Your backcountry debut, handled.
Three days in the Australian alpine. Small groups. Expert guides. All-inclusive.
Scroll down for dates and details!
The Snowy Mountains like you've never seen them.
This Adventure is for you if:
You're new to backcountry adventures.
Never worn snowshoes? Never skied outside the resort? We start from the base and take care of everything you need. All you need is the confidence to show up.
You're ready for something different.
You love hiking, love skiing, but have never experienced the vastness of the backcountry. This is the trip that changes that.
You want to meet like-minded adventurers.
Solo or with a friend. By day two it feels like a crew you've been adventuring with for years.
You don't want the hassle of logistics.
Gear, meals, accommodation — all handled. You show up. We take care of the rest.
What Makes This Different:
Run by Locals
We grew up in these mountains. 15 years guiding. Over 10,000 people into the backcountry. We know where to go when weather shifts, which routes work, where the best snow hides. You can't fake that kind of knowledge.
Connected to Community
We're woven into this community. Accommodation providers, rental shops & hospitality businesses. That means better value and insider access. You get the local experience, not the tourist one.
Small Groups
Guide to client ratio of 1:6 maximum. Matched by fitness and goals. You're not stuck in a big tour where no one knows your name. By day two, it feels like a backcountry crew you can go out with again and again.
Everything Handled
Stay at Chalet Sonnenhof in the heart of Perisher — bar, sauna, warm beds and snow on the doorstep. Meals, gear and transport all taken care of. Show up, enjoy the mountain and its challenges, come home to a comfy pillow.
Adventure Itinerary:
Day 01
Technical Skills & Gear Setup
Finding Your Feet
Sessions on the Nordic trails covering all the techniques for climbing and controlled descents.
Gear familiarisation and navigation basics. Afternoon trek out to Porcupine Rocks to find your rhythm in the backcountry.
Day 02
The Summit & Backcountry Application
Pushing Further
Transition from trails to backcountry. Head out to Porcupine Rocks to refine climbing and descending skills in backcountry snow.
Summit day. Head towards Mt Kosciuszko and push into the higher alpine.
Day 03
Moving with Confidence
The Finishing Flow
Catch the Skitube to Blue Cow and ski towards the Paralyzer area. A remote tour through the valley before skiing back to the lodge.
Explore the Paralyzer or head towards Guthega for a final look at the high-country ridges.
Best Life Adventures: Wild Winter Immersion
Fully supported from booking to summit — these programs are for anyone ready to experience Australia's alpine backcountry for the first time.
Snowshoe Immersion: Perfect for hikers or anyone new to winter wilderness — no skiing experience needed.
XC Ski Immersion: Ideal for beginners and those with some ski or board experience looking to learn a new skill.
Here's what you get:
- 3 days guided backcountry (snowshoe or XC ski)
- 2 professional local guides
- 2 nights accommodation at Chalet Sonnenhof, Perisher
- ALL meals: Friday breakfast through Sunday afternoon tea
- Equipment rental (snowshoes or XC skis)
- Return transport from Canberra
- Professional trip photography
- Gear support & recommendations
- Small group experience (12 max)
Winter 2026 Dates
Small groups mean spots fill quickly.
Backcountry Snowshoe — Perisher
17–19 July
Backcountry XC Ski — Perisher
24–26 July
$3,250 per person
Full payment required at time of booking.
What's included in your adventure:
Guided Backcountry Adventures
Three days in the Perisher backcountry — XC ski or snowshoe. Expert-led routes across the Main Range including Porcupine Rocks, South Ramshead and beyond.
Safety & Support
Professional certified guides. Wilderness First Aid trained. NPWS Ecopass included. Small group ratios. Full safety equipment carried on every day out.
Chalet Accommodation
Two nights at Chalet Sonnenhof in the heart of Perisher. Warm beds, hot showers, sauna access and a bar on site. Snow on the doorstep every morning.
All Meals Included
Breakfasts and dinners every day. Packed trail lunches on the mountain. All food and fuel covered — nothing extra to sort before or after each day.
Gear & Equipment
Snowshoes and poles included for the snowshoe program. XC ski hire organised and ready. Pre-trip gear list sent in advance so you know exactly what to bring.
Transport
Return transport from Canberra included. Depart Friday morning, back Sunday afternoon. Skitube access for the XC ski program. All logistics handled.
Pre-Trip Support
Full pre-trip pack sent after booking — gear lists, fitness tips, transport details and what to expect on the mountain. You'll arrive prepared and confident.
Small Group Experience
12 spots maximum per departure. Guide-to-client ratio of 1:6. You're not a number on a tour bus — the experience is built around the people in the group.
We're here to answer all your questions
Book a Call!
Not sure if this is right for you? That's what the call is for. We'll chat about your goals and make sure everyone's on the same page before you commit.
Australian Backcountry Specialists
10 000+
People guided into the Australian Alps
4.9 ★
Google rating from 140+ guests
15+
Years of operation
12
Spots available per retreat
We've been guiding people into the Australian backcountry since 2003. From multi-day school expeditions to women's alpine retreats, we specialise in getting people safely outside—and helping them discover what they're capable of.
15+
Years of operation
12
Spots available per immersion
Words from the those who have already done it:
Rohan Taylor
"Having just completed the Mt Jagungal cross country ski expedition, it's a huge thumbs up for Ben, Lachie and the Best Life Adventures crew. The trip was great fun, very well organised and a challenge. Who knew you could summit a 2,000m high mountain on skis."
Best Life XC Ski ExpeditionWill Roy
"K7 is a fantastic outfit. Lewis & co are a very professional and competent guide operation with great communication. Had a beautiful, unforgettable day out, a bucket list accomplishment skiing up and down Mt Kosciuszko. Hopefully I'll get the chance to get up in the hills with you again."
Backcountry ImmersionAndy Mcintyre
"Thanks for an excellent day. Hamish was great company and knowledgeable about the area. We managed to summit Kosciuszko in the clouds and ski back to Thredbo. Thanks Hamish for teaching me cross country skiing, I had an excellent day, just waiting for my calf muscles to stop aching."
XC SkiingAnthony Biggs
"Highly recommend touring with K7 Backcountry. Was guided by Hamish who was phenomenal, patient, professional and friendly. Ensured we all had a great day skiing some big lines in the Aussie backcountry. Thank you Lewis as well for organising everything."
Backcountry SkiingPeter Williams
"Hamish is an absolutely exceptional guide. His depth of knowledge led to a deep feeling of safety, as well as a fascinating array of learning. Not only did he provide a safe journey, it was incredibly informative. Warm, caring and an absolute asset. I highly recommend him."
Snowshoe & XC SkiFebe Brice
"Snowshoeing up Kosciuszko was a blast with our guides Lew and Chess. Such a beautiful experience. Once we reached the peak they whipped out tea and biscuits, a lovely touch. Cross country skiing, while extremely difficult for us newbies, was made so fun by Lew and Jimmy."
Snowshoe & XC SkiFrequently Asked Questions
What if I've never done backcountry before?
Perfect. Most participants haven't. We start from the base and build your skills
progressively over three days. Day one is about getting comfortable, day two you
push further, and by day three, you're moving with confidence.
Which activity is right for me? Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing: Most accessible. If you can hike, you can snowshoe. Focus is on the experience, not learning a new technical skill.
Cross Country Skiing : For those who are beginner to intermediate skiers that wish to explore the backcountry on ski's.
Unsure? Book a call with our team and we'll figure out what fits your goals and experience level.
What distances and elevation can I expect during the retreat?
Each day involves 5–12 km of snowshoeing or XC skiing, with moderate elevation
gain. The pace is designed to be enjoyable, with plenty of stops to take in the
scenery, learn new skills, and rest as needed. We tailor the routes to the group's
ability and conditions on the day.
What do I need to bring?
We provide snowshoes, XC ski's equipment, safety equipment, and all communal gear, so you'll just need
to bring your own winter clothing and personal items. A detailed packing list will
be sent upon booking, and if you need help sourcing gear, we'll guide you through
any rental or purchase options.
What fitness level do I need?
If you can comfortably hike 5–8 km a day with some elevation gain, three days in a row, you're more than ready. We build in plenty of rest stops for skill sessions, taking in the scenery, and catching your breath.
How is the group split during the adventures?
We keep it 10-12 maximum and split into separate XC ski and snowshoe groups so
everyone's moving at their own pace. These groups will be split into smaller groups of 5-6 so everyone can move comfortably at their own pace.
What's the accommodation like?
Chalet Sonnenhof in the heart of Perisher. Think warm beds, hot showers, a sauna to recover in after a big day on the mountain, and a cosy bar to wind down with the group. Cosy alpine vibes without roughing it.
What if the weather is bad?
We're locals. We know where to go when conditions change. Bad weather doesn't cancel
the trip, it just changes the plan. We prioritize safety and experience.
Who is this trip designed for?
This trip is designed for anyone who has always wanted to explore Australia's alpine backcountry but hasn't known where to start. No skiing or snowshoeing experience needed. Just a sense of adventure, a reasonable base fitness level, and the desire to get off the resort and into the wild. If you've been putting it off, this is the trip that handles everything for you
How do I get there?
We'll be providing shuttles from Canberra Airport. You can meet us there early on Friday morning, or you can drive to Jindabyne or Perisher and meet us down there.
What's the investment?
$3,250 per person- full payment required at time of booking.
Includes everything: guides, accommodation, all meals, equipment rental, transport, sauna access and professional photography. Nothing extra to pay on the mountain.
When are the 2026 dates?
Backcountry Snowshoe: 17–19 July 2026
Backcountry XC Ski: 24–26 July 2026
Both programs depart Friday morning from Canberra and return Sunday afternoon. 12 spots per departure.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. We can work with you on payment plans. Our mission is getting you into the
backcountry. if finances are the only barrier, let's talk.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand plans change. Our policies exist to protect both you and us. We recommend all participants get travel insurance after paying your deposit.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Deposit: $600 per person secures your spot. Full payment required if booking within 90 days.
Cancellations:
90+ days: $600 fee
60–90 days: 50% of full rate
Under 60 days: No refund — postponement may be possible
No-show or early departure: No refund
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Comprehensive cover starts from around $75–$100 and protects your investment if something unexpected comes up.
Full terms and conditions here.
https://www.k7adventures.com/booking-terms-and-conditions
Our Team
You're in Good Company
Chess Smee
Guide
Lewis Foster
Program Coordinator & Guide
Hamish Reid
Guide
"Had probably one of my favourite days of skiing on the summit tour. Lewis is an incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide — as well prepared and keen to impart knowledge as you could hope for."
Ben Woods — Backcountry Skiing
Accessibility and Inclusivity Statement
K7 Adventures is committed to creating experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and respectful. We believe that nature should be accessible to everyone and strive to design our tours with flexibility, clear communication, and care. While some of our activities take place in challenging alpine terrain, we aim to accommodate a range of abilities and backgrounds wherever possible. We welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. Please reach out if you’d like more information, support with planning your visit, or to chat about how we can best meet your needs.
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