Hannels Spur is the iconic mountaineering ascent in Australia. Whilst the masses ’summit’ Kosci via the top of Thredbo this is the ‘real summit route’ which Australian Legend like McCartney Snape used whilst training for Everest. A gruelling 1830m climb through numerous climates this is the route with the most amount of elevation gain in a single uninterrupted ascent.
The route is filled with Aussie history including back to Aboriginal use of the approximate alignment as a travel passage to the Alpine. The route is also particularly special as it traverses numerous climates and therefore presents its own unique challenges. The terrain is challenging, and you will be working at your aerobic limit whilst feeling like you are barely moving with forward momentum. The reward however, is immense and a stunning view looking down onto of the Geehi Plains across white snowgums.
The objective of this route is to get from the Road to the Kosci trig as fast as possible.
You must begin on the Eastern side of the Swampy Plain River which means you must cross the Geehi River. For unsupported efforts, this means you will either be carrying wet and heavy feet along the whole route if you choose to not de-shoe. If you choose to spend the time doffing and donning, you’ll have to work harder on the ascent to make up for the lost time.
In order to protect sensitive vegetation and ensure additional erosion is not created, in order to successfully complete this FKT you must stay to the designated alignment. This means you cannot short-cut south east once you meet Wilkinsons Creek up to the Kosci summit.
David Byrne ran this route in 2 hours 38 minutes on 29/04/2024 and attempts are being made to verify his time via a data file so it can be formally published. Until which time, this stands as the current unverified time.
Detailed description: https://www.aussiebushwalking.com/nsw/kosciusko/hannel-s-spur
