A NEW Australian made backcountry skiing safety film featuring a host Mt Hotham identities and locations has just been released in time for the 2022 winter season.
The 10–minute–long film, sponsored by the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA), forms an integral part of a fully revamped Snow Safety website.
The website, www.snowsafe.org.au, is jointly produced by Snow Safety Inc, ASPA, and the Australian Ski Areas Association.
The film revolves around seven central backcountry skiing safety themes including: Prepare, Plan, Navigate, Recognise + Treat Hypothermia, Read Constantly Changing Snow Conditions, Recognise Avalanche hazard, and Self–Rescue.
Film maker, and passionate Hotham telemark skier, Stephen Curtain, said he was fortunate to be engaged as cinematographer/director/editor by ASPA to create this new backcountry safety film.
"A diverse, experienced team co–created the script first pencilled by patroller Matt O'Keeffe," he said.
"That content was then brought to life on camera across a number of Australian backcountry locations with Mt Hotham ski patrollers Cari Ah Sam and Bill Barker doing a fabulous job as the film's main presenters.
"Since being introduced to self–reliant trips in the backcountry especially the Australian Alps, learning about landscapes and how to be safe has developed into being part of my work life.
"Capturing that knowledge professionally on camera brings great satisfaction as a tool for knowledge transfer for others.
"In a world that can be heavy on iPhones and TikTok, there's a need for a blended, balanced approach.
"If anything, nothing replaces the real–deal experience in nature and the outdoors to build up experience slowly and safely with others first...the film touches on that."
Some of the Hotham 'locals' contributing to the production include ski patrollers Bill Barker and Cari Ah Sam, Paul 'Buff' Farnell, Greg Paul (long–time Hotham visitor and part of Victoria Police Search & Rescue) plus Victorian Backcountry Festival organisers Anne Chiew and Cam Walker.
Also featured in the film are Everest summiteer (and avid backcountry skier/guide) Tim Macartney–Snape, plus a host other local backcountry guides and contributors from the Victorian and NSW ski resorts plus Parks Victoria.
The burgeoning numbers of skiers and split–boarders heading out into the Victorian Alps backcountry will find the website and films a useful alpine safety resource, made to be relevant for Australian snow conditions and terrain.
To see the full film and a swag of helpful tips and tricks on planning a backcountry skiing and snowboard trip in Australia, see the website https://www.snowsafe.org.au/backcountry
The team that put the film together are keen to invite feedback on how messaging can be improved including how to better introduce backcountry safety basics and knowledge to a new, younger audience?
If that's you, they'd love to hear from you with an eye to possible informal get–togethers, workshops, and events. Please email mountainbackcountry@gmail.com to get in contact.
Remember too that after a two–year COVID induced absence, the Victorian Backcountry Festival will be held at Mt Hotham on September 2, 3 and 4.