Snow Camping

Includes

  • Alpine huts
  • Snow igloos
  • Tents in snow

This excludes staying in established ski lodges with facilities – refer to indoor camping

 Description

Snow camping is activities camping and touring in alpine and mountain areas where snow has fallen or is a possibility.   Activities undertaken with alpine or snow conditions carry a significant risk for those not familiar with the conditions which can be changeable and extremely hazardous.

Who Can Participate

  • Open 14+ years ( Younger Participants at the discretion of the State Outdoor Activities Manager)
  • Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.

Safety Rules

  • Members must be adequately clothed for the coldest conditions. Wool or thermal wear that has good insulation. Jeans, windcheaters and cotton clothing are to be avoided. Several layers of clothing are better than one thick one. Sun protection including ski goggles or sunglasses, headwear and sunscreen is essential. Wet weather gear should be waterproof and windproof, and strong comfortable footwear (such as snow boots, waterproof hiking boots) with non-slip soles is recommended. Gumboots sports shoes or runners are not appropriate and should not be worn.
  • It is recommended that participants use snow poles.
  • Safety gear must carried, including small shovel, ice pick and one of the following emergency equipment
    • Satellite phone
    • EPIRB
    • PLB – Personal Location Beacon
  • Minimal Impact Practices Guidelines must be adhered to.
  • State Department of Transport regulations should be adhered to at all times.
  • When vehicles are used in snow areas, snow chains that fit must be carried.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LIC/Instructor will decide if the activity should proceed.
  • The directions of State and National Park Rangers must be adhered to at all times

Supervision Requirements 

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge

  • The LIC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
  • The LIC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
  • The LIC must have an appropriate first aid kit and emergency equipment suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
  • The LIC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
  • The LIC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.

Activity Instructor 

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

  • A qualified leader holding Girl Guides Australia Conduct Bush Activities Module or Conduct Expedition Activities Module for the conditions under which the activity is to be conducted. The Leader must be experienced in camping in snow conditions.

                                                                   OR

  • An instructor holding an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification with a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation. Permission to use instructors with these qualifications for Guiding activities must be obtained from the relevant State Girl Guide Organisation.

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

  • The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity.
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
  • Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
  • The ratified activity leader/ instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
  • Activity Leaders/Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

Notification Forms Required

ALL FORMS CAN BE FOUND HERE

For Approval – Prior to the Activity

  • OUT.01 Camp/Adventure-based/Event: Notification/Application
  • ADM.56B Risk Assessment Plan for Outdoor Activities Events Camps
  • The Activity Provider’s Risk Management Plan

At the Activity

  • Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
  • Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity

  • OUT.03 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Report

Last Modified: 10/09/22 at 12:54 AM