The Bogong Rover Chalet

Bogong Rover Chalet

Winter packing list

Our one-pager checklist has been updated for 2024 and is available for download - it doesn’t cover all the details, but is great for ensuring you have everything (but not too much :-D ).

Here it is as a PDF.

Introduction

If this is your first time to the chalet (ever, or for a while), you should aim for a pack weight of under 12kg, with an absolute max of 14kg. In addition to this, you will also need to carry at least 1kg of water and then also communal food for the week. This will make your pack noticeably heavier – hence the low target weight.

Note: Any items listed are mandatory/strongly encouraged unless marked as optional.

Packing notes

  • Don’t tie anything to the outside of your pack – the one exception may be a day pack if well strapped on (and nothing inside it)
  • Keep heavy items at the middle (or bottom) of your pack, and closer to your back
  • You will need extra space for communal food for the week, leave approximately five litres of space
    • If possible, keeping this food lower down and closer to your back is preferable for balance
  • Ensure items you will use frequently, or in a hurry, are accessible:
    • Keep warm gloves near the top
    • Ensure your shell layers (jacket and pants) are accessible if weather changes, or can easily be put away if you get too warm
    • Keep a warm jacket near the top to put on when having breaks
    • Keep your water bottle somewhere you can access
    • Keep your scroggin accessible – keep some in your pocket
    • Sunscreen – sun reflected off snow is extra intense, so slip slop slap! And reapply!

Friday night/Saturday morning

Friday night we stay at a community/Scout hall in Towonga or Mt Beauty.

You want to be able to leave everything you use Friday night in the cars on Saturday morning because this allows you to have a fully packed bag for the trip up, and means that Saturday morning can be stress free. This isn’t mandatory, but is certainly nicer.

Be prepared for the hall to be cold/cool.

Item Quantity Optional Details
Sleeping mat 1 No

There are no beds at the hall on Friday night. You will be sleeping on the floor.

Breakfast for Saturday 1 No

You must eat a nutritious meal to fuel yourself for the trip in. There is not time to buy breakfast in the morning on Saturday. Don’t forget water to be well hydrated before we start – the more you drink before you start, the less you need to carry – but don’t skimp on what you carry

Lunch for Saturday 1 No

You must eat a nutritious meal to fuel yourself during the trip in. You will not be at the chalet by lunch time. There is not time to buy lunch in the morning on Saturday

Bag 1 Yes

To store any unused items during the week

Ear plugs 1 Yes

Not mandatory, but people do snore

Eye mask 1 Yes

Not mandatory, but people do turn lights on when they arrive

Spare clothes 1 Yes

A change of clothes for the final Saturday trip home

Extra sleeping bag 1 Yes

A second one is preferable (but not mandatory) as it means your main one can be in your pack ready to go

Pillow 1 Yes

For comfort 😀

Alpine gear list

Don’t forget you can hire or borrow things, it’s not necessary to buy everything/anything.

Item Quantity Optional Details
Pack 1 No

50-60L is a good target size, if it’s larger ensure you don’t fill it - Ensure it has a waterproof cover that won’t blow away in wind, also waterproof the inside (e.g. using garbage bags) - Needs to have a functional harness (waist belt and chest strap) - Try it on and ensure it fits well

Skis 1 No

Backcountry or telemark style not cross-country not downhill
More details are available here

Stocks/poles 1 No

More details are available here

Ski boots 1 No

More details are available here

Ski leashes 1 Yes

These are really important as they stop your skis from disappearing

Water bottle 2 No

At least one litre. If using an insulated one, then filling it with warmed water is nice.
Be cautious with bladders as they may freeze (e.g. the hose)

Whistle 1 No

For emergency situations/whiteouts

Map 1 Yes

There are maps at the chalet you can use for tours

Compass 1 No

For emergency situations/whiteouts

UHF radio 1 Yes

There are radios at the chalet. Bring some as a party if you want for the ski in/out
Optional but recommended, don’t forget a lightweight charger and/or batteries

PLB 1 Yes

If you have access to one, it’s a good emergency item to have. It would be your personal responsibility

Space blanket 1 No

For emergencies/hypothermia
A space blanket is a thin metallic blanket or bag that goes in your first aid kit. It is not a full sized blanket

Personal first aid kit 1 No

Blister supplies should be included

Scroggin 500g No

No more than 500g, what you carry in you must carry out. No food is to be left at the chalet.

Head torch 1 No

For the ski out at the end of the week. This is essential.
Don’t forget spare batteries or a charger

Lighter/matches 1 Yes

Optional, make sure they are waterproof

Daypack 1 Yes

20-30L, light weight, with rain cover. At least 20L
Consider saving weight by using your main pack as a day pack – if doing this you’ll need another bag to keep your items neat in the chalet, e.g. a sleeping bag storage bag

Gaiters 1 Yes

Good idea, but generally not necessary with high cuffed plastic boots. Very necessary with low cuffed boots

Whiteout cord 1 No

A reel of flouro brick layers cord is good and lightweight

Ski helmet 1 Yes

Optional, but recommended. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet if using the tow. They’re also cosy and warm

Sit pad 1 No

This is for when you are touring and need to stop. Prevents hypothermia and can help keep an injured person off the ground.
Use an offcut from a foam mat, or an inflatable one

Glide wax 1 Yes

Very optional, but nice to have in sticky snow

Ski repair kit group Yes

May be coordinated with the whole winter week, confirm as a party.
Confirm that it work with the skis you use

Ski straps 1 Yes

Voile straps (or similar), very optional, but useful – e.g. if you need to put your skis on your pack (or carry them by hand), these can be useful for strapping them together

Pocket Knife/multitool 1 Yes

Very optional

Chemical warmers 1 Yes

Hothands or similar

Toilet paper 0.5 Yes

Emergency toilet paper for tours

Clothing

There is a washing machine and it will be run daily. There is also a drying room. Clothing wise, less is more! Washing power is provided.

Don’t forget, we have merch in the chalet too! 😉

You must not bring cotton or denim.

Cotton (which is also what denim is made from) is not appropriate for skiing (nor hiking) due to it’s poor performance in wet weather, and it’s poor wicking and drying properties.

Wearing cotton is a safety issue - and not just for you, but potentially for the whole party.


Item Quantity Optional Details
Thermal top 2 No

Merino smells less, acrylic dries fast.

Thermal pants 2 No

Merino smells less, acrylic dries fast.

Board shorts 1 or 2 Yes

Modesty shorts for over thermals on tours – optional

Mid layer 1 or 2 No

E.g. fleece or merino jumper An extra mid layer – ensure you have good layering options

Fleece/puffer 1 No

Warm jacket/layer – e.g. a down jacket or second fleece

Raincoat 1 No

Avoid insulated downhill ski jackets, they’re not good for layering and become impractical for touring as they are too warm
Look for Gore-tex, eVent, or other equivalents
A hood is necessary

Rain pants 1 No

Avoid insulated downhill ski pants, they’re not good for layering and become impractical for touring

Beanie 1 No

To keep your noggin warm

Hat 1 No

Consider a cap in addition to a bucket style hat, as a cap fits under a hood

Buff/scarf 1 Yes

Buff/neck warmer – suggested but optional
Merch available at the chalet. Good for sun and wind

Full finger gloves - thin 1 No

Pair touring ski gloves – similar to running or cycling gloves, your hands can get warm while touring

Full finger gloves or mitts - thick 1 No

Pair warm ski gloves/mittens – e.g. downhill style. Even in warmer conditions these should be accessible for rest breaks

Glove liners 1 Yes

If you want to wash them each day and keep your hands a bit cleaner

Socks 3 No

Ski/outdoor socks again, not cotton

Sunglasses 1 No

The more coverage the better. Cycling style sunglasses are a good option

Ski goggles 1 Yes

They’re nice for rest breaks. Most people don’t tour in goggles, but some choose to

Underwear 3 No

Ideally not cotton

Bra 2 Yes

One to wear and a spare!
Sports bras are suggested
Underwire free is better for the washing machine, but do what works best for you

Clear sunglasses 1 Yes

Low contrast/clear sunglasses – optional, but nice to have as eye cover when it’s dull

Chalet items

In addition to clothing.

Item Quantity Optional Details
Sleeping bag 1 No

Doesn’t need to be too warm, 0 degrees is usually plenty (unless you know you run particularly cold)

Inner sheet 1 Yes

For inside your sleeping bag

Single fitted mattress sheet 1 No

This is mandatory, to cover the communal mattresses

Pillow case 1 No

This is mandatory, to cover the communal pillows

Pyjamas 1 Yes

It’s a communal environment, and the trip to the bathroom is cold

Indoor t-shirt 1 Yes

To wear inside the chalet only

Indoor Pants 1 Yes

To wear inside the chalet only
Can wear your pyjamas or shorts if you want to save some weight (although shorts may be a tad chilly)

Closed toe shoes 1 No

Pair of closed toe shoes/slippers for the chalet - cooking, cleaning and going outside for parade - also used if you need to walk any of the trip to/from Falls Creek in preference to ski boots (which can be blister magnets)

Scout uniform 1 No

Shirt and scarf

Toiletries bag 1 Yes

A ziplock bag works well

Travel soap 1 No
Travel shampoo/conditioner 50mL Yes

Consider solid alternatives for weight and to avoid leakage

Toothbrush and paste 1 No
Deodorant 1 No
Shower cap 1 Yes

Optional, if you use one normally

Periods items 7 No

e.g. Tampons, pads, menstrual cup, etc
Bring them just in case!

Moisturiser 30mL Yes

Tiny portion of moisturiser for sunburn and similar

Hair ties 3 Yes
Medication (Epi pens, puffers, antihistamines) personal No

Personal medical/care/first aid needs. At least two in date epi pens (if you need them), Ventolin/puffer, antihistamine.

Sunscreen 1 tube No

Sunscreen for the week

Lip balm 1 No

For sun and wind protection and repair, more SPF is better

Hike towel 1 No

Lightweight, a gym towel works too

Phone charger and cord 1 Yes

There is power at the chalet

Ear plugs 1 Yes

Not mandatory, but people do snore

Eye mask 1 Yes

Not mandatory, but people do turn lights on and off – and the sun can be glary in some rooms

Facemask 1 No

In case of COVID or other sickness

Party night costume 1 Yes

Keep it light weight
If your pack is getting too heavy, leave it behind
Some little props can be used to jazz up some normal clothes

Over 18’s only 1.5kg Yes

Up to 1.5kg of alcohol, move anything glass into a plastic bottle
Any glass brought in must be brought out

What not to bring

  • Books – there’s a library of books in the chalet
    • E-readers are a much better option if you have something you’re actively reading
  • Soft drink
    • You may choose to bring some soda stream flavours if you’re well under the weight limit
    • There’s plenty of cordial, including sugar free
  • Glass bottles – you need to carry them back out, as glass can’t be left at the chalet
  • Hair drier
  • Hair straightener
  • Makeup
  • Pillow
  • Full sized towel
  • Driza-Bone
  • The use of sleds (rather than a pack) is prohibited
  • Downhill jacket/pants
  • No more than one pair of spare shoes/slippers

If you have any doubts, questions or concerns regarding equipment contact your party leader or the bookings officer on 0407 242 538.

Check out our general briefing night video to learn more too.

More info

You can always contact us:

Bogong Rover Chalet logo

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we reside. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities.