Huw Kingston travelled the length of the Australian Alps in 2022 and now a film documenting his efforts and the scenery of the vast alpine region is set for release in June. Photo: Huw Kingston.
In the winter of 2022, Southern Highlands-based adventurer Huw Kingston skied and walked the 700-kilometre length of the Australian Alps and now a film documenting that journey is set for release this winter.
Directed by Ivan Hexter, whose body of work includes prime-time ABC TV documentaries East Meets West; Hope Street; Lasetter – Legend of the Lost Reef; Final Insult and Antarctic Oasis – A Haunting Journey, the 36-minute factual film Alpine Odyssey carries the same name as Huw’s 52-day alpine trek.
The 2022 overland skiing and walking journey followed the length of the Australian alpine country from Mt Baw Baw in Victoria to Mt Franklin Chalet in the ACT, with the added twist of skiing at each of mainland Australia’s 12 snow resorts.
Huw had set off with a target of raising $50,000 for the Save the Children’s Our Yarning Indigenous literacy project, eventually raising $65,000.
The aim of Our Yarning is to produce books written by Indigenous Australian authors telling Indigenous stories for Indigenous children.
Huw is a long-time ambassador and fundraiser for Save the Children and in his lifetime has raised more than $250,000 for its initiatives.
Alpine Odyssey brings to the big screen a story that won Huw the Australian Society of Travel Writers Award for Best Australian Story in 2023, offering a rare but highly visual insight into Huw’s journey, the backcountry and the resorts/alpine communities, and also considers the threats to this unique part of Australia.
“Whilst I’ve skied across the world, pioneering long winter journeys in such places as the Himalayas, for me and many others, Australia’s highest land on the world’s flattest continent is incredibly special,” Huw said.
Having first skied the length of the alps 27 years ago, he says he’s witnessed some changes in that time.
“Certainly the impact of climate change deeply concerns me for future generations of snow sport enthusiasts to enjoy all I’ve enjoyed,” he said.
“The film shows off the delights of our highest lands, and celebrates skiing, an activity that has reduced me to tears of joy more than any other,” he said.
Screenings will take place from June, with venue dates to be announced soon. Every showing will raise funds for Save the Children and Protect Our Winters (POW).
POW is a global volunteer community organisation of outdoor enthusiasts working to protect Australia’s unique alpine environment and communities from climate change.
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