12ODR Snow Farm trip

By Andrew Willmott | Posted: Thursday August 15, 2024

In reviewing this trip with students most said they enjoyed it more than they thought they would.

Cross country skiing and snow shoeing (especially the thought of having to go up-hill) didn’t capture the imagination of many to start. However, after several days of doing this, that all changed. Great conditions and amazing facilities at the Snow Farm contributed to this positive experience as well. 

Arriving just after lunch on the Wednesday we walked in snow shoes to the Musterer’s Hut. This is a newly built hut about 4km from the base-building. This walk gave us an opportunity to go off trail and appreciate how snow shoes function in deeper snow conditions. Arriving at Musterer’s, the boys settled in before some exploring and playing around the locality. 

The next morning we snow shoed back to the base-building and traded our snow shoes for ski boots and skis. After some lessons the group then skied back to the hut. The afternoon was largely spent making snow caves and recovering from a physically demanding day. Those with any energy left did some night skiing, enjoying the fresh powder delivered through the previous night. 

The last day saw us quickly pack up to ski out. Our return took a different route, allowing for more downhill (and uphill) and a good chance to practice the skills learned the previous day. The improvements in this short time was satisfying, with most managing to stay upright for the duration. Having had this experience, the boys now begin their preparations for their next trip, a cycle tour through the Mackenzie District.

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