22 minute read
Majestic Snowy Mountains Special
Larry Adler - Ski Fabric of Australia
The first time Larry Adler ever saw snow was when he was 27 years old. Today, more than six decades later, his name stands as one of the most iconic in the global ski industry and the Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor store in Collaroy is a Northern Beaches landmark. Beaches COVERED. sat down with Larry’s wife, Nanette, to talk about legacy, love and Larry’s obsession with the perfect fit of ski boots.
If you’ve lived on the Northern Beaches for more than five minutes you’ll be familiar with Larry Adler – the one-stop ski shop on Pittwater Road in Collaroy.
With an eye-catching antique sleigh in the window and premium ski gear, everything about this chalet-inspired hub is a Winter enthusiast’s dream. And the fact it sits at the end of a quiet street, leading right to the beach, just adds to its endless appeal.
Sitting on an old, well-loved, brown leather lounge in the middle of the Larry Adler store, Nan, as she is affectionately known, nurses a warm cup of coffee and vividly recalls a colourful life that has led to creating one of the biggest ski brands in the world.
“When we first opened the store in 1976, Europeans would come to Sydney and they couldn’t believe there was a ski shop by the beach,” says Nan, CEO of the world famous store and wife to Larry Adler himself.
“People thought we were absolutely crackers!” she laughs.
Larry, now 95, is a Pharmacist by trade. He was raised and educated in South Africa and, before the ski shop, he and Nan ran a local pharmacy just a few doors up on Pittwater Road. But it wasn't long before Larry’s obsession with fixing skis and fitting ski boots in their garage at home got out of control.
“It was a hobby at first," grins Nan. There was no business plan! We had the pharmacy and we dabbled in ski gear.
"Our pharmacy customers used to get upset because Larry was always fitting ski boots rather than helping fill their scripts."
And that's how the boot fitting that Larry Adler is world famous for all began.
“He really loves skiing and boot fitting," says Nan. "Because of his medical background, Larry understands the anatomy of the foot and as a ski instructor, he understands the need for a comfortable boot."
From day one, Larry and Nan dedicated their time to looking after skier's needs, delivering the best customer service and providing top-tier gear for anyone who loves the Winter lifestyle.
"From when we were first in the business, we concentrated on boot fitting. It doesn’t matter what clothes you’re wearing, if you’ve got uncomfortable ski boots, you are miserable and the your holiday is ruined.”
There are now six Larry Adler stores across NSW, including the renowned Larry Adler Rent-A-Ski in Jindabyne and one of the largest online ski stores. Plus, four Montbell concept stores, a delightful destination for the outdoor adventurer.
“We are a one-stop shop," declares Nan. "We do all the boot fittings, boot repairs and ski tuning. We’ve got workshops, and we offer a personalised service and stock all the top brands. We have always been the Mercedes or BMW of the ski industry, with brands like Strolz, which we’ve had since the ‘80s,” says Nan proudly.
And to this day, the Adlers still do everything with purpose and passion.
“In the early days, everyone came to Larry because they knew him from Charlotte Pass, but there were a few
suppliers who said, 'We're not supplying a pharmacist with ski gear,' but Larry just continued regardless.”
"I’d often say, ‘Larry, you can’t spend four hours playing with that woman’s feet and expect to make money’. He’d say, ‘Well it takes that long and I’ve got to get it right!’”
A SERENDIPITOUS BRUSH WITH FAME
One of the most surprising things about Larry Adler, the King of skiing, is that he didn’t grow up in the snow.
“When he finished University, Larry left South Africa and travelled to London where he managed a Boots Chemist and went backpacking around Europe. Like all of us in the 50s, it was a rite of passage,” recalls Nan.
“He was 27 years old when he wound up in Norway and saw snow for the very first time. He couldn’t stand up, but he decided to conquer this thing called skiing. He went back to the hostel where he was staying and asked them to give him a job. The owner said he could help
by peeling potatoes. So, Larry Adler learned to ski while peeling potatoes in a youth hostel in Norway,” she laughs.
As Larry’s love for the ski fields grew, so did his beard.
“It was freezing cold (in Norway) and he ended up with this great big beard,” says Nan, telling stories of her sweetheart like they could have happened yesterday.
“It was 1956 and Kurt Douglas, Ernest Borgnine and Tony Curtis came to Norway to film the movie, The Vikings They advertised for anyone with a beard that could row. Larry applied and ended up in the movie as an extra.”
Iconic photos of Larry in The Vikings now hang proudly on an upstairs wall in the Collaroy store, impressively signed To Larry from the Hollywood stars of the show.
“Larry stayed with the company and became friends with Kurt, Ernest and Tony who said, ’Come to America and
work’, so he did. He travelled from New York to Mont-Tremblant in Canada where he got a job as a ski instructor.”
It was on the pristine slopes, powdery snow, and trails of Mont-Tremblant that Larry embarked on the journey of teaching ski instructors how to teach.
“Larry loved teaching and ended up with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance where he became Chief Examiner of the Alliance and Ski School Director at MontTremblant,” declares Nan.
Larry Adler learned to ski, peeling potatoes in a youth hostel in Norway. NAN ADLER, CEO & WIFE, LARRY ADLER
A LEGACY OF CARE
When the snow ran dry and Summer set in, Larry ran a pharmacy in Toronto to keep up his qualifications. In 1960, he made his way to Australia and ended up in Charlotte Pass, the highest snow resort in the country.
“He loved Charlotte Pass and that’s where we met in 1963,” smiles Nan.
“I’d finished my nursing degree and thought I’d go to Charlotte Pass with a friend. I met Larry, who taught me how to ski.”
After returning to Sydney, Nan set off for London and Larry made his way back to Canada.
“Then he came to London to catch up with me, and the rest is history –we got married!” she says.
“It was Summertime, and we ended up in Jersey in the Channel Islands. Larry was in charge of the pharmacy in St Helier and I ran the casualty department of the General Hospital.”
THE SIDAS' FOOTBOX 3D SCANNER IS THE MOST PRECISE WAY TO SCAN YOUR FEET.
After a year overseas, Larry and Nan returned to Sydney and settled on the Northern Beaches where they would spend the next 50 years raising a family and creating a legacy in the ski world.
“We’ve been on the Northern Beaches since 1965. We’ve lived in the same house, run businesses on the same street, and our children all went to school here.”
“We are probably the oldest couple still in the ski industry,” she laughs.
“We’ve been on the Northern Beaches since 1965. We’ve lived in the same house, run businesses on the same street, and our children all went to school here.”
The Adler’s children, Larry, Craig, Skye and Scott, are all involved in running the family business in some way, and now you’ll find the grandchildren working in the stores too. But if Nan has it her way, she won’t be retiring anytime soon.
"I'm still here because I love skiing and the business."
One thing’s for sure, Larry Adler has transcended its humble beginnings to become an iconic household name in the ski industry. And Larry and Nan Adler have etched their legacy in the hearts of Winter fans worldwide. •
LARRY ADLER SKI & OUTDOOR
COLLAROY: 1024 PITTWATER ROAD
JINDABYNE: NUGGET'S CROSSING JINDABYNE
CHATSWOOD: 488 PENSHURST STREET
SYDNEY CBD: 493 - 497 KENT STREET
1800 ADLERS
INSTA: @L ARRYADLERS
www.larryadler.com
SNOWY MOUNTAINS New South Wales
Hoorah! It’s that magical time of the year when reports of the season's first snowfall start to flicker through Instagram and the adventurers among us begin to meticulously plan a road trip to the Snowy Mountains.
The NSW snow season officially opened on June 10! In your first breath of icy air, you can taste the ambience of snowcapped mountains and fresh vibes of old fashioned fun.
With its unique ability to make us feel like a Disney character, the Snowy Mountains are undoubtedly the best place to spend a Winter break with a group of mates or the whole family.
Popular Perisher, the Southern Hemisphere's largest resort, boasts 47 ski lifts and an impressive selection of runs to suit every level. Thredbo, still the premium alpine destination, is home to a quaint village packed with top restaurants, entertainment and the country's longest ski run. Then there’s the picturesque and exclusive Charlotte Pass, accessible
only via ski cat. With so many impressive options, it’s impossible to lose.
And before you even hit the slopes, there's the incredible Sydney to Snowy road trip. Cruise through Cooma, Berridale, and Nuggets Crossing, eventually reaching The Alpine Way and Jindabyne. If you're curious about the best places to stop, shop, eat and play on the way, we’ve got you covered!
Read on for our ultimate guide to the Snowy Mountains!
SNOWY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP
Discover, Indulge, Conquer!
As you embark on your journey to the Snowy Mountains, prepare to indulge in a heap of delightful destinations. From charming shops and cosy cafes, to ski hire, breweries, and so much more, the road trip from Sydney to the Snowies is an unforgettable experience. Get the ball rolling at Larry Adler’s one-stop ski shop, in Collaroy, for all your top-notch ski gear and essentials. Then buckle up as you hit the Monaro Highway, a magical stretch of road between Canberra and Cooma, and keep an eye out for these hidden gems along the way. Each stop will add a magical touch to your snowscape safari!
STOP 1: BREDBO
Bredbo is a wee little town, 80 km south of Canberra, and home to The Bredbo Pie Shop – the world’s best pie shop –or so the Publisher and Creative Director of Beaches COVERED. proclaims.
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on trying their to-die-for sausage rolls.
Just saying!
STOP 2: BERRIDALE
Most people pass through Berridale en route to the mountains. The tiny town between Cooma and Jindy is a great spot to stock up on supplies. Check out Shut The Gate and The Little Grocer, a small wine producer and one-stop shop for beer, wine and gourmet groceries. Originally from the Clare Valley SA, Shut The Gate has also opened up a cellar door!
STOP 3: DALGETY
If you take a left turn at Berridale, you can make it to Jindy via the scenic loop route through the little town of Dalgety, which boasts a historic timber bridge that’s still in use today.
And on the banks of the Snowy River, you’ll find Dalgety Brewing Company with plenty of craft beers, using water straight out of the Snowy River.
STOP 4 Jindabyne
Just a short drive from Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and two hours to Selwyn Snow resort, Jindy is the service town for our Alpine playground. Outside Kosciuszko National Park at the base of the Thredbo Valley and set on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, it’s no wonder this ski town is famous for good vibes.
NUGGET'S CROSSING
Jindy has everything you need including two shopping centres, the Old Town Centre and Nugget’s Crossing, the ultimate Winter shopping hub. Here you’ll find Larry Adler’s beautiful retail shop as well as Larry Adler’s Rent-ASki. These guys are the best in the biz, especially for fitting ski boots, which will make all the difference to your end game on the slopes.
For culinary and liquid luxuries Jindy has it all. In the Old Town Centre, Dalgety Brewing Company has a new venue (at the former site of Angie’s Italian kitchen). Drop into Mooses Taphouse Bar & Grill which opens this season!
And right in the heart of Jindy is Jindabyne Brewing, a local, familyowned business whose goal is to make you feel right at home. These guys love fresh food and local produce. Their breads are made in-house and their beers are inspired by global travels and crafted with local snowmelt water.
More good times and great food await you at Banjo Paterson Inn, home of the famous Kosciuszko Brewing. Also check out Clancy’s Brasserie and The Overflow Pizza & Burger Bar plus a gorgeous, boutique accommodation, Banjo’s Rest
Jindy Inn is another top spot for warm, friendly and eco-friendly accommodation! Owners Claire and Eric have even set up a wombat rescue at their property, just outside Jindabyne, and a percentage of profits from all their endeavours help to maintain this cool facility.
If time on the slopes isn’t enough to satisfy your adventurous streak, Snowy Mountains Helicopters offer scenic flights and unforgettable experiences, departing from Jindy all year round. Imagine taking in a birds-eye view of the ski fields, flying over Lake Jindabyne and spotting wild brumbies. If that’s not enough, add a Winery Tour or Wilderness Picnic to your bucket list.
STOP 5 Perisher
If Perisher is on your list of places to visit, head out of Jindabyne on the Kosciuszko Road for a 30-minute drive up the mountain. There, you’ll find Australia’s largest ski resort and some of the best terrain parks in the country.
Perisher has 65 kms of runs to cater for all levels of skiers. Covering 3,076 acres and serviced by 47 lifts you are able to access Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega. The Valley is well serviced with a Medical Centre, chemist, post office, mini supermarket, equipment hire stores, clothing stores, snack bars, après bars and restaurants.
One of the oldest hotels in Perisher is the Marritz Hotel, a classic European-style ski lodge. Here, you’ll find fireplaces to daydream by; Perisher’s only heated pool, a relaxing sauna, an après ski bar and gourmet restaurant with exceptional service.
The Marritz Hotel started life as an exclusive, invitationonly private hotel, frequented by parliamentary figures and celebrities, and much of the history and eclectic charm remains.
There’s a play area and Kids Club for the little ones, plus billiards and a games room for the big kids. And you’re just 200m from Front Valley and the ski lifts.
First Tracks is a one-of-a-kind experience for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders (with a valid Epic Australia Pass). A First Tracks morning at Perisher kicks off at 7.30am (Saturday and Sunday mornings) and provides unbeatable skiing and boarding, often in fresh powder, while you watch the sun come up. A truly unique encounter and the best way to start your day!
Fancy night skiing and snowboarding under the stars? Jump on the Village 8 Express chairlift and join in the fun under the bright lights on Front Valley from 6pm every Tuesday and Saturday.
Smiggin Holes also offers a safe and fun-packed night out for the little ones on Harry’s and Herman’s Carpet every Wednesday from 6-8pm. And the best bit is kids ski free!
With over 100 km of marked crosscountry trails, cross country skiers love Perisher! If you’re not on skis, it’s also perfect for a peaceful walk.
Finally for those who like to fly, Perisher’s award winning Terrain Parks are the best in the Southern Hemisphere for skiers and boarders of all levels. First timers will enjoy Yabby Flat Mini Park and Piper Terrain Park and advanced riders will be right at home at Leichhardt and Front Valley Slopestyle Terrain Parks
STOP 6: CHARLOTTE PASS
Skiing in Australia was born in Kiandra in the 1860’s and by 1930, a 38-bed chalet was built at Charlotte Pass, Australia’s highest ski resort. The current Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel was built on the same site in 1939 and to this day, it remains the heart of Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
The Pass has grown over the years, with several independently-owned hotels and lodges, installation of t-bars, pomas and the Kosciuszko triple chair. The expansion will continue as Guthries' high speed poma will be replaced with the Guthries double chair.
STOP 7 THREDBO
It’s not hard to see why beautiful Thredbo is renowned as one of the country’s premier ski resorts. The vibrant village is brimming with great restaurants, bars, places to stay and a pumping aprés ski scene.
Now boasting the high-speed eight person Merritts Gondola, skiers, boarders and scenic passengers can get from the village to the base of the Cruiser Area in six minutes. Once you’re there, you have 50 km of groomed trails to cruise around on. Or enjoy mountain views and tasty dining at Merritts Mountain House
WHERE TO STAY IN THREDBO
With so many amazing places to stay at in Thredbo, here’s our pick of the best. We love the nostalgic alpine vibes of The Denman. Sip a sundowner at the Library Bar, dine in the picturesque Terrace Restaurant, shout a round of shots in the Apres Bar and rest your tired legs in one of the most comfortable beds. The Denman is your one-stop mountainside retreat.
A stay at The Candlelight Lodge will take you on a journey to the old school alps. With pine on every surface and the alluring smell of cheese fondue in the air, you’ll feel so "alpine" you may leave with a Swiss accent. This charming, wooden lodge is conveniently located in the village centre.
Whether you are travelling as a group, couple or family, The Lantern is one top spot. This accommodation house has one, two and three-bed apartments, townhouses and chalets to choose from.
Stop 8: THE ALPINE WAY
The Alpine Way is a 121-km road that connects Jindabyne in the east to the NSW/Victorian border in the west. In Winter, it stretches from Jindy to Thredbo and roams through the southern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park taking in iconic windy mountain roads.
For a sip of sweet schnapps made from local fruits, stop into Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery.
Filled with Austrian charm, this place is a day out for the family. Fill the kids with schnitzel and set them free to explore the raspberry patch and sculpture garden while you sip on locally-produced gin, schnapps, gluhwein and vodka distilled onsite.
If lakeside luxury is your thing, Lake Crackenback Resortand Spa is the accommodation for you. Hang your boots in style at this high-end alpine beast set across 50 acres of awe-inspiring Kosciuszko National Park.
Crackenback Farm Restaurant & Guesthouse is also located on the Alpine Way. This reimagined woolshed oozes french farmhouse sophistication for a homely alpine adventure.
And, our pick of the bunch for a group getaway is Forty Nine Post Office Lane. This architecturally designed home is nestled in the heart of Thredbo Valley and epitomises luxury living, with all the home comforts and unrivalled outdoor and entertaining spaces. For the full run-down, check out our feature on page 60.
Stop 9 Adaminaby
Located along the Snowy Mountains Highway, the town of Adaminaby is a popular stop off for essentials. Don’t miss taking a selfie with the Big Trout, a 10-metre-high fibreglass sculpture.
You’ll pass through here on your way to Selwyn Snow Resort, so stop into the supermarket for locally smoked trout and a pie from the bakery.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are several options in and out of town at Providence Portal, Anglers Reach, or Old Adaminaby. The Snow Goose Hotel serves hearty pub meals to satisfy any appetite.
STOP 10: KIANDRA
Also on the way to Selwyn, Kiandra is an abandoned gold mining town, and the birthplace of Australian skiing. Once a bustling gold town that attracted more than 10,000 men, women and children, Kiandra saw the construction of banks, hotels and all the usual services. In less than a year, most of the gold was gone and the population was reduced to under 300. Today, all that remains of Kiandra are the cemetery, chimneys, cottages, race lines, dams and mullock heaps. Unfortunately due to the 2019/ 2020 Black Summer bushfires, many of the timber structures were destroyed; however, you can explore the self-guided heritage walk. At the very least, slow down and pay homage to the ancestral home of Australian skiing.
STOP 11: SELWYN SNOW RESORT
Just under 2 hours from Jindy with green and blue runs galore, Selwyn Snow Resort is the perfect spot for beginner skiers and families.
Unfortunately the 2019/ 2020 bushfires swept through Selwyn too, destroying infrastructure and impacting the local community. Good news is that The Blyton Group has been rebuilding Selwyn which is set to re-open this season!
While you can’t stay on the mountain, make sure you visit, show your support and check out the brand new facilities. State-of-the-art technology and snow guns mean you’re guaranteed fresh powder all season long!
STOP 12: YARRANGOBILLY CAVES
On a non-skiing day, be sure to check out the jaw-dropping Yarrangobilly Caves where you can take a guided tour and swim in the thermal pool, fed by a natural spring and 27ºC year-round. Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful limestone caves in Australia, with six caves open to the public. Indulge in South Glory, Jillabenan and Jersey Cave for unforgettable scenes. Then have a BBQ at one of the fire pits in the picnic area. •
On a non-skiing day, be sure to check out the jaw-dropping Yarrangobilly Caves where you can take a guided tour and swim in the thermal pool, fed by a natural spring and 27ºC year-round. Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful limestone caves in Australia, with six caves open to the public. Indulge in South Glory, Jillabenan and Jersey Cave for unforgettable scenes. Then have a BBQ at one of the fire pits in the picnic area. •
WE’D LOVE TO KNOW WHERE YOU STOP OFF ON YOUR SNOWY MOUNTAINS GETAWAY! Post a pic and tag us on Instagram to share >> @beachescovered #beachessnowyholiday
