Australian Alpine AcademyDifficulty Level: Beginner
The Snowy Mountains in NSW Australia is one of the most unique alpine environments in the world. The landscape itself is defined by gumtrees, wildflowers and limestone gorges and is home to Australia’s largest mainland peak, Mt Kosciuszko. The topography of Kosciuszko National Park makes for rugged and challenging environment that is perfectly suited to learning technical alpine skills. The Australian Alpine Academy focuses on teaching the fundamentals of mountaineering and backcountry travel to prepare for bigger, more technical objectives aboard.
The CTSS Australian Alpine Academy offers two in-depth programs. Choose from our ‘Introduction to Mountaineering – Alpine Academy’ which prepares you for bigger, international peaks or our ‘Winter Ascent of Kosciuszko’ as part of the Seven Summits, or combine them together for a-once-in-a-lifetime Australian winter experience.
Learn why we love climbing and mountaineering in the Snowy Mountains in our blog post Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko: An Unexpected Mountaineering Destination.
- Learn Principles of Mountaineering with world class guides
- Ice and mixed climbing at Blue Lakes and surrounding areas*
- Setting up rappel stations and abseiling techniques
- Snow slope pitching and protection
- Expedition snow camping
- In-depth workshops and hands-on practical experience
- Experience the unique Australian alpine environment
- Opportunity to climb one of the Seven Summits
*Ice climbing dependent upon weather & condition
This programme is suited for people who have a good base level of fitness, beginner or intermediate mountaineering skills as well as those with adventurous mindset.
We meet prior to our official expedition start in the Australian alpine village of Jindabyne where we will do a complimentary gear check and briefing the afternoon before.
Our expedition proper begins officially in Guthega where we will drop into the back country and enter the main range, snowshoeing to Base Camp.
Our route consists of low angle snow slopes, open plateaus and undulating terrain. Overall the topography is very achievable and provides elements that are perfectly suited to teach beginner and intermediate mountaineering techniques.
The Australian Alpine Academy is designed to expose you to all aspects of expedition style climbing as well as well as winter snow camping so that you can gain practical hands on experience with expert guides in an alpine environment so as to gain the confidence and skills necessary to prepare you for bigger international objectives.
This course is also suited for those with an adventurous mindset who want to experience the Australian alpine environment in in a unique setting!
This Alpine Academy has been organized by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided nearly well over 100 high altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.
Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself. He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their coal face experience, focus on client care and attention to safety
Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Australian Alpine Academy.
We are delighted to host this unique ‘Introduction to Mountaineering’ course in the Australian Alps in the hope of introducing a new generation of climbers to the joy of the mountains and equip them with a solid foundation of skill and knowledge to allow them to progress onto higher peaks.
As an adopted Aussie, I spend much of my year in Australia and I’ve come to love its unique environment. As an American I’ve grown up climbing on some of the most rugged peaks in the world; from Rainier in the North Cascades to Denali in the Alaskan Range and would have previously dismissed any alpine terrain in Australia.
Yet I’m impressed with the diversity of the terrain in the backcountry and have found it to be an excellent, uncrowded playground perfect for challenging any aspiring climber and laying down the fundamentals of big mountain climbing.
I’m excited to introduce you to this program, and look forward to meeting you in the mountains.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits
Author of “Climbing the Seven Summits”
CTSS has a small rental fleet of high-quality, climbing-specific gear available to rent with advanced notice. Below you will find the gear we rent along with the rental price for the duration of your four-day course.
- Crampons – $55
- Snowshoes – $75
- Ice axe – $30
- Helmet – $25
- Harness with two lockers – $30
If you need to rent gear that CTSS does not offer, such as boots, packs, trekking poles, etc. let us know and we can recommend a location in Jindabyne and the surrounding area.
At CTSS, we offer three expedition options which allow you to customize your experience to your climbing style. These options are listed below:
Alpine Academy – Introduction to Mountaineering: $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 Nights)
- August 9 – 12, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
Course Learning Covers:
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Knots, hitches and rope craft
- Fixed line ascension
- Glacier travel
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Crevasse rescue
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
Winter Summit Ascent of Mt. Kosciuszko (Beginner Friendly): $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 Nights)
- August 16 – 19, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
A winter ascent of Mount Kosciuszko represents is a unique way in which to achieve one of the Seven Summits.
While the mountain itself requires no prior technical climbing experience, a winter ascent is by no means a walk in the park! This course requires a good level of physical fitness and some grit to achieve the summit.
In addition to the summit climb, course learning covers:
- Snow shoeing
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
All Women’s Alpine Academy – Introduction to Mountaineering x Winter Summit Ascent of Mt. Kosciuszko (Beginner Friendly): $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 nights)
- August 2 – 5, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
This course has been designed to decrease the barriers of entry to mountaineering for our female climbers, and is a great way for women to make forays into climbing in an all-women (or mostly-women* environment) as a stepping stone into the big mountain realm.
This expedition centres around a winter ascent of Mount Kosciuszko – one of the Seven Summits.
While the mountain itself requires no prior technical climbing experience and is very achievable, this expedition requires a good level of physical fitness and some grit to achieve the summit.
In addition to the summit climb, course learning covers:
- Snow shoeing
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Knots, hitches and rope craft
- Fixed line ascension
- Glacier travel
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Crevasse rescue
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
Family-Friendly Summer Ascent
Contact us for custom dates and prices
Kosciuszko is the most accessible of the Seven Summits and a great opportunity to bring your family and friends along for the adventure. Many of our Seven Summiteers finish their goal on Kosciuszko as a celebration climb. We can help you arrange your trip self-guided or alongside one of our Australian Alpine Guides.
Expedition Itineraries
Intro to Mountaineering (4 Days | 3 Night):
Day 0: Guide Briefing and Gear Checks
- 1PM: pre-trip team briefing & gear checks in Jindabyne.
Please note that this is a complimentary service that is not included in the official program, so you need to be in Jindabyne a day early. Accommodation the night before is your responsibility.
Day 1: Base Camp Setup and Basic Mountaineering Skills
- AM: Meet in Guthega Car Park
- AM Training: Snowshoeing & packing
- Snowshoe to Base Camp
- PM Training: Intro to expedition camping, set up camp
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 2: Basic Mountaineering Skills
- Full Day Training: Snowshoe to Blue Lakes
- Basic Mountaineering Skills:
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest
- Climbing efficiency
- Knots & Hitches
- Glacier travel
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 3: Basic Mountaineering Skills
- Full Day Training: Snowshoe to Blue Lakes
- Basic Mountaineering Skills:
- Snow anchors and running protection
- Fixed line ascension
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Snow anchors & running protection
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 4: Basic Mountaineering Skills and Base Camp Breakdown
- AM Training: Crevasse rescue
- Break down Base Camp
- PM: Return to Guthega by approximately 4-5 PM
Note: It is strongly recommended you book accommodation in the area to avoid driving/travelling when you are tired.
Winter Ascent of Mount Kosciuszko (4 days | 3 nights):
Day 0: Guide Briefing and Gear Checks
- 1 PM: Pre-trip team briefing & gear checks in Jindabyne.
Please note: this is a complimentary service that is not included in the official program, so you need to be in Jindabyne a day early. Accommodation the night before is your responsibility.
Day 1: Base Camp Setup and Basic Mountaineering Skills
- AM: Meet in Guthega Car Park
- AM Training: Snowshoeing & packing
- Snowshoe to Base Camp
- PM Training: Intro to expedition camping, set up camp
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 2: Basic Mountaineering Skills or Summit Climb to Kozi (weather dependent)
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest skills
- Climbing efficiency
- Ice-climbing at Blue Lake (ice condition dependent)
Day 3: Basic Mountaineering Skills or Summit Climb to Kozi (weather dependent)
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest skills
- Climbing efficiency
- Ice-climbing at Blue Lake (ice condition dependent)
Day 4: Basic Mountaineering Skills and Base Camp Breakdown
- AM Training: Crevasse rescue
- Break down Base Camp
- PM: Return to Guthega by approximately 4-5 PM
Please Note: it is strongly recommended you book accommodation in the area to avoid travelling when you are tired.
- Strong hiking fitness (you are expected to be able to snowshoe in snow for 6-7kms)
- Ability carry a 15- 20kg pack for up to 6 hours
- An appetite for adventure travel and the ability to spend several days snow camping in the backcountry
Please do not underestimate this alpine environment. While it may seem like mild terrain, it can be challenging with zero visibility white outs, ferocious wind, blizzards and extreme cold.
Australian Alpine Academy Mandatory Personal Equipment List:
Personal Gear Miscellaneous
- In town clothes for Jindabyne
- Print out team emails and bring with you
- Pen/marker
- Power banks/recharger/solar charger with cords (optional)
- Sunscreen – 30+ SPF with high zinc oxide content
- Lip balm or Zinc stick
- Toiletries – toilet paper in zip lock bag, tooth brush, wet wipes etc.
- Glacier Glasses – must be cat 4, darkest lens
- Hand sanitiser x 1 small container
- Ear plugs and eye mask
- Drink bottle – x 2 1 litre Nalgene bottles (insulated covers are optional)
- Camera, phone etc. (optional)
- Headlamp – with extra batteries
- Heavy garbage bag liners x 3 (help to ensure gear is kept dry at all times)
- Insulated mug
- Plate and fork/spork
- Snack Food (gels, chocolate, protein bars etc.)
Lower Body:
- Insulated climbing pants
- Goretex Pants- full zip wind & rain proof pants
- Base layer, 1 x polyprop or merino
- Gaiters – must fit over climbing boots
- 2 x pairs of climbing socks – mid weight
- 2 pairs of underwear (merino are great)
- Mountaineering Boots – single or double
Upper Body:
- Goretex Shell Jacket – wind and rain proof
- 750+ Fill power down jacket with hood
- Mid Layers (fleece or synthetic)
- Base layer, 2 x polyprop or merino
- Gloves or Mittens – 1 pair of base layer gloves & 1 x pair of warm goretex
- Light gloves
- Beanie/warm ski hat
- Buff
- Cap or full brim hat
- Snow googles – darkest lens available
Personal Climbing Gear:
- Mountaineering ice axe
- Crampons – 12 point, steel crampons (preferably with anti-balling plates)
- Helmet
- Snow shoes (Can rent from Jindabyne)
- Harness
- 6 metres of 7mm prusik cord
- 3x locking carabiners | 7x non-locking carabiners
- Belay devices (Preferably an ATC but figure 8 acceptable)
- Climbing Ascender
- 2x Slings (1 double length & 1 single length)
- Sleeping mats (Closed cell foam (for insulation) and inflatable thermarest
- Sleeping bag -20c
- Ski/trekking poles with powder baskets
- Light duffel for sled (100L + capacity)
- Backpack (70L + capacity)
- Down booties with soles (for basecamp – optional)
- Pee Bottle & Funnel
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
Included:
- Fully qualified world class Mountain Guides
- Education and Comprehensive Training Seminars
- 3x nights camping in Kosciuszko National Park
- Camping equipment (tents, toilet facilities)
- Group equipment (stoves, gas, group technical gear including snow & ice anchors, ropes, rock, ice & snow protection, sleds, snow shovels)
- Mountain Meals
- Emergency equipment, first aid, satellite phone/GPS
Not Included:
- All costs for the Australian Alpine Academy are incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date, including accommodation in Jindabyne the night before (Day Zero) or the night the course completes
- Personal clothing and personal climbing gear (including snow shoes, helmet, harness, carabiners, mountaineering boots, ice axe – many of these items can be rented in advance)
- In town meals in Jindabyne
- Transportation
- Personal National Park entry fees
- Expenses while on expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water among others.
- Expenses incurred due to events out of the control of CTSS such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events of disasters, events outside of our control will not be covered by CTSS. These may include circumstances such as extra hotel nights due to delays.
- Trip Insurance including personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Express Your Interest in our Australian Alpine Academy
Australian Alpine Adventures
