Imagine spending a long weekend in the Victorian alpine region pushing your body, overcoming physical challenge, taking in the spectacular sights and breathing in the fresh air. Imagine that huge sense of accomplishment you will experience once you reach the summit of Victoria’s highest mountain.

• Set an exciting fitness goal – 2-day hike up Mount Bogong
• Receive an 8-week physical preparation program and hiking skills guide
• Be supported over an 8-week build-up training period, including training hikes
• Improve your health & fitness while working towards a meaningful goal
• Learn to connect more with nature, opening yourself to a new world of beauty
• Summit one of Australia’s most spectacular peaks
• Make friends, learn a new skill and power up your health and fitness to the next level

Over the first weekend in June a well-trained and mentally prepared group will take off on a two day hiking/camping trip to the summit of Mt. Bogong.

Mt. Bogong is a majestic and tall 1986m mountain located in the Victorian alpine region near Mount Beauty. It’s the highest mountain in Victoria. Departing Melbourne Friday afternoon, we travel in organised transportation to the base of Bogong, where we establish camp and prepare ourselves for the days ahead. Early Saturday morning we pack up camp, gear-up and begin our hike, following the 9km staircase route to the High Plains.

Each person carries their own equipment, clothing, food and water – 16-18kg in total. Roughly half way up we reach a hut where we have our first break, eat a delicious organic meal, and have a short rest before continuing on. In the afternoon we break above the tree-line and witness the huge expanse of the High Plains. We camp near Cleve Cole Memorial hut - trust me, you will not have any trouble falling asleep after the day's activities. Sunday morning we start nice and early, packing up camp and making the 3km push to the summit. The views from the highest point in Victoria are incredible - seeing the peaks of Hotham, Falls, Bulla and more. Sunset and sunrise on the High Plains are magical, and many a photos will be taken!

Our route off the mountain follows the 10.5km Eskdale Spur, winding it’s way north-east. A slightly less steep track, Eskdale Spur will lead us to a 4wd track and then the carpark. By Sunday evening we will be checked in to our boutique country ranch accommodation in the nearby town of Tawonga. Delicious organic meals, recovery activities and relaxation are in order, until we depart for Melbourne midday Monday - stopping in the iconic Alpine town of Bright before leaving the region. Returning to Melbourne no later than 5pm Monday night. In total we hike 30-35km over the two day hike.

Training Start Date: 11 April 2022

Training Finish Date: 2 June 2022

Mount Bogong Hike: Friday 3 – Monday 6 June 2022 (departure from Port Melbourne Friday 4pm, return to Port Melbourne no later than 5pm Monday)

8-Week Training Program:

• 1on1 phone consultation with Ross to determine your current fitness level and any customisation required to your build-up training
• Physical preparation program and hiking skills guide for you to follow for the 8 weeks
• 3 x half day hikes on 16 Apr, 14 & 29 May

Departing Port Melbourne in organised transportation 4pm Friday afternoon, we travel North East to the alpine region, stopping along the way for dinner. We arrive our the base of Mt Bogong and setup camp for the night. The next morning is when the real fun begins - it’s time to gear-up, put your game face on and embark on this exciting adventure. The morning will be spent ascending ‘the staircase’ route, which is the most direct approach to the High Plains. As we reach approx. 1600m above sea level we pop up above the tree line, where the views in all directions are incredible. We track east, then continue along the spur line south to Cleve Cole Memorial hut, where we enjoy a well deserved hot dinner and rest up for the evening - you will sleep well this night. Sunday morning is when things get really exciting. We’re up well before dawn, packing up camp and embarking on the second half of the adventure, returning on the spur towards the summit of Mount Bogong – The views from Bogong summit – Victoria’s highest peak at 1986m – are breath-taking.

Reaching the summit of Mount Bogong is not an easy feat. Each participant carries their own backpack to support themselves and the group. Trekking packs will weight 16-18kg – loaded up with tent, sleeping bag, cold weather clothing, food, water and other hiking equipment. The total distance of the two-day hike is 30-35 km.

The return hike follows a different track. We will travel north-east along Eskdale Spur, a slightly longer route down the mountain than the Staircase, however less steep. The 10.5km hike winds its way along a ridge, then drops down until reaching the tree line. Once we pass another refuge hut the track then narrows, and we push our way through bush until we arrive at a 4wd track. The hard work is mostly done, and the hike back to the carpark is now relatively flat and fast going. By 5pm we will be checking in to our accommodation in nearby Tawonga and enjoying a hot shower and hearty organic meal.

Celebrating after the hike and basking in the bliss of a hard challenge completed can be almost as good as the summit moment itself. A good night sleep in a bed after braving the mountain is going to re-define your idea of heaven.

Monday morning greets you with an organic cooked breakfast, an optional recovery cold-water dip and lots of relaxing. We depart for Melbourne by 12pm, stopping off for lunch in the beautiful Alpine town of Bright. Arrival in Port Melbourne will be no later than 5pm Monday night.

A Physical and Mental Challenge - An Opportunity to Learn & Grow

This hike is designed to be a mental and physical challenge, testing your body and demanding proper training and preparation in order to make it through. To be selected to join the group of up to 12 people who will be trained and guided on this adventure you will need to show a willingness to work as a team player, help others and push your personal limits. We will support you throughout your build-up training and on the hike itself, however, ultimately it will be up to you to commit 100%, have a positive attitude, and challenge your own limits.

Hiking Equipment Required (a more detailed list will be provided to participants):

• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants
• Warm jumper, thermal underwear, gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, thick socks, t-shirts (merino or warm synthetic materials – cotton not recommended)
• Head torch
• 75lt trekking pack (option to hire)
• Water-proof jacket (option to hire)
• Sleeping bag, inflatable ground mat and alpine tent (option to hire)

WHO IS THIS CHALLENGE FOR?

This challenge is for people who want to improve their health & fitness while working towards a fun and rewarding goal. It’s for those who want to work hard and see significant improvements in lean muscle, body fat, strength and endurance. It’s for those who enjoy being in nature, exploring and want to learn about hiking, camping and alpine expeditions.

AFTER THE HIKE

It is normal that after completing an adventure like this you will want to find the next challenge, to keep the momentum going, continue to improve your fitness capabilities and explore more of the great outdoors. Ross will be able to help you discover the next exciting goal or activity on your journey.

We will also have a post-summit dinner to celebrate everything you have achieved.

Premium Package $895.00

This is a unique hike experience. You are not only taken on an incredible mountain hiking adventure, you are also guided through a thorough 8-week build-up training program, armed with the necessary physical fitness, hiking skills and equipment to thrive in the Victorian alpine wilderness. All build-up training services as well as the hike, transport and meals are included in the price of this package, with the exception of hiking clothing/equipment (hire options available).

Package includes:

• 8-week physical preparation program and hiking skills guide
• 3 x half-day training hikes
• 1-night accommodation at boutique country ranch in Tawonga
• Transportation for the Bogong hike (from/to Port Melbourne)
• Organic meals and snacks for the hike weekend (all meals/snacks included from dinner on Friday to breakfast on Monday)
• Hire options available for some hiking clothing/equipment - tent, trekking pack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, rain jacket, at additional cost

Ross De Vincentiis

Ross is the founder of Rossfit. He loves the great outdoors and revels in challenging his body and mind in extreme conditions. As a soldier in the Australian Army for ten years, deploying to Asia and the Middle East, Ross certainly got a good dose of adversity.

Returning to civilian life, Ross studied nutrition, holistic health and human movement and has been working as a health and movement coach and mountain guide for the last 10 years. When he’s not at work, he can be found on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mats or climbing a mountain. He has summited and guided teams on numerous mountains in South America, the Himalayas and Australia, including multiple 6000m+ peaks.