THE KAC XC Classic – racing since 1972

The flagship of the Koscuisko Alpine Club's Cross Country racing program is the iconic KAC - one of the largest and oldest cross-country ski races held in NSW. The race route, from Perisher Valley to Charlotte Pass Village, traverses 8km of gently undulating terrain through magnificent scenery. Open to racers over 12 years of age, in both classic and freestyle.

Started in 1972 by enthusiastic KAC members who wanted to encourage greater participation in cross-country skiing, the race was popularly known as The Martini, due to its early sponsorship. The race has been held every year since, except unfortunately in 2020 due to the Global Pandemic. Historically held on the first Wednesday of August, from 2023 the KAC is now held on the Monday to allow a greater number of participants to take advantage of the long weekend.

The KAC is a noted event on the Australian skiing calendar and is run according to the rules of the Federation Internationale de Ski. The race is the centrepiece of Cross-Country Race Week, which starts with the Boonoona Open the previous Sunday and finishes with the Snowy Classic the following weekend. 

As with other 'citizen' Cross-Country ski races, you can enjoy the event on different levels - ski hard and competitively if you're of Olympic, World, Masters, or Nationals standard, or, if you're a little more casual, ski for fun on one of the most beautiful courses you'll find in Australia. You can enter either as a Classic (diagonal stride) or Freestyle (skating) skier, with the Classic racers starting first. Both ski the same course.

At the finish of the race in Charlotte Pass, KAC hosts a prize giving at the Kosciuszko Chalet - catch up with friends for a drink and maybe win a prize.

Transport is available for those who prefer not to ski back to Perisher – please book oversnow transport with Charlotte Pass Ski Resort: Charlotte Pass Ski Resort Oversnow As a Race entrant or Race spectator you are eligible for discounted oversnow rates - please contact the KAC Office by email (admin@kac.org.au) for a PROMO CODE. Please note the Event is weather dependent, and all racers will be contacted via SMS with updates – please ensure the mobile number attached to your race entry is valid.

The Charlotte Pass Open - Loop Race & Lunch!

The Charlotte Pass Open is the oldest ski race on the KAC calendar and possibly the oldest continually run ski race in Australia.  Over the past 100 years the race has been run in many forms and in a variety of locations. The modern Charlotte Pass Open starts and finishes in front of the Kosciusko Chalet at Charlotte Pass and is a 5km loop race around the valley.

The Race is open to all ages and abilities using classical style and is fabulous fun, and a great way to try cross country ski racing for the first time.

Join us for a BBQ Lunch and Prize Giving Ceremony at The Lodge, KAC Charlotte Pass after the race.

Discounted oversnow transport is available for racers and spectators from Perisher before the race and returning to Perisher after the race o Perisher – please book oversnow transport with Charlotte Pass Ski Resort: Charlotte Pass Ski Resort Oversnow As a Race entrant or Race spectator you are eligible for discounted oversnow rates - please contact the KAC Office by email (admin@kac.org.au) for a PROMO CODE. Please note the Event is weather dependent, and all racers will be contacted via SMS with updates – please ensure the mobile number attached to your race entry is valid.