Snow and the Overland

[David_J]

Hi all.
I did the overland track a few years ago in November and had perfect weather - only a touch of drizzle at Pine Valley. In fact, it had been dry for the two weeks beforehand, so there was no mud on the track whatsoever and the waterfalls weren't particularly vigorous. I thought it might be nice to see the Overland Track next year when there's some good snow cover. I know it's hard to tell this far in advance, but things like leave have to be planned out ahead - so I'd like to maximise the odds. I have a few questions I hope somebody can answer:
-Would July be the best month to get a good chance of snow? (Be careful what you wish for?)
-Are there any buses that run from Launceston-Cradle and Lake St Clair-Hobart in the winter? If not, how much would chartering a service for 4 cost?

edit: http://www.tigerline.com.au/timetables/ ... t%2009.pdf is a regular service if I've understood correctly?

Thanks,
David.

[ILUVSWTAS]

My thoughts would be August/September are the most likely months for snow

[Erica]

Yeah, I would think August/Sept would be best for snow also, however it varies a LOT from season to season. I walked it in July 08 and we had heaps of snow, then my friends did it in July (I think...) this year and there was hardly anything. I also walked it in September 06 and there wasn't much at all, just an overnight dump at WR.

[Son of a Beach]

I'd aim for August. September is also a possibility, but less reliable, and if you do have any significant snow in September, it's usually associated with storms and wind.

[mikethepike]

Son of a Beach wrote:
I'd aim for the August. September is also a possibility, but less reliable, and if you do have any significant snow in September, it's usually associated with storms and wind.

I agree with that and would go in the second or third week of August. Earlier than that you may miss out if the snow is late coming and later than that you run a greater likelihood of unseasonal or early rain. It's all largely unpedictable though. The hut book records for the last two years show that Ausust is the quietest month of the year on the OT and more people go through in July. I can only think this is at least partly because that's when the Uni mid semester break is, at least for mainland states.