A day’s stroll out into the pristine solitude of the winter high plains using an ancient mode of transport is a perfect entry point to experiencing the back country.
The arrival into Mt Hotham offers dramatic vistas in all directions. To the south the ranges plunge into the Dargo River headwaters. Out to the north Mt Feathertop stands proud in its winter majesty. As The Great Alpine Road crests Little Baldy Hill, the Bogong High Plains beckon the free-spirited adventurer.
A trip out on snowshoes offers an easy and accessible way to immerse yourself in this spectacular landscape beyond the bustle of the ski village. But there are serious consequences for the ill prepared. Timing is the key. Benign weather is essential as a starting point to enjoy the surrounds and minimise the risk of being caught in a blizzard. Snowshoeing skills are readily learnt but the changeability of conditions at these altitudes can never be underestimated.
As newbies to this nearly 5000-year-old mode of snow travel, we were soon to realise the simple beauty of snowshoeing. The modern snowshoe is light and easy to strap on. Standard mid-length hiking boots are ideal. It is literally like a walk in the park as you tramp across the at snow. Ridges are easily climbed and a pair of poles assist in progress.
For our day trip we decided to head to Derrick Hut. Starting out from the Mt. Loch Carpark at the Heavenly Valley top station, we soon left the downhill skiers behind as we climbed the range with the Razorback framing our view. We easily traversed to the dolerite summit of Mt Loch. The basaltic scree from this peak along with Mt Higginbotham and Mt Kosciuszko is one of the few homes to the endangered pygmy possum, the only marsupial to hibernate and live entirely above the winter snowline.
From the 1865-metre summit, the view to the north east is across Cobungra Gap and to Falls Creek and, on a clear day, the NSW Main Range
A leisurely descent had us heading east of One Tree Hill and skirting a snow-filled stream before arriving at Derrick Hut nestled among the snowgums. This cosy refuge, built specifically for ski touring, provides relief from a bracing wind and is an ideal stop to refuel. The hut is even equipped with a woodstove, if required, during inclement conditions.
From the hut, if time and ability allows, the trek can be continued as the 18-kilometre Huts Walk circuit. This route leads on past Golden Point and includes two more iconic huts re ecting the history of the Victorian Alps.
Spargo’s Hut was built by Bill Spargo when he prospected for gold in the 1940s. Further on is Silver Brumby Hut constructed in the classic High Country cattleman’s style for the lm The Silver Brumby. This complete circuit is an arduous extension as the route heads down to the Swindlers Creek crossing before a steep climb out of the valley. Snow conditions also need to be adequate on the north-facing slope of the ascent.
We chose to loop back from Derrick Hut via a different route through re-sculpted glades of snowgums with post-bush re epicormic growth sprouting green foliage. The afternoon winter light and serenity of the setting belied the fact we were just kilometres from the ski resort.
Presented by Mt Hotham
