Conquering the Snowy Heights: A Thrilling Tale of a Winter Adventure to Mount Bogong!
- Phil Czaj
- Jul 4, 2023
- 3 min read
The air was crisp, and our hearts were filled with anticipation as my girlfriend and I embarked on our winter expedition to Mount Bogong. With our backpacks packed and a thirst for adventure, we set off on a multi-day hike that would push us to our limits and reward us with unforgettable memories.
Arriving on a chilly Friday, we made camp at the serene Mountain Creek Campground, seeking solace in the quietude of nature. A hearty meal and a good night's rest prepared us for the challenges that awaited us in the days ahead.
Saturday morning greeted us with a sense of excitement as we began our trek up Mountain Creek Road. Two creek crossings greeted us after the Staircase Spur trail-head, though small in size, it sent literal shivers up your legs, removing our shoes to wade through the icy waters. Energized by the adrenaline coursing through our veins, we pressed on, heading towards the Eskdale spur trail-head.
At the trail-head, we paused briefly, catching our breath and taking in our surroundings. The true ascent awaited us, as we embarked on the steep uphill section that would test our endurance. With packs weighing just over 22kg, our legs burned, and our hearts raced, but we persisted, driven by the sheer determination to conquer the heights of Mount Bogong.
The trail wound its way through a lush forest, painting a picturesque scene before us. As we ascended, the snow began to make its presence known. At first, it appeared in scattered patches, teasing us with its icy allure. But as we climbed higher, the snow became more abundant, covering the landscape in a pristine white blanket.
Our original plan was to summit Mount Bogong on that very Saturday, but as we reached Mitchell Hut campground at 1600m elevation, we made a prudent decision. The worsening conditions and the exposed nature of the area made it clear that our safety and well-being were paramount.
Settling into the solitude of Mitchell Hut, we found solace in the warmth of the fire stove. Lunch and dinner were shared with the company of our own thoughts, as we relished the stillness of the snow-covered landscape outside. As we reflected on the day's events, having a laugh about the little moments throughout our first day we also had a night of respite, preparing us for the challenges that lay ahead.
Sunday morning dawned with a fresh layer of snow, creating a magical ambiance that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Determined to reach the summit of Mount Bogong, we set off, braving the elements that awaited us.
The trail to the top was treacherous, with blizzard-like winds and limited visibility. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, making it difficult to discern our surroundings whilst 4 foot icicles forming on the guide poles served as a testament to the harsh conditions we faced.
As we trudged through knee-high snow, each step became a test of our perseverance. The summit remained elusive, hidden beneath a veil of white. Despite the lack of panoramic views, the sense of achievement was palpable. We had conquered Mount Bogong in its wintry glory.
The journey down the Staircase Spur proved to be just as challenging as the ascent. The steep descent and the slippery snow-covered rocks demanded our full attention and careful footwork. It was during this descent that both my girlfriend and I experienced our fair share of tumbles, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of the outdoors.
But amid the slips and slides, the winter wonderland surrounding us was a sight to behold. Every turn revealed a new panorama of snow-clad trees and glistening landscapes. The beauty of the scenery made us forget our momentary mishaps and pushed us to continue with renewed vigor.
As we transitioned from snow to rain and eventually found ourselves back in the embrace of a lush forest, our hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The journey had challenged us physically and mentally, but it had also rewarded us with a deeper connection to nature and an appreciation for our own capabilities.
Completing our epic adventure, we returned to Mountain Creek road, the path that had led us into this snow-filled realm. The short walk back to the car symbolized the end of a remarkable adventure—one that would forever be etched in our memories.
Our winter snow trip to Mount Bogong was a testament to the allure of the great outdoors, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of nature. It reminded us of the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and finding solace in the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us.
Join us on our next adventure and create stories that will last a lifetime.
Share your own memorable snow hiking experience in the comments below and let's keep the adventure going! ❄️⛰️🏔️
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Fantastically written Phil, really immersive story and a great adventure. I'm tired now having scaled Mount Bogong with your description haha 😄 Billy T Burrito
Great adventure
Great read, you can feel the adventure
Fantastic read ❤️