THE
Army Alpine Association – which has a strong Air Force representation
– will conduct a Technical Mountaineering Course (Ex Aoraki)
in New Zealand in January.
The course will run from January 1-7 and will cover mountaineering
techniques for beginners to intermediate personnel who wish to
refresh their skills at the sport.
Participants will attempt to reach the summit of several of the
highest peaks in New Zealand.
Budding adventurers with no previous experience at cross-country
skiing or mountaineering are also invited to register for the
2003 August Epic in the Snowy Mountains at a low cost, and at
the relative safety of low altitudes.
Exercise August Epic is an activity in Kosciusko National Park
that has been conducted by the AAA annually for decades.
The aim is to provide novice mountaineers with the basic skills
and techniques of cross-country skiing, snow survival, mountaineering,
and ice climbing.
The activities are designed to prepare participants for more adventurous
pursuits overseas where the conditions are more arduous, higher
and technically difficult.
Many experienced mountaineers began their mountaineering careers
by participating in August Epics and other AAA activities. The
instructors on the course have had years of experience and have
climbed many of the highest mountains of the world, including
Mt Everest.
During Exercise August Epic 2002, team members spent two days
learning to cross-country ski around Perisher Valley before they
skied into the Blue Lake area carrying all necessary stores, equipment
and food.
After setting up a base camp in snow caves, the group set about
traversing the mountains, learning the basics of mountaineering
and alpine survival either on cross-country skis or climbing with
crampons and ice axes, and employing the many climbing techniques
taught by the experienced instructors.
One of the most satisfying moments was reaching the top of one
peak along the Kosciusko ridgeline near dusk. The sun was piercing
through the clouds on the horizon as team members stood on the
highest ridgeline in our country.
To the left was Mt Kosciusko a few kilometres in the distance,
and a possible summit to be achieved in the days to come.
To the right, members peered down to the ice formations on the
rocks around the famous Blue Lake, which they looked forward to
ice climbing a few days later. All around was the picturesque
landscape of the valleys and snow-capped mountains of the Snowy
Mountains.
All budding adventurers can participate in August Epic with no
prior experience in cross-country skiing or mountaineering,
Contrary to popular belief, the AAA is a tri-service organisation.
To register an expression of interest for August Epic 2003, contact
Major Carl Johnson on (02) 6265 2324 or carl.johnson1@defence.gov.au.
For information on Exercise Aoraki in New Zealand, contact Flight
Lieutenant Gareth Dyer on (03) 9256 3473 or gareth.dyer@defence.gov.au.
Additionally, the AAA has a web site on the Defence Intranet with
information relating to all AAA activities.
- By
FLTLT Allister McInerney
