SnowVenture

SnowVenture is a challenging and uniquely enjoyable Alpine experience.

The challenge starts with an 11km cross-country ski with full packs from Falls Creek to the Bogong Rover Chalet where Venturers then live together for 7 nights. While living at the Chalet, the Venturers further develop their cross-country skiing skills through daily ski tours in accordance with the weather, snow conditions, physical fitness & skiing ability as well as working together to complete a series of daily duties to ensure everyone is fed and the Chalet is in good working order.

Situated in the stunning Bogong High Plains, the Chalet is in the perfect position for exploration, skill acquisition, friendship, snow play and fun. Throughout the SnowVenture Program, Venturers develop their Alpine Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) through skiing, trip planning, survival skills and emergency scenarios. It is a wonderful week of growth and development for all involved.

 

After enduring a cold night's sleep in the Bright Scout Hall, we woke to a stunning day ready to ski. With an uneventful bus ride up into the mountains, we arrived at Falls Creek excited, full of energy and ready to go. Walking through Falls Creek to Windy Corner the air was fresh, the sun was warm, and the snow was cold. It was a great start our SnowVenture challenge.

From Windy Corner we commenced our journey on the Bogong High Plains Road on foot to the Nordic Bowl, where we strapped our skis to our feet and continued to ski along the road. After some basic instructions and encouragement, we found ourselves moving along the road on skis. Sometimes we skied ... while other times we didn't!!! The most important thing was that we remained positive and looked good.

Once across the Dam Wall the Bogong High Plains Road was relatively flat which allowed us to extend our comfort zones through skill acquisition, as we learnt how to handle the skis in groomed trails and glide on top of the snow. The views were stunning and as we continued towards Watchbed Creek, it was enjoyable to be immersed in the Bogong High Plains and surrounded by stunning scenery.

Lunch at Watchbed Creek

Skiing along the Aqueduct from Langford's Gap to the Bogong Rover Chalet

As we continued to ski along the aqueduct towards the Bogong Rover Chalet, we further extended our comfort zones through the challenging experience of cross-country skiing while carrying a full pack. The easy terrain continued along the aqueduct, allowing us to enjoy some stunning views of the Australian Alps and we had our first introduction to areas we would regularly visit throughout the Program. While physically demanding, it truly was a beautiful day to be in the Bogong High Plains.

Eventually after many hours of skiing we came around the corner to discover our ...

Home Sweet Home - The Bogong Rover Chalet

Built under the leadership of W.F Waters and opened in 1940, the Bogong Rover Chalet is an amazing Scouting facility, providing young people with the opportunity to explore the Bogong High Plains throughout each Season, through participation in a variety of Outdoor Pursuits, while relaxing in style and comfort provided by the Chalet.

We were all very grateful to arrive at the Chalet, remove our skis and settle in for the next 7 nights.

Inside - The Bogong Rover Chalet

Kitchen

Bread Making

Bedrooms

Evening Parade

Dining Tables

Within the dining room there are four dining tables, where all the youth are allocated to sit and enjoy each meal. These tables are named after Victorian Mountains located across the Australian Alps:-