Walk Description

Distance: 14km

Ho, ho, ho! Snow, snow, snow!

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland”

The Plan:

Although this is a “day walk”, the plan is to drive up on Friday night and camp at Bonnie Doon Caravan park (though some might like to drive up first thing Saturday morning).

We gather in Mansfield Saturday morning (meeting place and time to be advised to those booked in), to grab a coffee, snack and to consolidate the group down to minimal cars.

We then will then spend 45 mins driving to Telephone Box Junction.

Upon arrival we’ll put on more layers and grab our hired snow shoes.

We will be doing the Mount Stirling Summit Loop, it is 14km with about 500m elevation. For those who love huts, there are many along the way to admire and to have a snack at – Razorback Hut, King Saddle Shelter, King Spur Hut, Bluff Spur Hut. Depending on suitable weather conditions we will go to Mount Stirling summit.

Whilst the walking length and elevation is ‘medium’, I have graded this ‘medium-hard’ as walking in snow is more arduous, and conditions can get cold/bitey/foggy/windy/snowy etc.

For those who enjoy regular toilet access, there are many on the route.

We will return to cars at about 4pm and drive back to Melbourne.

Costs to expect:

Accommodation – camping at caravan park (if you do)

Mt Stirling car entry per car $64 (shared amongst people in car)

Wheel chain hire (shared amongst people in car)

Snow shoe hire $40 each (for those without their own)

Carpooling costs ($0.40 per km shared amongst people in car)

Preparation:

Prepare for being in 1 degree environment all day.

Clothing – wear what you would wear for a wet winter walk, you will get warm when walking and if the sun is out. BUT in your pack have also – beanie, neck warmer, gloves, fleece top, down jacket, extra food, as when we stop for a break during the walk, your core body temperature will drop fast!

You will need sturdy water proof walking boots to clip into the hired snow shoes (low cut trail runners or sneakers won’t be suitable, or warm).

Feel free to add an optional ‘Christmas in July’ touch to your hiking wear/bag.

Note – you can get really sunburnt in snow conditions, so consider suncream/zinc, sunglasses etc.

Please refer to the following links:

MAP

Snow Shoe Etiquette

Any car that goes up mountain will mandatorily need to carry snow chains and may need to install them dependent on weather. My car has snow chains (I can take 4 passengers), but will be seeking 1-2 additional volunteers that are snow chain confident (we can hire some additional chains).

For those who choose to camp at caravan park on the Friday night, prepare for -3 overnight temperatures! Brrrrrrr.

Trip is snow and weather dependent, if there is no snow, or if weaher is unsuitable trip, will be cancelled or postponed.

 

Transport

Transport to and from the walk location is by car. Please indicate your transport requirements and preferences on the booking request form when you book in.

If you don’t have a car, we can’t guarantee to provide you with a lift – this will depend on available drivers and their locations.

Passengers must pay the driver their share of car-pooling costs as described on the Car-pooling page. Please discuss the preferred method of payment with your driver.

 

Booking

Booking is required for this walk. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.

The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email.  The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.

By booking into this event you acknowledge that you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Booking Fee:
Members: free.     Non-members: $8.

Payment:
To avoid handling cash, non-members are required to pre-pay their booking fee.
You can pay by Paypal. If you are not a Paypal member, you can use Paypal to pay by credit or debit card.

Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
There will be no refunds, so please do not book unless you are fully committed to walking.

 

What to bring

Refer also to Walk Description, above.

• Day pack
• Sufficient water (2 litres, more on hot summer days)
• Lunch and snacks
• Hat, sun screen
• Suitable outdoor clothing (no jeans/sneakers!)
• Rainwear & warm jacket
• Sturdy water proof walking boots
• Hand Sanitiser

Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details.   If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.

 

Emergency Club Contact

The emergency club contact for this walk is Ken.  The leader can provide you with the contact’s phone number, if you wish to pass this on to any friend/family member who may be concerned if you return late.

 

Safety and Ambulance Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to Joining a walk and your safety

If you are Covid-19 positive, have any Covid-19 symptoms or are a contact of someone with Covid-19, please follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.

 

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Day walks and social activities.

Members who wish to submit photos for social media or Yeti should refer to Member Resources.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

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