Alpine Access Australia was formed by David & Pieta Herring in response to the fast-growing interest in backcountry touring in the Australian Snowy Mountains, and the demand for avalanche skills education from Australian skiers and boarders. Between us, our team has many years of avalanche education & backcountry touring experience in Australia, Japan, Europe and North America, and we’re keen to keep sharing our skills and knowledge with others.
Dave Herring – AST1 Instructor & Guide
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level1
Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Practitioner
Wilderness First Aid
I have been touring the Main Range summer and winter for decades. I grew up on the northern boundaries of the Kosciuszko National Park and still ski over 100 days a year. Adventure travel and skiing have always been a large part of my life, including sailing across the Atlantic, driving a Kombi through Africa, and skiing in many locations in North America and Japan. Since 2012 I have been guiding backcountry tours in Australia and Japan. Avalanche awareness and backcountry safety are an integral part of guiding and it was an obvious progression for me to train with Avalanche Canada as an instructor.
Pieta Herring – AST1 Instructor, Guide & Admin
CAA/JAN Operations Level 1
Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Practitioner
Wilderness First Aid
Cert IV Training & Assessment
Growing up in Canberra and a member of Canberra Alpine Club, I skied from an early age. After ski racing for a few years, I travelled to many North American resorts in search of bigger mountains and the ski workers lifestyle. After meeting Dave, I discovered the world of backcountry ski touring – a pursuit which ticks all the boxes of fitness, skiing, & getting immersed in the beauty, peace & fresh tracks of the mountain backcountry environment.
Angus Darragh – AST1 Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Lvl 1 & AvSar 1
Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Practitioner
Following a university fuelled quarter life crisis, I retreated to Canada and got stuck into all things snow. I work ski patrol at Castle Mountain Resort which is known for steep fall line skiing and an exciting avalanche control program. At Castle, I was lucky enough to have great mentors who helped foster in me an interest in backcountry skiing and snow science. Currently based in Jindabyne, I am really looking forward to continuing to grow my own skill set. I’m also super keen to continue this chain of mentorship and, with Alpine Access, help others to safely access the backcountry by sharing what I have learned.
Taylor Rogers – Guide/Assistant AST1 Instructor
CAA Operations Level 1
ASPA Emergency Care
ASPA National Ski Patrol Certification
Remote & Wilderness First Aid
MSC Field Observer
Backcountry skiing evokes all the best things: pure stoke for a big line, satisfaction from a tough ascent, mental clarity from a long sunny-day skin and a special connection to alpine landscapes. A patroller and a guide, Tay values safety and responsible decision making and believes the more we learn and know about the environments we are in, the safer we can play. Tay loves facilitating learning and sharing knowledge whilst promoting respect and inclusivity among the backcountry community.