The event takes place in an exposed Alpine environment that can be subject to sudden and severe changes in weather. Hot sunny days as well as rain, fog, high winds, sleet and snow can occur during November. Hypo- and hyperthermia are a serious risk and runners must be prepared for any weather conditions. Given the nature of the Alps, runners should come prepared for all conditions. A final determination in regards to mandatory kit will be made on the morning of the run. The course is a marked course and it is not a race in the traditional sense; participants must offer assistance to others in distress.
Pacers are not allowed, refereshments are available at the finish.
Medical Evacuations are at participants cost. Participants are encouraged to join Ambulance Victoria https://membership.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ — ph 1300 366 141.
Withdrawal due to injury/illness
Injured runners/walkers withdrawing due to illness/injury must be accompanied by a team member to the next closest road/support station. Withdrawal must be advised to an event organiser.
Alpine Challenge 10 km Course (White Flags)
This is a 10 km out and back course from Slalom Plaza along Heathy Spur for approximately 2.5 km. It covers rolling hills with stunning views over Rocky Valley Dam. It follows XC ski trails, aqueducts and single tracks.
Cut offs: 10 km run/walk—participants must complete the event within 2 hours.
Stage 1
Falls Creek to Heathy Spur turnaround
From Slalom Plaza head up the home trail to the aqueduct, turn left on the trail and follow it, crossing the Bogong High Plains Road until it drops down below the dam wall. Ascend the other side to the base of Heathy Spur.
Follow the signed and marked trail along Heathy Spur until a Turnaround sign and large a orange flag.
Stage 2
Heathy Spur turnaround to Slalom Plaza (Finish)
Retrace your steps to Falls Creek as per Stage 1 above.
Water is available at the finish.
The pdf file can be downloaded from here and the GPX file here.
Alpine Challenge 16 km Course (White and Blue Flags)
This is a 16 km out and back course from Slalom Plaza along Heathy Spur to the junction of Big River Fire Trail. It covers rolling hills with stuning views over Rocky Valley Dam. It follows XC ski trails, aqueducts and single tracks.
Cut offs: 17 km run/walk—participants must complete the event within 3 hours.
Stage 1
Falls Creek to Heathy Spur Junction with Big River Fire Trail
- From Slalom Plaza head up the home trail to the aqueduct, turn left on the trail and follow it, crossing the Bogong High Plains Road until it drops down below the dam wall. Ascend the other side to the base of Heathy Spur.
- Follow the signed and marked trail along Heathy Spur until the intersection with Big River Fire Trail.
Stage 2
Heathy Spur Junction with Big River Fire Trail to Slalom Plaza
Retrace your steps to Falls Creek as per Stage 1 above
Water is available at the junction of Heathy Spur and Big River Fire Trail and at the finish.
The pdf file can be downloaded from here and the GPX file here.
Alpine Challenge 25 km Course (White and Blue Flags)
This is a 25 km out and back loop course from Slalom Plaza along Heathy Spur to the junction of Big River Fire Trail and on to the historic Fitzgerald and Kellys Huts. It covers rolling hills with stunning views over Rocky Valley Dam. It follows XC ski trails, aqueducts and single track.
Cut offs: 25 km run/walk—participants must complete the event within 5 hours.
Stage 1
Falls Creek to Heathy Spur Junction with Big River Fire Trail
- From Slalom Plaza head up the home trail to the aqueduct, turn left on the trail and follow it, crossing the Bogong High Plains Road until it drops down below the dam wall. Ascend the other side to the base of Heathy Spur.
- Follow the signed and marked trail along Heathy Spur until the intersection with Big River Fire Trail.
Stage 2
Junction with Big River Fire Trail with Heathy Spur
- Turn right and follow BRFT until the Marm Point turn off, turn left onto the single track that is parallel to the snow poles.
- Follow the single track across plains until you come to the sign to Fitzgeralds and Kellys Huts
- Turn right and head downhill to Fitzgeralds Hut, do a loop around the hut and head up the hill before dropping down to Kellys Hut.
- From Kellys Hut, head back uphill veer right to the start of the track that you cam in on.
- Retrace your steps to BRFT, turn right and head up to Heathy Spur junction.
Stage 3
Heathy Spur Junction with Big River Fire Trail to Slalom Plaza
Retrace your steps to Falls Creek as per Stage 1 above
Water is available at the junction of Heathy Spur and Big River Fire Trail and at the finish.
The pdf file can be downloaded from here and the GPX file here.