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The Scimitar

Thredbo and Kosciuszko

Following a narrow gully running down from Twynam, The Scimitar plummets down for over 400 metres of vertical to Watson's Creek

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
1.3 km
Ascent
1 m
Descent
436 m
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
32˚
The Scimitar Map

Resembling an Ottoman Scimitar, this run and The Triple A holds the snow far better than the surrounding ridge lines. That being said the runs to the north of this line are well and truly skiable with similar vertical counts, and with similar incredible skiing when conditions are good. This drop steeply with a sustained pitch down to Watson's Creek, following the line of a slightly kinked gully. A striking cornice can form up on the the ridgeline to the right of the Scimitar, which makes for an incredible backdrop as you ski the steep gully. This run is best served up on a spring corn day however, as the exposure to the prevailing winds can make this area icy, and this is not somewhere you want to slip on. Under corn snow, this run is simply sublime, along with the other runs on the Western Face of Twynam. To access this run, head NW from the summit of Twynam, take note of the gullies of The Triple A, then head a couple of hundred metres further north and you will clearly see The Scimitar gully, take care in early or late season as there can be some sharks to take out your base on the exposed, wind scoured entry of the gully. The best return for this run is to follow Watson's Creek back up to the saddle between Twynam and Tenison Woods Knoll. This gully can be heavily loaded, so make sure to assess potential avalanche dangers.

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 June and October

Equipment required

  • Skins

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Guidebooks in this area