With the arrival of the biggest snow storm this season, it’s time to get the winter gear out and head for the hills; literally. Before a footprint is left in the snow, it is important to evaluate the weather, the snow pack, and of course your hiking skill level. Walking in the snow not only requires immediate attention to any poor weather approaching, but also the stability of the snow pack when exploring past the ski resorts and into the backcountry. Emergency shelter, first aid, beacon, map and compass should be carried on any hike, and knowing how to use these should the conditions change without warning. Whether its snowshoeing, telemarking, or splitboarding you enjoy, here’s 6 of my favorite winter hikes in the Australian snowy mountains.

Read on at WildEarth