Easy Splitboarding Trip from Guthega Dam to Gills Knob (NSW)

Mattie and Jon took the opportunity to get out to the Snowies and take on the challenge of a backcountry splitboarding trip from Guthega Dam.

Quick Overview

This backcountry splitboarding trip from Guthega Dam to Gills Knob in Kosciuszko National Park captures everything that’s good about the Snowy Mountains in winter. With plenty of fresh pow you’ll be earning your turns, but it’s also super close to the car park without any of the just-off-the-road vibes.

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Guthega Dam to Gills Knob Route Facts

Distance: 5km return
Duration: Full day
Elevation gain: 450m (ish!)
Nearest town: Guthega

About the Guthega Dam to Gills Knob Route

The route we’d planned, crossing the Guthega Dam Wall, traversing along the pondage, before ascending and descending through the gum trees to Gills Knob summit, was one I’d done before. It’d been my first ever splitboarding trip, so not only did I feel confident leading Jon out on his first splitboard, I knew we had plenty of time to make the summit and back in a day.

Another great thing about this route is that you never actually travel that far from the car park, so you’re only about an hour away from the car at any time.

How To Get to Guthega Dam

Guthega Dam is about 30 minutes driving from Jindabyne. Head up the mountain towards Perisher and then take the right hand turn off, well signposted towards Guthega. There’s ample parking at the base of the chairlifts.

If you don’t live close enough for a day trip, there’s plenty of affordable accomodation in Jindabyne…just make sure you label your gear! | @setinstoneseq

Skill Level

Advanced

The Guthega Dam to Gills Knob route for backcountry splitboarding is generally considered suitable for intermediate to advanced skill levels. There are steep sections and variable snow conditions, so you’ll need some familiarity with alpine regions and the skills to be able to handle varying terrain.

The Main Range is well connected so you should have reception most of the time but be aware that the negative temperatures can drain your battery quickly. Make sure you’ve got a PLB handy and are comfortable navigating with a map and compass before you head out.

Essential Gear For Guthega Dam to Gills Knob

• Splitboard with skins (snow shoes, or skis and skins would do the job too)
• Helmet
• Goggles/sunnies
• Backpack
• Warm and waterproof layers
• Lunch and snacks
• Water
• Avalanche beacons (one per person)
• Avalanche probes
• Shovels
• First aid kit
• Emergency bivvy

Please Remember Avalanche Gear

Make sure you know how to use your avalanche gear. We highly recommend attending a safety course before heading into the backcountry. You should always fill out a Trip Intention Form before heading out too! NSW NPWS Intention Form.

What It’s Like Cruising Guthega Dam to Gills Knob

Very little recent snowfall had winter frothers like myself wondering whether the ol’ shred sled was going to get an outing at all this year. 

Luckily for those of us in ACT/NSW, we’re close to the Snowies and can react quickly when the season kicks off. So, following the first decent snowfall of the season, Jon and I hightailed it from Canberra for an easy day of backcountry splitboarding. 

But First, Fuel

With only one day at our disposal, we set off at the crack of sparrow, grabbed a coffee from Rhythm, and were parked up in Guthega by 8.00am. Sitting in the car park, we brewed up another coffo and some porridge, while we eyed our target for the day, Gills Knob.

@jonharris_photography

Easy Does It

All prepped and ready to go, we boarded down the short slope from the car park to Guthega Dam. The heat of the sun was already taking the chill out of the air and melting the ice from the snow.

After traversing for about 1km, we’d well and truly warmed up and were ready to remove some layers before starting the climb. We had a rough route to the summit in mind, but we let the slope and the trees lead us a little to the left and right as we went.

About half way up, and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful morning, we emerged from the treeline and had the summit in our sight.

Up, Up, or Up, Down

The route to the summit was a stunning mix of clean, untouched snow, and wide open ground with the occasional clump of boulders and trees. We decided to skirt to the left of the summit, taking the gentler route to the top. As soon as we started skinning, we began to get the sense that the snow’s appearance was a little deceptive.

It looked pristine and fresh, but each step was met with the crunch of an icy top layer. While not a problem for skinning up the hill, we began to anticipate that our runs down again might not be quite as glorious as we’d imagined. Still, we began to ascend the mountain. 

As often happens near any mountain summit, the weather began to turn. Icy winds had us pulling on our jackets and donning gloves and face masks. This weather change, combined with the increasingly icy snow, helped us make the decision not to push for the ultimate summit.

It was an easy decision really. It’s always tempting to climb to the top of any mountain, but we decided that the pay off probably wouldn’t be worth it this time. Besides, neither Jon and I were bringing any ego to this trip, we were just out here to capture some good vibes and take it easy.

Fresh (Crunchy) Tracks

Putting our boards back together again, and packing away poles and skins, we prepared to drop in on our first descents of the day. In front of us was an open slope, leading down to the trees, waiting quietly for us to lay down some fresh tracks. 

I’m not going to wax lyrical about our descent to the treeline, because it wasn’t great. We left some fresh tracks in the snow. Our runs were enjoyable. But they certainly weren’t the best we’ve ever had. Sometimes the best thing about splitboarding in the Aussie backcountry, isn’t the downhill. And that’s completely ok.

@jonharris_photography

After a lunchtime burrito break, we decided to hike up for a second run. Yeah the snow was a bit crappy, but an average run on the snowboard is better than no run at all. Second time around, knowing what to expect, we carved out a few better turns, and ate shit a couple of times too. Can’t have been too bad because we headed halfway up for a third crack.

So the descents weren’t amazing, but y’know what? Any descents on a day in the backcountry are such a small portion of the outing, that it actually doesn’t matter.

Our day was all about experiencing the beauty of being out there. About getting into the mountains and out of the resorts. And this easy backcountry splitboarding trip delivered more than enough good times and good vibes to be totally worth the hike.

@jonharris_photography

Homeward Bound

The day ended with a cruisy return traverse back the way we’d come. We arrived at the car well before sundown, ready to pack up and hit the road homeward. Stoked on a day well spent, we finished our mountainous microadventure with a Mexican dinner in Jindy. I recommend the nachos.

FAQs Guthega Dam to Gills Knob

What can I do on the Guthega Dam to Gills Knob route?

This are of the Kosciuszko National Park is a great place for splitboarding, snowshoeing, and ski touring. Take your pick! Wouldn’t be the worst place for a snowball fight either. Explorer Melissa went snowshoeing from Guthaga Dam to Schlink Hut and loved it.

What can I do in the Snowy Mountains if I’ve turned up for a snow weekend…and there’s no snow?

Firstly, we’ve all been there. Nature can be hard to predict. Luckily the area is so full of adventure that WAE publisher Tim dreamed up 13 great reasons you should deliberately visit the Snowy Mountains when there’s no snow.

Are there any great backcountry events in the Snowy Mountains?

Yep! The most well known annual backcountry event in NSW is Splitfest. For more events, make sure you check out the We Are Explorers Event Calendar!

Can’t get enough of the Snowy Mountains?

• A Snowy Mountains Road Trip Along the Alpine Way (NSW)
• The Best Guides for Your Snowy Mountains Adventure
• Skiing The Western Faces: A Guide to Backcountry Skiing in Kosciuszko National Park
• Is Watsons Crags Australia’s Best Backcountry Skiing?