• The Climbing Company The Climbing Company
  • SEE THE CALENDAR →
  • Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Epic Adventures on Rock and Snow

    The Climbing Company

The Climbing Company

Survival Camping under Snow

Learn the art of winter survival by building your own snow shelter and spending a night in the winter wilderness. Master essential skills for safe and comfortable winter camping.

Sleep snug in the snow

What is Snow Survival Camping?

Snow camping is more than just pitching a tent in winter – it’s about understanding how to use the snow itself as shelter and protection from the elements. This course teaches you how to stay safe and comfortable in winter conditions by working with, rather than against, the snow and cold.

No courses found.


Whack your details here and we’ll coordinate together to choose dates that suit you.

What Will We Learn?

Snow Shelter Construction

  • Site selection and assessment
  • Different shelter types and their uses
  • Snow pit and cave construction
  • Quinzee building techniques
  • Ventilation system creation
  • Managing temperature and moisture
    Essential Winter Skills
  • Reading snow conditions
  • Weather interpretation
  • Temperature management
  • Staying dry in snow conditions
  • Navigation in winter terrain
  • Night time operations

Survival Techniques

  • Emergency shelter construction
  • Fire starting in snow conditions
  • Water procurement from snow
  • Cold weather first aid basics
  • Energy conservation methods
  • Group management in winter

    Location:

  • Either Bright or near Mt Hotham. The final location depends on the snow conditions and will be communicated to participants closer to the course date.

    Times:

  • Aim to be learning from 9am to 4pm.

    The course fee does not cover:

  • Transport to/from Melbourne, including parking fees on location
  • Food
  • Accommodation

Equipment needed:

  • Warm Clothing: Layered clothing including base layers, insulating layers, and a waterproof and breathable outer shell jacket and pants. ( Have extra jacket )
  • Insulated Gloves or Mittens: Protect your hands from the cold and wind.( Have a spare pare as we touch the snow a lot and your gloves will get wet )
  • Warm Hat or Beanie: Keep your head and ears covered to retain heat.
  • Thermal Socks: Provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet warm and dry.
  • Sturdy Winter Boots: Insulated and waterproof boots with good traction for walking on snow or icy surfaces.
  • Backpack: Carry your essentials, such as water, snacks, extra clothing, and equipment.
  • Navigation Tools: Map, compass, or GPS device to navigate your surroundings.
  • Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for winter activities with limited daylight or in case of emergencies.
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF to protect against the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow.
  • Trekking Poles: Provide stability and support, especially on uneven or slippery terrain.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers: Disposable heat packs to provide extra warmth in extremely cold conditions.
  • Snacks and Water: Carry high-energy snacks and sufficient water to stay hydrated during your activity.

    The guide will carry the following:

  • First aid kit: A compact first aid kit with essential supplies.
  • Shovel, saw and related equipment for building shelters
  • Survival Camping under Snow
Survival Camping under Snow - Image 1
google
Hamid is an excellent teacher. I highly recommended any course through this company!
…
Angus Philip-Owen 9 months ago
google
Just finished a great Alpine Level 1 course. The instructors knowledge and experience is incredible with awesome storiss to back up each element on the course. Looking forward to level 2.

Just finished the level 2 alpine course. Again, excellent instruction and knowledge concerning glacier travel, long toping, short-roping,, and crevasse rescue. Thanks Hamid and Lachlan
…
Paul O'Donoghue 2 year ago
google
I completed the Alpine Skills Course 1 and 2 with The Climbing Company. I wanted to do these courses to build confidence with alpine climbing equipment (crampons, ropes, ice axes, harnesses, belay devices etc.) before going to climb Mera Peak in Nepal.

Hamid was our instructor for both courses and he had an incredible in his teaching style – the right amount of information and theory mixed in with practical application and loads of fun. I had no knowledge about how to climb in Alpine environments prior to these courses. These courses have provided me with essential skills and knowledge to feel more confident going to Mera Peak.

A big thank you to Hamid and The Climbing Company for offering such a great course so close to Melbourne! Would highly recommend.
…
Hannah Walmsley 2 year ago
google
Had a spectacular backcountry weekend hosted by The Climbing Company, Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) and sponsored by Arc’teryx. Hamid, Simon (wombat), Luke and Dill were brilliant hosts, providing a safe and well planned experience. Such a great opportunity to experience the Victorian backcountry with a team of professionals. Roll on the next trip!
…
Adrian Soares 2 year ago
google
We had a wonderful weekend with the guys from The Climbing Company backcountry skiing and snow camping in the spectacular Victorian Alps. The team organised and coordinated a fantastic set of experiences for us all. Our tents were comfortable and cozy, the dining tent (Tipi) was extraordinary, with a wood burner and Wombat cooked us some delicious and nourishing food. Highly recommended for first timers and experienced skiers who want a unique experience in Australian mountains.
…
Peter Cook 2 year ago

upcoming sessions:

No courses found.

You may Also Enjoy: