Mt Buller West Ridge under snow?

[andyszollosi]

I'm looking for some advice regarding an icy winter ascent of Mt Buller via the west ridge.

I'm planning on doing a two day circuit starting from Howqua and approaching Buller from the west, via Mt Timbertop. My return route is along the 4 mile spur that descends to the Howqua river, back to my car. I'm planning the walk for this weekend coming up. The current snow coverage on the Buller ski slopes is about 60cm of natural snow. This is much deeper than any snow I've experienced before on a hike.

My concerns/questions:

I know it is a steep track, but how much scrambling is there involved ascending along the west ridge? Will I need ice axes and crampons, or will snowshoes be sufficient? I'm expecting icy conditions with some added wind.

How clearly marked is the track along the west ridge and 4 mile spur (return route)? Is it easy to pick up the track coming from the summit? Any snow poles? Any areas that might be difficult to navigate in cloud?

Last, but not least, is there anyone keen to come along? I'm going solo at this stage so would be happy to have companions!

[north-north-west]

It's been a few years since my only winter ascent of the West Ridge, but I recall two steeper pitches where the going was a bit on the slippery side; one shorter and one longer one. Depending on the prevailing conditions, I think crampons might be a better go than snowshoes - if it's solid enough. If you have them I'd take both the shoes and the crampons. The track itself was obvious enough below the snowline, and the route above it also obvious, but not marked and no poles. I don't remember any real scrambling, just those two steep bits where the track (when clear of snow) is mostly on short snowgrass. Camera didn't go along on that trip so I can't show what I mean.
Four Mile Spur I've not done, but to the best of my knowledge the track is unmaintained. The river crossing might be interesting if there's been a bit of rain . . .

[andyszollosi]

Thanks for that info north-north west. It sounds like there was no serious climbing/scrambling involved then. That is the part I was mainly worried about, in case the conditions deteriorate while I'm up there.

I'm planning on taking snowshoes and crampons and perhaps an ice axe as well, just to be on the safe side.

Yeah, the river crossing is a good point, I might check the crossing point and the water level before I start the circuit.

Anyone thinking of coming along? Should be fun, if a little tough!

[icefest]

I'd love to come but I'm still on the main range. Currently just under mount Townsend.

I'm not sure about Buller but there is a decently sized front coming in this weekend. Might be a bit dicey in the weather. Make sure you have the necessary equipment and don't think that a tactical retreat is failure.

[andyszollosi]

Good advice there, the weather will call the shots this weekend for sure.

[andyszollosi]

Wow, that was an awesome hike! I might have to write up a report on that one...Turned into a bit of an epic, ended up taking three days instead of two and had a sketchy river crossing to finish it all off. It is an amazing circuit though, starting from the river allows one to appreciate the change of vegetation all the way up to the frozen summit of Mt Buller. Highly recommend it, but be prepared, it is a tough hike!

[Travis22]

Sounds like you had a blast! I look forward to your report and hopefully some photos.

Travis.

[neilmny]

X2

[Strider]

x3

[north-north-west]

x4. Glad you made it. This loop was one that was on the wish list for yonks but never got done, so you've been my proxy.

[andyszollosi]

Sweet, thanks for the interest guys, I'm writing it right now... It'll be my first bushwalking report!

[andyszollosi]

Posted it under trip reports/victoria. Check it out!