Bogong High Plains Cross Country Skiing Camp

VCE OUTDOOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES UNIT 2

Recently the Outdoor and Environmental Studies Unit 2 class participated in the highly-anticipated cross country ski camp. With everything in their backpacks to survive three days camping in the snow, the students learnt the basics of telemark skiing to journey from where the road ends at Falls Creek Alpine resort and into the Alpine National Park.

Some highlights expressed by students was doing a 7-kilometre ski tour on the middle day of camp in sunny, bluebird conditions. Students also enjoyed cooking together in the snow kitchen and staring out with wonder at the Milky Way while being able to view surprise fireworks taking place at the Falls Creek resort.

There are learnings that are inherent in undertaking such a challenging adventure, such as the organisational skills required for preparing the gear and food for camping in the bush, or the development of resilience when skiing back to the bus on the Friday in white-out conditions. The location of the Bogong High Plains also provides a hands-on experience to learn about the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme and other natural and human-induced changes to this environment, such as snow making and climate change.

Where most students may not choose to camp in the snow in subzero temperatures in the future, this camp is undoubtedly a memorable and challenging experience that students will look back on well into their future.