Here are some common questions
about climbing Kosciuszko. I am focusing on the Thredbo side because I climbed (hiked)
it and it is the most common route. This was one of my Memories
are Everything®expeditions. Since I am
not a guide nor a professional climber, this information is based on my experience
and are my opinions so always consult with a professional before making any serious
climbing decisions!
Q: Where
is it
A: Known by the Aboriginal's as Tan Gan Gil, "Kozzy" is located
in Australia in New South Wales and is also a local ski area in the Kosciuszko National
Park. The nearest largest city is Cannabera and is equidistant between Sydney and
Melbourne (6-8 hour drive). Mount Kosciuszko is part of the Snowy Mountains in the
Great Dividing Range. The first recorded ascent was in 1840 by Polish explorer Paul
Strzelecki but was most likely climbed (hiked) for centuries by the local Aboriginal
people of the Monaro, according to local information. It is sometimes consider the
highest in Oceania but Carstensz Pyramid holds that honor. View
Kosciouszko on a larger map.
Q: When is it usually climbed (hiked)?
A: The normal climbing season is Australia's summer ( November to May)
due to lack of snow; but can be climbed (hiked) year-round with proper equipment.
From June through October plan on dealing with snow. The summit was snow covered
for my hike in Mid October.
Q: I understand that Kosciuszko's is just a simple walk-up. How hard is
it?
A: It is not a climb per se, but really a simple walk or hike. All
you need are good shoes and a jacket in the summer adding snow gear for winter travel
when snow covered.
Q: How does Kosciuszko compare with the other 7 Summits?
A: It is the easiest of them all and very enjoyable. The Kosciuszko
National Park is a beautiful environment and you have all the comforts of a world
class ski resort if desired.
Q: Is a Kosciuszko climb dangerous?
A: Can be if the weather turns on you. I have heard many stories from
other 7 Summit climbers about being lost or struggling with high winds, deep snow
or drifts. So monitoring the weather is important, just like for any outdoor activity.
Q: How many people had summited and how many people had died trying?
A: It is estimated that over 100,000 people hike Kosciuszko each year.
There has been the rare death in the area, mostly in the winter.
Q: How did you train for this climb?
A: This was part of my 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer's: Memories are Everything® project. So I had climbed (hiked) almost continuously throughout 2010
and 2011 either in training or on the climbs. I was in excellent condition
both the physically and mentally for this climb. But I suggest the usual training
regime of running, light weight and aerobic conditioning. Please see my training
page for more ideas.
Q: Was altitude a problem on this climb at 7,000'?
A: Not really, even for the people I observed walking up. However,
it can always be a surprise. Many people feel some type of AMS above 8,000'. As I
mentioned before, I had already climbed (hiked) seven other 7 Summits peaks in the
previous 11 months plus Carstensz four days before, so I was in excellent condition
and never felt the altitude.
Q: Can you prepare for the altitude?
A: Not really. The common approach is to move slowly up the mountain (1000'
a day maximum) spending your days at a higher altitude than where you sleep up until
your summit bid. The human body simply does not function well at high altitudes and
especially above 8000m (26,300'). As you go higher, the barometric pressure decreases,
although the air still contains 21% oxygen, every breath contains less molecules
of oxygen.
Once exposed to high altitude the watery part of our blood (plasma) decreases to
increase the density of the red blood cells thus making our blood thicker and harder
for the heart to pump. The heart pumps faster and we breath harder to compensate
and over time, this is corrected with more red blood cells. Red blood cells carry
oxygen to our muscles. By climbing higher than the previous day then returning to
a lower altitude, your body creates these red blood cells. Without sufficient oxygen
our muscles get tired quickly and you eventually may suffer from cerebral edema (the
brain swells) or pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs). The only cure is
to get lower fast (1000' minimum) but if you are high up on the mountain this is
often impossible and death is the result.
You cannot do much to acclimatize while at a low altitude but there are companies
that claim to help the acclimatization process through specially designed tents that
simulate the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. I have no personal experience
with these systems but you can find more details at the Hypoxico website.
Q: What about Diamox or other drugs to help adjust to high altitude?
A: Some people take Diamox a few days before starting the ascent. There
is no downside other than some annoying tingling in your fingers and more peeing
(by design) but I have used it occasionally and found it helps. According to Dr.
Peter Hacket's (renowned high altitude Physician) website,
sleep medication such as zolpidem (Ambien®) and eszopiclone (Lunesta®) are safe at
altitude and seem to work well without affecting the breathing drive. Finally proper
hydration is critical to acclimatization - urine needs to be almost clear in color.
(consult your doctor)
Q: What kind of equipment did you use?
 A: I used simple trekking clothing
but carried a warmth and wind layer in my pack plus a pair of gloves and knit hat,
the same gear I used on the lower parts of Kilimanjaro. I have a gear
page for reference. I am very pleased with all my gear but had a few standouts
that I note on my gear page.
Q: Anything special in your gear for Kosciuszko?
A: Not really, just a good pair of sunglasses because I had excellent
weather in mid October with temps in the high 60sF. I would carry bug spray in the
main summer time. But Kosciuszko can be extremely cold and windy at times so multiple
layers are required. My boots were the Montrail High top and were fine for the snow
covered sections near the summit.
Q: Did you use a satellite phone?
A: For details on my expedition communications, please see this tutorial.
I used an Iridium phone to post dispatches on this site. Cell phones connections are available.
Q: Which route is most popular?
A: The Kosciuszko Walk from the Kosciuszko Express ski lift from the
village of Thredbo by far. It is 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain from 6,354'
to 7,310'. The other route from Charlotte Pass (6,026') is longer (11 miles round
trip) but follows a dirt road. Route finding can be a challenge if the trials are
snow covered or it is fogged in.
Q: How long will it take?
A: A few hours depending on your pace and intensity. But this is one
to be enjoyed and not rushed.
Q: How much does a standard climb cost with and without a guide?
A: There is a $16 AUD park entrance fee and $25 AUD ski lift fee if
you climb from Thredbo. Hotels and food are expensive in the ski resort village of
Thredbo. You can hire a guide in Thredbo which some people do in the winter. There
are daily guided walks in the summer for $40 AUD.
Q: Do I need a permit to climb?
A: No, only a park entrance pass which can be bought at the park gate.
Q: Do I really need a guide for Kosciuszko?
A: Only if you are trying it in some extreme conditions where you want
to depend on local knowledge. Otherwise with 100,000 people a year hiking it, you
will rarely be alone, even though I was when I was on the summit for about 20 minutes.
 Q: Did
you summit?
A: Yes, I reached the summit on October 27, 2011.
Q: What was the route to the summit like?
A: I took the Kosciuszko Express chair lift and then followed the raised
metal walkway (there to protect the tundra) that ended at the junction with the road
from Charlotte Pass. In mid October, the summit was covered with snow, so much so
in 2011 that the normal dirt summit path was completely covered and inaccessible
due to large cornices. So I took a direct line, like the other 100 people that day,
to the summit in the snow. I took about an hour to cover the 4 miles to the summit
and spent over an hour on top and then about 45 minutes to return the the restaurant
(Eagles Nest) at the top of the lift.
Q: What kind of weather conditions did you have?
A: It was amazingly perfect, temps in the mid 60'sF, lite breeze, clear
blue skies. However, the day before and after it was cloudy and rainy!
Q: Would you climb Kosciuszko again?
A: Absolutely if I was in the area. It is a wonderful part of Australia.
Bottom Line
Kosciuszko is located in a beautiful area. The rolling hills and mountains plus the
high alpine environment is very serene and peaceful - even with the crowds! It was
fun to see so many people reach the summit and celebrate their success. This was
my last climb for the 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer's: Memories are Everything®. Sometimes,
a mountain does not have to be high to be fun. |
