7 minute read
Snowbound
The road from Canberra to Thredbo is much-traversed in the colder months, packed with keen skiiers and families seeking a winter wonderland. But, as we discovered, you don’t need to set foot on the slopes to enjoy the riches of the road to the snow.
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Eat
From food trucks to hearty country fare and boutique spirits, the snow country doesn’t disappoint when it comes to winter comfort food.
Slow Beans and Bones
Keep an eye out for Slow Beans and Bones (formerly the Ingelara Farm Truck)—it was a very popular addition on the ‘road to the snow’ last winter. The menu isn’t extensive but it is all farm-fresh, and the pulled pork rolls, pumpkin pie and wood-fired bread sure are tasty. It's usually open from Thursday to Sunday.
23 Monaro Highway, Bredbo. facebook.com/slowbeansandbones
Kettle and Seed
For lunch, try Kettle and Seed. With coffee roasted on the premises and delicious treats plus daily sandwiches, Kettle and Seed brings a touch of city sophistication to Cooma. Bags of coffee beans are also available so you can get your fix wherever your road trip takes you.
47 Vale Street, Cooma. snowymountainscoffee.com.au
The Lott
Another great option is The Lott, a cosy lunch spot with an open fire in winter. A regular in the Good Food Guide, The Lott is located within a 100-year-old wool store and focuses on regional produce. The menu changes seasonally and they’ve now introduced takeaway options for lunch on the run.
177-179 Sharp Stret, Cooma. lott.net.au
Red Thread
Red Thread opened in Cooma last summer and this little dessert bar is proving to be a hit with lime cheesecake, chocolate tarts and a daily selection of sweet treats.
100 Sharp Street, Cooma. facebook.com/redthreaddessertbar
Whisk and Cocoa
Berridale’s Whisk and Cocoa has made a splash since opening in 2017, with perfect ONA coffee and a selection of homemade baking that makes choosing near impossible. There are delicious breakfast and lunch options and rumour has it they’ll do the occasional dinner too.
2/70 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale. whiskandcocoa.com.au
Take Potluck
The Take Potluck custom silver van serves daily lunch and dinner specials that are homemade, fresh and delicious. Chef and artist Sandy creates whatever he feels like on the day so it really is pot luck! Keep an eye out for Sandy’s art class dinners where you can eat and paint.
Outside 'Sacred Ride', 6 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne. takepotluck.com.au
Wildbrumby
You can’t go past a visit to wildbrumby schnapps and gin distillery for a true mountain experience. It comes complete with a European‐inspired menu and schnapps tasting, and an infectious atmosphere.
Alpine Way & Wollondibby Rd, Crackenback. wildbrumby.com
Crackenback Farm
Crackenback Farm is a hidden gem and local favourite with delicious cuisine created by chef Jodie Evans. Enjoy an afternoon of fine wine and food as you soak up winter in the mountains.
914 Alpine Way, Crackenback. crackenback.com
Merrits Mountain House
Located at 1660 metres, at the bottom of the Cruiser Chair, Merrits Mountain House is the ideal stop for skiers and riders on-the-go. Merrits is always a favourite, with hearty lunch options cooked in the big pan, fresh juices kept cool in the snow, and warm pastries. The bar is busy serving schnapps, European beers and hot chocolates all day, every day.
Thredbo Village. merritts.com.au
Play
Whether you’re seeking retail therapy or your zen, the road to the snow has you covered.
The Christmas Barn
The Christmas Barn is like a magical, mystical Christmas journey with a huge store packed to the brim with beautiful Christmas trees and decorations. Childhood dreams are made here! Open June to December—it’s never too early to celebrate!
23 Monaro Highway, Bredbo bredbochristmasbarn.com.au
Birdsnest
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, take a wander around the flagship store of online fashion giant, Birdsnest, for beautiful clothes, a unique shopping experience, and the opportunity to stock up on some winter necessities.
232 Sharp Street, Cooma. birdsnest.com.au
Jindabyne's Yoga Shala
Whether you’re looking for an escape from work stress or need a stretch after hitting the slopes, Jindabyne’s Yoga Shala is a picturesque spot for yoga and everyone is welcome at classes that will revive the body and mind.
12 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne. jindabyneyoga.com.au
Fun at the Snow
Keep an eye on thredbo.com.au for events throughout your stay, including the Flare Run and fireworks, a Thredbo tradition that happens on Thursday nights (for kids) and Saturday nights (all ages).
Keen for some celebrity ski tips? Winter Olympic gold medal winner Torah Bright will be in the village again this winter hosting her mini shred events.
thredbo.com.au/events
Ski
The Snowy Mountains’ four winter resorts offer something for everyone. Perisher is the largest resort, Thredbo has the longest run, Charlotte Pass is only accessed by oversnow transport and Selwyn Snowfields is a fun family resort.
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass is Australia’s only completely snowbound snow resort. With the village sitting at 1765 metres, it offers an intimate experience that is accessed exclusively via over-snow transport. As Australia’s highest resort, Charlotte Pass receives some of the most consistent snowfalls delivering the best quality natural snow.
Whether you’re a beginner testing out your snow legs on Easy Starter, an intermediate carving up Kosi Coaster, an experienced skier looking for adventure on Sidewinder or a hard-core rider after an adrenalin rush at Guthrie’s Chutes, you’ll find something to suit here.
Keep an eye out for the great packages including all meal, lift ticket and oversnow transport to the village.
charlottepass.com.au
Selwyn Snowfields
Widely known as the learn-to-ski resort with the motto ‘Friendly Family Fun’, Selwyn Snowfields— more commonly known as Mt Selwyn—is perfect for first-timers by providing progressive terrain, working your way across the mountain from beginner slopes to intermediate and advanced trails.
selwynsnow.com.au
Thredbo Village
Thredbo has 480 hectares of snow riding whether you are a skier, boarder, sightseer or snowman builder.
For beginners, there’s the gentle slope of Friday Flat, intermediates can step it up a gear at the Cruiser intermediate area, while confident skiers can have a crack at some of the most advanced terrain in the country. To hone your skills, the Thredbo Snow Sports School offers group and private lessons for all ages and ability levels.
thredbo.com.au
Perisher
Perisher boasts an incredible 47 lifts accessing an immense 1245 hectares of varied snow-covered terrain, suitable for all ages and abilities. With four distinct resort areas—Perisher Valley, Guthega, Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow— sitting above the recognised snow-line, Perisher is renowned for its snow reliability and consistency, providing a true on-snow experience.
Its world class Snowsports School offers skiing and snowboarding tuition for first‐timers right up to experts, across a variety of different programs designed to suit individual needs and ages.
perisher.com.au
Stay
Take your pick from family-friendly resorts brimming with activities to Pinterest-perfect hideaways for two.
Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa
Surrounded by mountains, Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa is a five-minute walk from the Bullocks Flat ski area and 17 kilometres from Thredbo’s ski resort.
Warmly decorated, the apartments (one, two or three bedrooms), feature wooden furnishings, TVs and wi-fi, as well as fireplaces, kitchens and mountain-view balconies.
There's a bright waterside bar/ restaurant, plus a relaxed cafe with a kids' menu. Onsite activities include archery, trampolining and water sports, as well as hiking, biking and tennis. There's also a spa, a 9-hole golf course, a gym and an indoor pool. Ski and bike rentals are available.
1650 Alpine Way, Crackenback. lakecrackenback.com.au
The School House
Known far and wide for her exceptional work running Thredbo restaurants over the years, Sonja Schatzle has created this new venue for events and workshops. The School House is part of her little precinct in the valley and works in with the incredible mountain retreats, The Post Office and Pender’s Bar, that Sonja created from derelict ruins.
1056 Alpine Way, Crackenback. penderlea.com.au
Ski In Ski Out
Ski In Ski Out is the place to stay. These luxury apartments are right on the Crackenback Ridge and the snow is literally on your doorstep. These quality apartments are spacious, well fitted out and the basement spa is a treat after a hard day on the slopes.
skiinskiout.com.au
Words: Tania Ward
