Winter alpine camping is genuinely cold. Here is the layering system and sleeping setup that keeps you warm through a -10°C night.
How Cold Does It Actually Get?
The Australian Alps are routinely underestimated. Perisher averages -5°C in July. Exposed ridgelines reach -12°C or colder. Wind chill pushes effective temperature well below that. Treat it as genuine alpine winter.
Layering for Alpine Cold
Base layer: 250gsm merino wool, top and bottom.
Mid layer: Heavyweight fleece (400gsm) or down jacket rated to -5°C.
Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof, fully taped. You can get sleet, freezing rain, and blizzard conditions.
Head: Beanie covering ears. Balaclava for cold nights or windy conditions.
Hands: Gloves inside mittens.
Sleeping in Alpine Cold
Bag rating should exceed the coldest expected night by at least 5°C. Pair with a sleeping pad rated R-value 6+ — ground insulation in alpine winter is as important as the bag. Sleep in your base layer. Keep tomorrow's clothes in the bottom of the bag so they are not frozen when you wake.
Shelter
A four-season tent with significant pole strength. Three-season tents can fail in heavy snowfall. Cook in the vestibule — not in the tent body (carbon monoxide risk).
Browse our alpine camping sleep and shelter systems.
