Meet Mimi: Our Backcountry Program Coordinator

Our backcountry guides are pretty proud of the Australian backcountry, and we are pretty proud of our guides! We caught up with Mimi to talk mountains, backcountry adventures, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Mimi clipped into her first pair of skis at age five and never looked back. Six years ago, a trip to Japan introduced her to the magic of the backcountry, setting her on a lifelong path to guiding.

From cat skiing in Canada to patrolling in Fernie, Mimi’s racked up serious experience and qualifications in guiding, avalanche safety, first aid, and ski instructing. Now, she’s sharing her passion for the Australian alpine – educating guests on its beauty, complexity, and the importance of protecting it.

How did you get into guiding and what skills have you developed?

I first got into guiding through my love of touring, especially in the Main Range, which I find incredibly unique and magical. Meeting other lead Guides was a turning point; their encouragement and example inspired me to pursue guiding more seriously and get certified. From there, I went full send and now I’m here!

Over the years, I’ve developed a solid mix of technical and interpersonal skills. These include mountain navigation and route planning, avalanche search and rescue (AvSAR), rope and crevasse rescue, and remote area first aid. Just as importantly, I’ve learned how to create meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experiences for guests. Whether it’s someone’s first time on a tour or they’re a seasoned adventurer looking to explore new terrain.

What’s your favourite thing about guiding in Thredbo’s backcountry?

There is something special about moving through this landscape; I always felt a deep sense of awe and gratitude being out in the backcountry. I love the openness and vastness of the alpine. It feels like a privilege to experience it, and it is even more fun to be able to share it with others. AND ski fresh lines!

One of my favorite parts of guiding is showing guests just how diverse the terrain really is. From mellow, intermediate lines to technical, complex, and surprisingly steep features there’s so much more variety than most people expect. And the best part? We have it all in our lift accessible backyard!

What kind of terrain can people expect to explore on a Thredbo Backcountry Tour?

We’re incredibly lucky to have access to such a wide variety of terrain. Our tours can take you high into the alpine, weaving around majestic tors and granite rocks, reaching as far as Mt Kosciuszko. We also offer routes through the beautiful subalpine, exploring between iconic snow gums and rolling ridgelines.

For those chasing steeps, we’ve got access to some of the most challenging and technical terrain in Australia. And if you’re after soft turns and playful lines, our guides know where to find some of the best powder stashes, you’ll ever ski, all just beyond the resort boundary.

What’s one thing people are always surprised to learn on a backcountry tour?

People are always really surprised at how much terrain we have and how good the snow is! The guides are out there all the time and can take you to all the top secret good snow stashes.

What makes backcountry skiing or riding different to a resort day?

Untouched pow lines, great views, no bad vibes, way less people, no lift lines at all, learn new skills, make new friends and so much fun.

Favourite snack to pack in your bag for a big day out?

Recently my new favorite, Chicken Thai curry pie from Avalanche cafe…. Also love a good wasabi pea.

Fun fact about you?

I can handstand walk pretty far lol

If you’re inspired by Mimi’s story, or want to join her for her next adventure, hit the link below to explore our backcountry tours and book one in today!

Explore Backcountry Tours