By CHRIS EPSKAMP
A FEW years ago (more than few actually), standing at the Cross after a few spring ‘backcountry’ turns harvesting corn with the classic Mt Feathertop backdrop, I recall Hotham legend Andrew Barnes bemused at an animated conversation involving ‘gear freaking’.
Fat skis (over 70cm), funky new telemark bindings and plastic boots were changing the face of backcountry skiing.
Thinking it was much ado about nothing, little did we realise that in a short order, the backcountry would start to fill with those seeking some adventure and fresh tracks beyond the resort boundary.
Fat skis would become fatter and rockered (sic), alpine boots would get lighter and walk better than telemark boots (much to the chagrin of telemarkers), alpine touring bindings would became tech bindings with amazing versatility and negligible weight, and snowboards would get split and come with touring bindings and crampons.
With skiers all over the world leaving the resort boundaries in ever increasing numbers, it is no wonder that at Australia’s best backcountry ski resort, Mt Hotham, the Victorian Backcountry Festival was born.
To be held this year from Friday, September 3 to Sunday, September 5, the volunteer festival organisers have been busy putting together a stellar program of tours, lessons, speakers, films and activities related to all things human–powered backcountry, including cross–country skiing, snow shoeing, telemarking, alpine touring, split boarding, photography and snow camping.
One of the original festival organisers, Cam Walker, explains the reason for the festival creation and importance.
"There is no doubt that clearly numbers using the backcountry is increasing," he said.
"What we are doing with the festival isn’t necessarily encouraging people into the backcountry, but more about if you are going, to do it safely and responsibly.
"Safe, skills, meeting other people … we like to think we are fixing the problem.
"Ski and ride hard, do good.…."
The 2021 event is feted as being bigger and better than previous events.
Held over three days instead of the previous two days, at least 300+ registered participants are expected, up from around 250 in 2019.
Cam explained the expanded program over three days is the major change to the festival.
"Feedback from previous participants was that everyone loved the program, but two days simply did not allow for a balance between the outdoor activities and the speaker events," he said.
"This year’s festival will remedy that."
And what is Cam most looking forward to at the Victorian Backcountry Festival?
"The community gathering, the gathering of the tribe," he said.
"And the outdoor bar! A big fire, great crew out on a snowy mountain top with a couple of beers. It just doesn’t get better than that."
Too true.
More info and registration is at www.backcountry–festival.com.
The outdoor bar is open to the public and is located on the Christmas Hills cross–country trail.
Have fun getting there.
PROGRAM LAUNCHED
The line–up for the festival has be launched.
For full details, including registration and booking enquiries for the VBCF tours, go to https://www.backcountry–festival.com/victorian–backcountry–festival–2021–program–launched/
There is way too much to list, but do yourself a favour at go the website to see all three ‘streams’: indoor events with speakers and films; the outdoors tours and workshops; and other activities from Friday to Sunday, September 3–5.
