NSW Nordic Ski Club
Off the Beaten Track Notes - Cascades Fire Trail and Beyond
Back to Archive index
Dead Horse Gap provides a very easy point of access to some great skiing, including the upper Thredbo River and the Cascade Fire Trail. Don't be put off by the valley appearing from the road to be devoid of snow. It nearly always looks like that as that part of the valley is windswept.
To get there just drive up the Alpine way past Thredbo and park in the spacious car park just before the bridge over the upper Thredbo River.
There is good camping for Friday night at Ngarigo (GR 240 642) or Thredbo Diggings (GR 276 654) just off the Alpine way a little past the park entry gate.
Map Courtesy of "Bushwalking in Kosciusko National Park"- Charles Warner
As usual we will look at two trips in the area - a day trip and a weekend (two-day) trip.
Skiing Standard
Skiing can be tricky in places because of trees and short steep sections on the fire trail. If you want to keep out of trees, stick to the Thredbo River valley.
Day Trip
Dead Horse Gap to Teddy's hut, Paddy Rush's Bogong, Brindle Bull Hill, Dead Horse Gap. Map: Thredbo, 1:50,000.
From the car park, just follow the fire trail until it turns right to cross the river. Stay on the true right of the river (unless it is snowed in, which is uncommon) all the way to the (half) hut at GR 201 561.
Moderate parties should be able to return via Brindle Bull Hill, and strong parties should be able to take in the great views from Paddy Rush's Bogong also. Ski up the true left bank of the creek (contrary to the map, it is quite open) that flows east on the NE side of Mt Leo. Once on the plateau, head over to Paddy Rush's Bogong, then to Brindle Bull Hill. Head back to Dead Horse Gap by starting a gentle traverse through some moderately treed slopes starting at the saddle at GR 164 564.
Overnight Trip
For an overnight trip, ski to Cascade hut (GR 124 505) or beyond. Map: Thredbo, 1:50,000.
Start at the car park as for the day trip but follow the fire trail when it turns south to cross the river at GR 141 551. Alternatively ski through trees SSW up the ridge from the southern side of Dead Horse Gap, through Horse Flat (great views and some nice open skiing) and join the fire trail.
It is then just a matter of following the fire trail to the hut. Some downhill bits can be a bit tricky if the snow is icy, especially at the bottom on the hill.
It is a relatively short ski to the hut, which is very cosy. Venturing further down the trail is rewarded by skiing through magnificent forests.
If you did not come via Horse Flat, take a detour there on the way back. Skiing down the ridge directly to Dead Horse Gap is not recommended unless you like skiing into trees.
Back to Archive index