The Snowy Mountains in NSW Australia is one of the most unique alpine environments in the world. The landscape itself is defined by gumtrees, wildflowers and limestone gorges and is home to Australia’s largest mainland peak, Mt Kosciuszko. The topography of Kosciuszko National Park makes for rugged and challenging environment that is perfectly suited to learning technical alpine skills. The Australian Alpine Academy, operated by AWE’s partner Climbing The Seven Summits, focuses on teaching the fundamentals of mountaineering and backcountry travel to prepare for bigger, more technical objectives aboard.

A winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko represents is a unique way in which to achieve one of the Seven Summits. While the mountain itself requires no prior technical climbing experience, a winter ascent is by no means a walk in the park! This course requires a good level of physical fitness and some grit to achieve the summit.

In addition to attempting a summit on Mount Kosciuszko (and learning how to pronounce Kosci’s name properly!), the learnings of the Australian Alpine Academy cover:

Alpine safety; Expedition & snow camping (Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene); Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques; Knots, hitches and rope craft; Glacier travel with sleds; Ice climbing (condition dependent); Rapelling; Snow anchors & running protection.

Of course no Australian adventure would be complete without a visit to the Sydney Harbor, or the opportunity to have a Koala encounter. With CTSS’ ten-day itinerary, developed specifically for international visitors from beyond the shores of Australia, you’ll get it all.

August 20-29 2023

Participants must be in good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is helpful.

• Hotel accommodation in Sydney (4 stars, 4 nights) and motel accommodation pre/post alpine academy in the Snowy Mountains (2 nights), double occupancy

• Sydney activities (koala encounter, bridge climb, massage)

• All logistics & transport in country

• Experienced mountaineering guides

• 3x nights camping in Kosciuszko National Park

• Breakfasts & dinners during the climb

• Team gear including four-season tents (double occupancy) and technical gear (ropes, snow anchors, team medical kit etc)

• Emergency GPS tracking and communications

• Top-notch mountaineering footwear from LOWA Boots

• A $500 flight stipend to help offset your international travel costs

• The Summit Scholarship award does not cover:

  • Flights to/from Sydney

  • Gratuities for expedition leader and guides

  • All in-town/hotel meals; sodas & alcoholic beverages

  • Personal climbing gear and attire, including boots, sleeping bags, ice axe, crampons

  • Personal snacks (bars, trail mix, or beef jerky) for on-trail sustenance

  • Medical, travel, and rescue insurance

  • Personal medications

  • Single supplement - contact us to discuss availability and pricing

  • Expenses while on expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, alcohol, mini bar, specialty coffees, 3rd party wifi charges

  • Expenses incurred due to events out of the control of AWE & CTSS such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events of disasters, events outside of our control will not be covered by AWE or CTSS. These may include circumstances such as extra hotel nights due to delays and need to be covered by your insurance