have skiing or bushwalking experience, we strongly advise they undertake the day skiing/snowshoeing option. The rationale is simple, participants should enjoy their time in the snow, not struggle. Participants are usually better at building skills by undertaking day trips, without the weight of a pack. Once a reasonable skill level has been achieved by undertaking day trips the participant is better equipped to undertake a backcountry trip and enjoy it rather than finding it a struggle. Carrying a pack full of winter kits and trying to learn skiing or snowshoeing at the same time is hard, especially for the younger participants.

Participants will be divided into Patrols.

Each Patrol will have a Patrol Leader (PL) to lead their Patrol in Day-to-day decisions regarding the operational control of the Patrol.

Guides will provide technical support and mentoring of PLs.

Accommodation, at the NSW Scouts Alpine Centre, will be in dormitory-style bunk rooms.

All meals are included in the price, however, participant assistance will be expected in the kitchen and general housekeeping duties.

Transport, to the Alpine Centre, will be at an additional cost. Carpooling and own transport is the preferred method of transport. Please consider if you can assist with transport to Jindabyne. Minibuses may be used if required.

Activity Streams, you can choose to do one of the activity streams below.

Day snowshoeing participant

Preliminary training will be undertaken in the vicinity of the Perisher Nordic Trails. Day trips departing Perisher to local destinations.

Overnight snowshoeing

Preliminary training will be undertaken in the vicinity of the Perisher Nordic Trails. Overnight trip to the Paralyser Range, involving snow camping.

Day cross-country skiing

Preliminary training will be undertaken in the vicinity of the Perisher Nordic Trails. Day trips departing Perisher to local destinations.

Overnight cross-country skiing

Preliminary training will be undertaken in the vicinity of the Perisher Nordic Trails. Overnight trip to the Paralyser Range, involving snow camping.

Extension Overnight cross-country skiing

This stream is only open to experienced cross-country skiers. Preliminary training will be undertaken in the vicinity of the Perisher Nordic Trails. Overnight trip to the Paralyser Range and beyond.

Ski Hire, Approx $90 for hire of Cross-Country boots, stocks and Skis (NNN BC) or snowshoes for the eight days. Participants will be responsible for paying for their own XC ski or snowshoe hire (Ski Hire IS NOT included in the course price).  We will book / reserve (but not pay) for you your XC skis and snowshoes through Rhythm Snowsports in Cooma.

Luggage, participants undertaking snow camping will be able to leave a bag at the Alpine Centre will gear that they do not require backcountry. All participants will require a day pack.

Logbook, you will need to upload a logbook during the registration process. For your experience to be validated and to assist in placing you in a patrol with people with similar skills. We are mostly interested in your bushwalking and Alpine history. Uploading a logbook can be done by any of the below methods.

• Use the template provided in the attached documents on this page.
• Take a screenshot from Scout Terrain.
• Using your existing logbook template.

You can attach your bushwalking and alpine history during registration.

Outcomes from the school. We will be offering opportunities for OAS training and recognition for Alpine cross-country skiing, Snow Camping and Snow Shoeing up to stage 6. This is, of course, dependent upon individuals’ abilities.

Evidence collected from the Alpine School may be submitted to SAIT to be assessed as evidence towards VET units of competency. 

Scouting Skills

Safe Participant Snowshoeing Day Trips 

Trained Participants in Snowshoeing Day Trips

Safe Participant Cross Country Skiing Day trips and patrolled areas

Trained Participants Cross Country Skiing Day trips and patrolled areas

Please refer to the attached document for further information.

And, of course, lots of fun: