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Glissade Gully

Thredbo and Kosciuszko

The most western of the steep chutes down into Blue Lake.

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
233 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
106 m
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2 km
Gradient
32˚
Glissade Gully Map

Glissade gully is the westernmost chute in Blue Lake, from Twynam head SSW towards Stag Gully, you will see the prominent rocky outcrop at the top of Stag Gully, and keep right (give plenty of room from the edge) and you will begin to see the line of Glissade open up below you with another small outcrop to your right. Drop down a little, and you will begin to see a much larger outcrop to your left as you head down, hence why it's important you keep away from the drop as you navigate around here. From there let it rip down to Blue Lake, you have a relatively free run, apart from a rocky section in the centre of the run midway down. As is the same with the other chutes around Blue Lake, cornices form, and they can and do collapse. In 2008 a skier was killed in Glissade Gully after a crown collapsed beneath him, burying him metres deep. Hence the importance of scoping your line and assessing snow conditions is essential in this area, this is not only steep and hard skiing, you must think about what is around the slopes too. Slides do happen. Other than that, this chute provides some fantastic skiing opportunities with a safe runout at the bottom, which is so rare in Australia. This area is best in spring when you are near guaranteed some soft snow, as this area can ice up significantly in winter, otherwise wait for the snow to load up the chutes before tackling them in winter.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between July and October

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area