12OES 

"Snow" Camp 2026

At long last, the Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class embarked on camp to the Alpine National Park. Students were conducting an independent investigation into how the outdoor environment is managed and protected from Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.

Utilising our wonderful V/Line network, we departed Southern Cross Station with a sense of anticipation and trepidation as to whether we'd find any snow this year.

We arrived at Bright Chalet, settled in, got fitted for our skis, and headed to the summit of Mount Hotham. We hiked up to the summit and, with what little snow we could find, made the best of it and proceeded to learn to ski. Unfortunately, climate change is significantly impacting the quality of the park, as well as shortening the ski season year on year.

Due to the conditions on the mountain, we pivoted and made alternative arrangements. Students biked from Bright to Smoko, taking in the alpine foothills along the Ovens River.

On the afternoon of Day 3, students learned about the sport of biathlon. With the support of Bob from the Sporting Shooters Association of Victoria, they learned to shoot (laser and camera rifles) and took part in a not-so-snowy biathlon course.

As always, the accommodation and food provided by Michael and his team at Bright Chalet were exemplary. Students showed a tremendous amount of resilience, flexibility and curiosity, and no 

doubt have returned to school with memories and experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Tim Richardson

OES Teacher