WYD Cross on its way to Mt K |
For all those coming to the Kosciuszko Festival, the following information is a “must know” information: For the “Polonaise Walk” to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, on Friday 18th April, 2008, the organisers want everyone to meet at the top of the Mount by 12:00 midday for a special celebration.
Bring your Festival Souvenir Booklet with you – these will be available from me or from the Festival Information Centre in Memorial Hall, Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne, from 7am in the morning.
Don’t forget that there are “Park Use Fees” payable, unless of course you are on a pension, in which case park entry is FREE. Remember to bring your pension card with you.
But how do you get to the TOP OF KOSCIUSZKO?
Well there are 3 departure points.
Departure point 1 – 9.30AM SHARP (from the bottom of the chairlift) Thredbo; Kosciuszko Walk - The walk begins at the top of the chairlift (Eagles Nest). There is a charge for the chairlift and you must be back at eagles Nest for the last ride down, no later than 4:30 pm.
The walk from Eagles Nest to the Kosciuszko Lookout is about 2km one-way, and then a further 5km to the top. This walk is considered to be relatively easy-going.
Departure point 2 – 8.30AM SHARP Charlotte’s Pass,
Summit Walk – This walk follows the old road to Mount Kosciuszko, which was closed in 1976. The track covers 9km one-way and is considered to be easy/moderate.
Departure Point 3 – 8.00AM SHARP Charlotte’s Pass,
Main Range Track – This walk crosses the Snowy River and heads for Mount Kosciuszko via Blue Lake. This track covers 13km and is hard/difficult.
Have you decided which way you are getting to the Top?
Here are some more things you need to think about.
• Fitness – If you are NOT a regular hiker, you need to start NOW with a daily walking exercise;
• Weather – The weather in the Alps can change without notice. Even on a sunny day it is strongly recommended that you carry the following items: small back-pack, solid and comfortable walking shoes, jacket, beanie, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream, bottled water (2lit. per person), lunch, fruit, camera and any personal medicines including a couple of band-aids in case you get a blister;
• Please note that your mobile phone probably won’t work on your walk, and may or may not work up on the summit. Don’t rely on it!
All this might sound silly for a few hours in the mountains, but believe me, being prepared for these conditions will make your “Pilgrimage To The Top” a more memorable experience, and avoid the worry and resources involved in an emergency rescue!
Tony Lang
WYD Cross on Mt Kosciuszko, February 2008. Photo: our friends of Cooma |
| 
