Snowy Mountain Magazine - August 2024

+ FACES OF THREDBO

+ KOSCIUSZKO PARK 80TH + SNOWY SCHEME 75TH

Features

PAGE 7

Thredbo Alpine Coaster

The new $9 million Alpine Coaster has been a star winter attraction.

PAGES 8-9

APSI Celebrate 50 Years

Milestone 50 years for Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors.

PAGES 20-23

New Mt Perisher Chair

In 2025 Perisher will debut their $25 million 6-seat Mt Perisher chair.

PAGE 28

Scotty James At Thredbo Australia’s snowboard superstar Scotty James will host the Mooki’s Cup.

PAGES 34-35

Anniversary For Kosciuszko Kosciuszko National Park celebrates its 80year anniversary.

PAGE 41

New Sculptures Added

The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is a major tourist attraction.

Inside

PAGES 10-11

Snow Family Fast Ride

The Baff family of Jindabyne have lived a revolving life around the snow.

PAGE 12

Faces Of Thredbo

The Faces Of Thredbo will induct Ron Fineran and Kurt Lance in 2024.

PAGES 14-15

Perisher Legend

Franz Breitfuss was an entrepreneur and true Perisher Valley legend.

PAGE 20

Ski Patrol Donation

Mount Selwyn Volunteer Ski Patrol donate over $350,000 to other patrols.

PAGES 18-19

Perisher’s Honey Pot

Sean Cragnolini offers a nighttime view of Perisher’s snow grooming.

PAGES 26-27

The Best Of Thredbo

How to get the best out of visiting Australia’s premier resort of Thredbo.

PAGE 30

Thredbo Entertainment

Thredbo’s biggest ever lineup of après entertainment and season events.

PAGE 36

Canada’s British Columbia

Snow enthusiasts should have British Columbia on their travel itinerary.

MANAGING EDITOR

Steve Cuff

DESIGN & ARTWORK

NEM Creative team.

CONTRIBUTORS

Cori Isele, Charles Davis, Lucas Wilkinson, Boen Ferguson.

ADVERTISING SALES

Steve Cuff

Ph: 0418 620 651

E: stevecuff@snowymagazine.com.au

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No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher. Snowy Mountains Magazine takes care in compiling content but cannot accept responsibility for any errors. Every effort is made to confirm events and calendar dates however dates can often change and errors may occur.

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2024 Spring Edition

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The First Word

WHAT do we expect from the Snowy Mountains in August this year. Well, more snow of course, what else would you expect me to say.

After what was a slow start on the natural snow front, mid-July storms turned the season around and by all accounts, it could be a late season. So perhaps September may be the best month this year.

Which gets my thoughts racing to my very first season in Australia. And what a finish it was at Perisher in 1992. It’s remarkable how a few of those September days are still etched in my mind. Take a look at the Snow Depth and see the steep rise from early August, and the season snowfall topping out at a healthy 316cm. Yes, spring skiing was anything but that year, winter conditions prevailed right until season’s end and some glorious powder days. It was also the year I supplied my first cover photo shot from North Perisher, well before the Interceptor Chair. It graced the Ski Extra magazine in 1993.

Maybe it’s that season why I always find myself being optimistic. The weather experts do make long range predictions, but I prefer to wait and see, that has proved my best theory for decades. Storms

can appear on the radar that were not visible even weeks prior.

The season so far has also been down on physical numbers. And that’s fair enough, we know the economy is doing it tough. But if you have any spare pennies, and you are a snow enthusiast, keep watching those snow forecasts and make the trip in September.

Shoulder season accommodation rates and good snow are a great combination.

In this edition we highlight the APSI 50th anniversary. We could write a novel of all the great instructors that have helped shape not only their Association, but their respective snowsports school.

Personally, I am a huge advocate for lessons, and not just because some of me best friends are instructors. When I first experienced the di erence between a low intermediate turn, and a carved turn, I was hooked. That feeling when the ski bends and you say what just happened there. It’s a great feeling, I recommend you take a lesson.

Enjoy all your turns this winter.

Steve Cu MANAGING EDITOR

Winter Dining & Entertainment

◼ Zac Hidding skiing fresh Perisher snow in July 2024. Let’s hope it’s a good sign for more powder days. PHOTO: Perisher Resort /Lucas Wilkinson

Exciting Alpine Coaster Ride

STRAP in, sit back, climb to the top, lean with the curves, get excited and enjoy the ride. That’s what Thredbo’s Alpine Coaster ride has been delivering to thousands of people so far this winter.

During school holidays it was certainly a hit with the kids and families, with a steady line of people eager to experience the thrill of riding the new attraction.

Starting at the base of the mountain, guests buckle up their seat belt and the operation explained of how to brake. Which by the way is entirely optional to the individual. Want a fast ride, then take it easy on the brake lever, and if you are the cautious type, you can easily adjust your speed.

The Coaster can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour.

The first few turns are tight and you can feel G forces to an extent, but nothing to scare you too much. In fact, even if you are not the roller coaster type of person, this ride will suit you for sure.

The $9 million Coaster runs every day and if you need to view the ride before you decide, just click on the ‘Alpine Coaster Cam’ on the Thredbo app or website, and you can see live video if anyone is on the track. There is also a ‘track preview’ video via the website to view the extent of the ride.

The Coaster has been a big attraction for the snow play crowd early in the day, and then once the skiers and snowboarders have had their fill on the mountain, they arrive to see what all the excitement is about.

The ride is 1.5km in total length, which includes the 400m uphill to the start. The Coaster can be ridden solo or in doubles, with younger kids able to ride with a responsible person over the age of 15.

Memories are made here

Tickets can be purchased online, plus also bundled up with the Merritts Gondola. Purchase rides well in advance of your arrival for the biggest discounts. www.thredbo.com.au

Take me back

Escape to one of the world’s most stunning natural playgrounds right here in Australia. Surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountains, with a host of activities, experiences and boutique accommodation choices, unforgettable memories are waiting to be made.

The Alpine Coaster has been a great attraction for all ages this winter.

APSI 50th Anniversary

THE Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors (APSI) celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. During this period there have been countless contributions to not only the APSI and their progression, but also improving the overall lesson landscape for guests on snow holidays.

While instructors are employed by their respective resorts, they are all members of the APSI who are responsible for assessment and certification.

With so many influential individuals contributing to the association, the Snowy Mountains Magazine highlight a random selection for this story. You can also

follow the People of APSI stories on the association’s website.

In the early years of the APSI they had broken away from under the umbrella of the Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA). In 1997 they changed their name, from ski instructors to snowsports instructors with the rapid growth of snowboarding.

BRAD SPALDING

Brad Spalding is renowned these days as the owner of Wildbrumby Distillery with his wife Monika and an accomplished artist.

But he has a storied career in instructing, starting at Falls Creek before moving to Thredbo as snowsports director from 1993 to 2006.

Brad said it’s really important to understand the early days of the APSI and why the badge logo is so important to the association. “The ASAA wanted to take over the APSI, and it meant that the APSI would have been dissolved,” said Brad on an APSI video.

“It was really important that they understood that we needed to develop a training program, an accreditation program

that suited Australian skiers and Australian guests and our customers.”

Brad implemented his own ideas at Thredbo, his most iconic and creative endeavours being the creation of Thredboland and the Thredbo animals; Syd the Koala, Pigmy Possum, Rocky Cocky, Eddy Emu, Ruby Roo, Wally the Wombat and Extreme Rat. All figments of Brad’s imagination that have now come to life.

In Thredbo’s ‘60 Years of Stoke’ in 2017, the resort said Brad’s commitment to the development of Thredbo’s snowsports school, private lessons and in particular, Thredboland, has formed part of Thredbo

resort’s foundation. The Thredboland animals have been a loved since their introduction.

KERRY LEE DODD

Kerry has been teaching skiing for 50 years, starting part time at Falls Creek in Victoria as a 14-year-old where she said, “Had to tell guests I was 18 for 4 years”. There have been huge congratulations from her peers, who all have immense respect for her e orts.

Having worked stints at Falls Creek, Thredbo, Director at Mt Bu alo, Hotham plus several countries in the northern

◼ The Australian Interski team with Kerry Lee Dodd front right. PHOTOS: APSI

◼ Brad Spalding skiing at Thredbo.

hemisphere, Kerry’s knowledge of instructing is of the highest order. She is currently an APSI trainer since 2016.

Serving as treasurer in the early nineties, and then president for eight years until 2000, Kerry reflected on the early years.

“When I started, the battle between ASAA and APSI was in full swing. While it was a tough time, I think it helped to form the strong Association that APSI is today,” said Kerry.

“In those days there were very few Australians involved. I remember Pete Reynolds being a rookie in 1978 when I failed my first attempt at the Associate, the Level 1 of the time. There was not a Red Book to my knowledge, and it was all pretty loose.”

Her own highlights were being involved with the first on snow team at Interski St Anton and the 1995 Interski Japan. “On the back of that, I believe, I was elected to the Organising Committee for 1999 Interski Norway. First female, Aussie, in fact from the Southern Hemisphere and under 40 years old.”

“Over my time on the committee we created the Red Book. The first time our courses were documented,

and the beginning of Exam standards being trained.”

SHANNON O’BRIEN

If you snowboarded at Perisher in the early nineties, you may have had a snowboard lesson from Shannon O’Brien. He along with his good friend Craig Mason were key to the growth of snowboarding and helped develop the early teaching method.

Shannon was technical director of snowboarding from 1993 to 1995 and said, “publishing and distributing our first teaching manual” were important events in his time at the APSI.

“I think our snowboard program was as strong as any country. Training was

so much fun for the early snowboarding instructors. We had a fairly strong manual, and most resorts were very supportive. My home mountain at Perisher allowed me a lot of flexibility,” said Shannon.

CON POULOS

Growing up in Jindabyne and skiing from a child, Con Poulos started teaching at Perisher, moved to Guthega in its last year as a stand-alone resort, Blue Cow and since has spent 33 years at Thredbo.

During his Thredbo time, Con spent nine years as training manager and worked internationally, predominately in Vail, Colorado.

On the APSI board from 1990, and the technical committee until 2007, Con said he was proud of being involved with creating the Red Book.

“The only coloured paper we had when printing it was red, hence the creation of the Red Book,” said Con, in reference to the training guide.

“The high standard of the full certificate, and the continued evolution of the training program,” were highlights of the APSI.

“The technical committees that I was involved with was an extremely talented

“Together we took to raising the standard. We looked outside our ski world and brought in experts from other fields to widen our vision. Improving our knowledge of biomechanics and physics increased our understanding on how to analyse good skiing. We studied the best skiers endlessly, not so easy on old video equipment.”

The APSI are fundraising for their National Team who will represent Australia at the next Interski Congress. Scheduled every four years, the event will be held at Vail, Colorado in the United States in 2027 where the best instructors from 40 nations share their techniques and methodology to further improve snowsports across the world. If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, please contact the APSI via email at apsi@apsi.net.au. www.apsi.net.au

at Banjopatersoninn.com.au or on (02) 6456 2372

group – Tom Peters, Ian Bruce, John Fahey, Kent Carpenter, Tina Burford, Bob Irwin, Andrew Rae and Mark McDonald.”

◼ Shannon O’Brien and Craig Mason snowboarding.

◼ Con Poulos in his younger years.

Fast Ride For Snow Loving Family

By CORI ISELE

UNBEKNOWN to 22-year-old Petrina, the skier having fun in that “cool pic” on the cover of the Snowy Times she had on her wall prior to her first season in Perisher would become her husband, and their shared love of snow sports would lead to a career coaching champion athletes, including their own children.

After meeting at Perisher in 1992, Peter and Petrina Ba have followed their dreams and inspired their kids to do the same with extraordinary results. Youngest daughter Josie Ba is currently ranked

number four in the world after three full seasons competing at the highest level and is the future for female snowboard racing in Australia.

Ski instructing and back-to-back seasons between Perisher and St. Moritz in Switzerland ensured both were “hooked on the lifestyle”. Peter had completed six seasons before meeting Petrina, then together they journeyed another seven back-to-back seasons. Pete, fluent in German was highly regarded by the Swiss instructors. A skiing examiner and trainer with the APSI, he was also increasingly improving as a snowboard instructor.

When asked to present snow reports for a snowboard sponsor, Pete had to call himself ‘The Hammer’ to maintain his cred as a snowboarder, “because who wants to listen to a skier give the snowboard report” Petrina laughs.

In 2003 they launched Fastride Camps in St. Moritz with a bunch of cool Aussie groms – Chumpy Pullin and Laura Williams (now Laura Stamp) were among the first Fastride athletes. By 2006 Pete was exclusively teaching snowboarding and Spring Camp began in Mammoth Mountain California in 2007. Early camps included some big names in snowboarding like Scotty James, Jarryd

Hughes, Ben Tudhope and Valentino Guseli. Charles Beckinsale coached on the first few camps before becoming the world’s best terrain park builder. World class international snowboard stars Karel Van Gloor, Lizzy Beeman and Maisie Potter were all camp participants. Eldest daughter Georgia, previously an NSWIS athlete and very successful on the NorAm Tour where she consistently made

the podium now coaches for Fastride. With experience as an NSWIS athlete and a degree in Exercise Physiology, Georgia can empathise with athletes and support them with what they need at the right time. Race day organisation, preparation of equipment, nutrition and dryland training.

“She writes awesome training programs for the athletes and can work with them after injury, which is a big factor in any winter discipline,” Petrina explained. The camps are now a recognised pathway program with Snow Australia focusing on developing athletes into international competitors.

All three Ba kids started skiing up until they were five then snowboarded during

◼ Dad and coach Pete with Josie at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne.

◼ Three year old Georgia Ba in St. Moritz.

◼ The Ba family, Pete, Henry, Georgia, Josie and Petrina with Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn as a backdrop.

the Mammoth camps. Josie and Georgia ski raced and trained in 40-day programs at Perisher during school holidays and on weekends. Henry participated in the locals Sunday program on skis for many years. Peter coached all three kids for snowboarding.

Josie Ba ’s racing career began with Perisher’s Mini Mites crew and “the big kids” once she started school. “She couldn’t stop smiling,” Petrina says. “We sourced a little second-hand race suit for her (that was too big, but she didn’t care). From this point she was hooked. Josie could focus on whatever event she was in, and some locals even coined the phrase, “Josie Ba race face” when it was time to focus.”

Josie managed to ski race and snowboard right up until school finished and couldn’t wait to join the world cup circuit and pursue a snowboard cross only career. In her first season on the circuit, she qualified for 10 of 11 races and was awarded Rookie of the Year. The following season she won the very first world cup of the season in Les Deux Alpes, and silver in the very next race, and finished with a strong season. She ended her second season finishing third on the standings.

Peter admits Josie is young in comparison to other competitors on the World Cup circuit, many having competed for well over a decade. “Josie can see herself doing this for the next decade or so at least. She loves it and wants to make this her career, “ said Peter.

Josie says many families chase the sun for holidays, we always followed the snow. “My parents shared love for the snow definitely trickled down into our entire family. It inspired them to raise their family in the heart of the Snowy Mountains,” said Josie.

“Growing up in Jindabyne, my days were always filled with di erent outdoor sports and in winter, skiing and snowboarding. I grew up only knowing love for the snow and the mountains and that feeling has only continued to grow. My parents gave me the chance to fall in love with a sport and follow a unique career path that

challenges me in all spheres of life. And for that I am most grateful!”

“Currently, I am taking advantage of the southern hemisphere snow, I’m looking at how and where I can make changes to take myself from fourth in the world to first. Looking into the near future, I’ll head overseas at the end October for the start of the world cup season in December and prepare for the bulk of world cup season post-Christmas with emphasis on the World Championships in St Moritz at the end of March! Further down the line, my eyes are set on the Milano- Cortina Olympics in 2026!”

“We raised all three kids to love the snow,” admits Petrina. “It’s a pretty cool gift to give your kids.”

Pete and Petrina told the kids early on “if they did their end of the bargain, we’d always make sure we did ours. This meant that if they put in the e ort – to be well organised, get up on time, eat healthy, train hard and commit, then we’d make sure they got to training on time, had the right coaching and the right gear.”

“Yes, there is hard work and sacrifice all over the place but imagine how empty it’d be if it all just came to you without e ort.”

You can follow Fast Ride snowboard camps on Instagram. www.instagram.com/fastridesc/

◼ Petrina with young Josie in the snow.

◼ Josie Ba wins a world cup silver in Sierra Nevada, Spain in March.

PHOTO: Miha Matavz/FIS Snowboard

◼ Josie and Henry Ba with the spoils of winning the Redlands Cup.

BRING YOUR GEAR BACK TO LIFE

Faces Of Thredbo 2024

TWO new Faces of Thredbo will be inducted into the hall of fame at September’s Winter Dinner in Thredbo. The evening will celebrate Ron Fineran and the late Kurt Lance and their contribution in establishing Thredbo for what it is today.

RON FINERAN

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Ron Fineran was a founding member of the organisation now known as Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). It is due to Ron’s e orts that DWA still exist today. His passion, determination and willpower to forge an avenue for adaptive snow sports in Australia is legendary.

Ron contracted polio aged 18 months, and he took up skiing in the early 1970’s after a visit to the Thredbo where he described a long relationship with the resort ever since.

“I’m looking forward to it yes, fancy being named as one of the Faces of Thredbo”, said Ron from his home in Merimbula in July.

It was the village folk back in those days who said, “Okay, if you want to be a skier Ron, we’ll support you all the way, and that’s what they did with the company there and the village itself”.

it forward in their own way and quality of their skiing. What was so special is that these great skiers, like Michael Milton, sit skiers and whatever, they actually made the commitment in the days when there were no dollars in support of these skiers.”

On his fellow inductee, Kurt Lance, Ron said, “Kurt was a great advocate of skiing in Australia, as well as for skiing for people with disabilities as well. He did a lot of work in the background to have skiing for people with a disability accepted by the community as a whole”.

KURT LANCE

Born in Austria in 1925, Kurt Lance had a lifetime a nity with skiing and when his parents moved the family to Australia, his love of skiing continued at the Kiandra Pioneer Ski Club in 1951. Kurt would go on to become heavily involved in the Australian snow industry as an innovator in both clothing and equipment industries. He continually travelled overseas to ensure that the Australian skier was not left behind in the new, fast growing skiing industry.

In the early 1960’s he embarked on his long-time commitment to the NSW Race Committee, quickly becoming Chairman. He was then appointed Delegate to the Australian Ski Federation.

Determined to assist people with disabilities enjoy the snow, he encouraged Thredbo’s Kim Cli ord to try the experimental sit ski, Ron describing it as a Coca Cola seat attached to a ski with Kim using cut down outriggers.

“My initial thoughts were to get out there and ski, but I realised that there was nothing available in Australia, in that area. So, it was just a matter of getting on and get into it and provide the opportunities, that’s what it’s all about, providing the opportunity for the disabled to learn how to ski and utilise the facilities like everybody else. So that’s quite important.”

He was the forerunner for the 1976 Winter Paralympics in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. He was not an o cial entrant as they were no events for his disability, but he did o cially represent Australia.

Besides his participation at the 1976 Winter Paralympics, he was Chef de Mission/ Team Manager, of the Australian team for the 1980 Winter Paralympics, Team Captain for the Games in 1994 Winter Paralympics and Australian Team Manager for the 1992 and 1994 Games.

He speaks fondly of all the Paralympic skiers. “Those guys carried

In 1992, Australian Disabled Skiing Federation opened its own ski lodge in Jindabyne called Finsko’s Lodge. Other sports administration roles included: Member of the Advisory Committee to the Australian Bicentennial Authority’s National Disabled Sports Program (1984 to 1988) and Chairman of the New South Wales Advisory Committee for Athletes with a Disability (1987 to 1992).

After receiving his OAM in 2005, he stated “To have had just a small part in profiling the abilities of people with disabilities, be it in recreational activities to the very elite in Paralympic sport, has been an enormously rewarding experience.”

In 1969 he was appointed team manager to the Australian Alpine Team for the European season, where Australian’s first World Cup winner, Malcolm Milne won gold at Val d’sere and took out the bronze at Val Gardena.

Kurt has held various committees and delegated positions on skiing boards, including the Australian Ski Federation, NSW Ski Association, Manager of Olympic Team, FIS Delegation, FIS Course Inspector and numerous nominations as Chief of Race at various races both locally and internationally. The ‘Kurt Lance Race’, no longer run, was named in his honour at Thredbo.

Kurt worked tirelessly with the National Parks & Wildlife Services and untiring services with the Bush Fire Service and he received the Order of Australia medal.

On September 2 Ron Fineran and Kurt Lance will be inducted as Faces of Thredbo. Tickets to the Winter Dinner can be purchased via the Thredbo Alpine Museum in what is sure to be a great night for all. To attend visit the website. www.thredboalpinemuseum.org.au/events

◼ Ron Fineran will be inducted as a Face of Thredbo in September. Pictured here at a Snow Australia event in June. PHOTO: Steve Cu

Baton Change For Highest Lifted Point

IN 2025 Australia’s Highest Lifted Point will be changing resorts.

Thredbo currently host the highest lifted point at the top of their Karels T-bar at of 2037 metres above sea level. Here you will find their community bell where guests stop, ring the bell, usually take a photo to show their friends and then proceed down the mountain.

Next year, with the new Mount Perisher chair making its debut, the highest lifted point will increase marginally to 2042 metres.

The new chair elevation was not created at this height purely for Perisher bragging rights. The position of the top station is being tucked in behind a band of rock at the top of Mount Perisher, which just happens to coincide with the new elevation.

But really, what does it all mean? Does owning the rights to the highest lifted point give you anything extra? Answer, no. Sure, it’s great to have that accolade in your marketing arsenal, and it certainly has a nice ring to it.

Thredbo have used it as just one of their many marketing tag lines, and rightly so. Perisher will likely do the same.

As you arrive at the top of the lift, think of your exit procedure. You slide a little to the side or down the slope, stop to adjust your boots or strap into your snowboard and o you go. By the time you have completed these minor tasks, there’s a good chance you have descended anywhere from two to five metres anyway. Depending on the steepness of the run, by the time you initiate your first turn, arc your skis or snowboard, you have

descended several metres of elevation, if not more. So as much as the highest point is a nice tag line to own, that’s the extent of it. Think of it as one turn.

Perisher will be promoting fun activations around the naming of their new chair this winter. Plus, keep your eye out for any signage board with a Main Range backdrop next year.

Perisher’s Sales and Marketing Director,

Rob Lloyd said Perisher’s main focus is not the highest lifted point, but the accessibility the new Mount Perisher chair will create for guests.

“There’ll be some fun activations around the naming of the chair, more to come about that. It’s quite picturesque up there, so the view will be amazing. There’ll be a beautiful viewing point,” said Mr Lloyd, commenting on the possibilities they are considering for next year.

◼ Valentino Guseli at the top of Thredbo and Australia’s highest lifted point at 2037 metres.

PHOTO: Thredbo Resort

Perisher Legend Franz Breitfuss

PERISHER Valley lost one of its true legends in November 2023, with the passing of Franz Breitfuss. Franz will forever be remembered as one of the true entrepreneurs of the Perisher Valley hotelier landscape. A man who knew the full understanding of hospitality at its finest, the main reason guests would continue to return to his numerous Perisher establishments year after year.

Born on November 26, 1936, in Badgastein, Austria, Franz emerged into the world as the son of Josephine and Alexander Breitfuss. His formative years unfolded in Saalfelden, Salzburg, where he shared a charming Austrian house with his half- sister, Kathy and her extended family.

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Franz cultivated a passion for summer mountain climbing and winter snow skiing. During school breaks, he actively sought employment from local farmers, seizing

opportunities for paid work.

In 1956 Franz embarked on a momentous journey to Australia, landing in Sydney and beginning work at Bradford Textiles. He contributed his expertise to the assembly of manufacturing equipment at the mill. Following his tenure at Bradford Textiles, he acquired a taxi license and navigated the streets of Sydney.

A significant turn occurred in the early 1960s when he ventured to Perisher Valley, joining Adi Zimmerebner and Gloria, the proprietors of Kangaroo Chalet, which is now Kahane Lodge.

In the summer of 1965 at a Munjara Lodge pyjama party, Franz met Christine, then employed at Chez Jean Chalet while Franz worked for Fritz and Margot Feiersinger who had opened the Marritz Hotel in 1962.

The connection with Christine quickly flourished, they fell in love and got married in 1966. Together that year, they acquired

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in 1971.

In 1978 their family expanded with the arrival of Sasha, now having four boys. Sasha’s arrival during winter presented its own challenges, with heavy snow making for an interesting journey for Christine to arrive at Cooma hospital for the birth.

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A legendary story is when Franz required financing to purchase his first lodge. Knowing Sydney from his taxi driving days, Franz would visit bank after bank to acquire the money. Not perturbed by bank managers who denied Franz his loan, he would leave one bank and knock on the door of the next until he eventually secured the financing.

They began ownership of the Omaru Lodge in 1973 which Franz and Christine would rename the Sonnenhof, amidst the hustle and bustle of the ski season in August.

Our berridale Cellar Door is open daily offering tutored tastings across a wide range of wine styles. Kick back and enjoy a glass of regional small batch wine in comfortable lounges or in our private garden. We offer a delicious range of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and local produce to match with your choice of wine by the glass or local craft

“Where the expected meets the unexpected, united by quality” James halliday

In 1989 Franz and Christine embarked on new ventures, purchasing The New Valley Inn and the Sundeck Hotel in Perisher’s Front Valley. Subsequently, they transformed The Valley Inn into the Perisher Manor, while the Sundeck found a new owner in their trusted accountant. Here at The Valley Inn, Franz was in his element and the perfect host and much loved by his wonderful returning guests. A favourite was for Franz to wander the restaurant and o er guests schnapps and also snu , a powdered preparation of

the management at the Matterhorn, then welcomed sons Damian in 1967, Andreas in 1969 and Kristian

◼ Franz Breitfuss was one of the true legends of Perisher Valley.

tobacco that was inhaled by his snu machine. This was often a highlight of evenings, and highly entertaining to others as the snu was inhaled.

At the celebration of his life at the Wildbrumby Distillery in December, son Andreas would shine a light into Franz’s attributes, saying, “I think for dad, he was the true essence of hospitality. He was always caring”.

“He was just this hospitality guy that honestly just took on that being the host with the most,” said Andreas. “I think he had a great life, well lived, with lots of schnapps, lots of snu , and if I could be so bold, lots of schnaxl - as he had four sons.”

The boys were all involved in mogul

skiing. Another story Andreas recited was when Franz would arrive at Perisher skiing events with the snowcat. It would be filled with chicken and fresh bread rolls, and schnapps, which would of course be shared around.

The Perisher Manor Hotel is still within the family, operated for many years by eldest son Damian and his wife Jane.

Damian said, “to my amazing dad and teacher, you were my master and I was your apprentice. I am forever grateful for you teaching me how to fix everything that you broke”.

As you can easily do in snow resorts, snow machines can become bogged, with Damian saying he will miss the phone calls.

“Dam, bring the skidoo, the Thiokol (snowcat) is in the creek. I will miss the late-night phone calls, Dam, bring the Thiokol, the skidoo is in the creek,” said Damian.

The mid-nineties saw Christine and Franz purchase a block of land on the Alpine Way in the Crackenback Valley where they would build the family home. Here at Crackenback, Franz would acquire six donkeys, which he cared for when he retired from the hospitality industry.

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Volunteer Ski Patrol Donates Gear Worth $350,000

By STEVE CUFF

Mount Selwyn’s Volunteer Ski Patrol, just like the resort itself, lost all their equipment in the January 2020 bushfires. The equipment was insured through the Volunteer Rescue Association, the association reimbursing the volunteer group with funds to restock their losses. When the volunteer ski patrol services were no longer required at Selwyn Snow Resort for the 2024 season, Peter Mowbray, president of both the Australian Ski Patrol and Selwyn Volunteer Ski Patrol said they asked other patrols if they required any equipment, as they could offer a donation of gear.

“When the volunteer ski patrol were not required, or surplus to requirement by Blyton group, we had all this money that we decided that needed to go to the local community. We have shared the resources, our money, to all other patrols in New South Wales and Australia and the Adaminaby Bush Fire Brigade,” said Peter Mowbray.

Peter said he and his wife Ellen had worked full time as volunteer patrollers since 2011 at Selwyn.

“Our main interest was that the money that came out of a disaster for us, for the patrol itself, that the other resorts benefit from,” said Ellen Mowbray.

The donations were not actual cash and have been used at other patrols for refurbishments to the patrols, some have bought radios and over $200,000 in equipment value dispersed. Additionally, three brand new snow mobiles with trailers valued at another $150,000 were offered to resorts in Tasmania and Victoria.

“All the other Australian patrols received a defibrillator and a backboard, and vac matt (vacuum mattress),” said Ellen.

The vac matts are valued at $3,000 each, the back board $2,700 each and the defibrillators are another $2,000 each.

At an Advanced Emergency Care (AEC) course at The Station in Jindabyne during May, other patrols in attendance were very appreciative of the generous donations.

Great

◼ Peter and Ellen Mowbray, Felicity Coates from Perisher and Thredbo Ski Patrol’s Paul Black and Dave Kuhn showing some of the donated products.

Dave Kuhn from Thredbo’s Pro Ski Patrol said they were not expecting the donation but were very happy to receive the equipment that will be used yearround.

The pro and volunteer patrol at Thredbo work alongside each other, Dave saying, “we all work together, we go to

weekday morning briefs and afternoon briefs together. We are two separate organisations at times, but not how we function on the mountain”.

“Thredbo ski patrol in general, we’re very happy to receive generosity from Peter (Mowbray) and certainly wasn’t expecting brand new equipment,

I thought we were getting some preloved equipment. I know that new defibrillator will be going to the volunteer patrol lodge, which is pretty busy all winter. So those guys would be equipped to run out the door if they get called for anything. And all the other equipment, we’ll be using summer and winter, usually on the mountain.”

Paul Black, captain of the Thredbo Volunteer Ski Patrol for the past 15 years said, “it’s sad the fact that we end up in a situation because we’ve lost a volunteer patrol in NSW, but the benefit for us out of this situation is the fact that they’ve supplied us with two public access defibs”.

Two new public access defibs will be placed at Valley Terminal, opposite the Merritts Gondola base and one also at the bus stop at the Thredbo Leisure Centre.

“People staying in the resort will be made aware of these public access defibs. So, if there’s an incident late at night, when there’s no one available from the medical centre, any first responder in the town can respond and will know where there’s a defib,” said Paul.

Automated External Defibrillators

Perisher’s Assistant Ski Patrol Director Felicity Coates, attending at The Station course in May said, “as an active member of the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA), Perisher is grateful to receive additional equipment, such as defibrillators and back boards, from fellow members of ASPA, the decommissioned Selwyn volunteer ski patrollers”.

“Keeping this vital lifesaving equipment in the NSW professional ski patrolling environment at Perisher and Thredbo is important and valued. While we’re confident we have enough resources, it’s always prudent to be prepared for multiple incidents and to have additional equipment in reserve. We’re thankful of this very kind o er and appreciate the gesture,” said Felicity.

Perisher have 10 defibrillators for their on mountain patrol sta , but have now added two more for public use from the donation. They are located in the Perisher Skitube building and one in the Perisher Centre. They have positioned a new backboard, courtesy of the donation, with an existing defib at the Skitube Bullocks Flat terminal.

(AED) locations can be found using the GoodSam app. GoodSAM (Smartphone Activated Medic) connects responders to patients in those first critical minutes of cardiac arrest while paramedics are on the way. The responder is told the location of the patient and the nearest available defibrillator (AED).

The Honey Holes Of Perisher Grooming

By STEVE CUFF

THERE’S another world at Perisher that many rarely see, but such an important part of running a snow resort. In the darkness of night, snow groomers crawl their way around the resort for the comfort of guests the following day.

If you have ever wondered who these people are, or why they work such odd hours, meet Sean Cragnolini, just one of the 20 or so Perisher snow grooming team.

The Cragnolini family have long been involved with Perisher, Sean saying his father Marco was “the Swiss army knife of Perisher”, such was his jack of all trades ability to fix everything and help where needed.

“We grew up snowboarding, we have been here our whole lives,” said Sean, also referring to his sister Kim who was a competitive snowboarder.

You could say Sean has a personal love of moving snow. Before being upgraded into the snowcats and grooming team, he was involved in maintaining the terrain parks.

“I’ve been running a grooming machine at Perisher for 13 years, before then I was on Perisher parks on the day crew, on a rake. That was me from the age of 20 to 27

and then I jumped into a cat from there,” said Sean.

His night job certainly moves more snow, the high-tech powerful Prinoth machine and wide blade vastly superior to his miserly rake.

Groomers work on either the swing shift from 4pm until 1am, or the graveyard shift starting from 1am and usually finishing at 9am. The morning finish time all relate to workload, time of season and what is required.

“It depends on what’s going on, if

they’ve had really heavy snow making or big storms, we might be out there a little bit later. Especially early season we’ll be out there later trying to piece together the runs trying to get as much skiable terrain open as we possibly can.”

It’s not often you find someone with so much enthusiasm, not only for their job, but their fellow workers and boss.

“Our shifts up there are unreal, our grave shift’s real young, and all the fellas on the crew are hungry to get it. I’m the oldest one there by about 12 years, that’s

after Matty our boss. That’s a big thing for us, Matty Clem is the heartbeat of Perisher grooming I feel, or like the whole grooming operation. You know he runs such a good crew, keeps everyone happy, and it’s just a great place to work.”

“And I put a lot of that down to Matty, he’s just an absolute legend.”

Explaining everyone’s task, Sean says Matty Clem draws up “the map” each day and liaises with the supervisors as to what’s required.

◼ Sunrise and Perisher snow grooming with driver Ollie Shvetso in a previous season. PHOTOS: Perisher / Lucas Wilkinson.

Map

and runs, and each groomer will have their respective role depending on the resort area they are rostered. The daily demand all relates to any new snow, snowmaking, plus of course to groom the open runs for the following day.

“On the map, it’ll tell us what swings grooming, what graves going to groom, what push jobs need to happen. Where we’re trying to fatten runs up, what loads (lift loading areas) need attention. And there’ll just be random jobs on there as well that they might need done, like around the Perisher Centre or at the Magic Carpets.”

Commenting on the environment they work in, Sean said, “in Australia we get the best sunrises and sunsets. All the swing guys, they get to see the sunsets, and we get the sunrises. I’ve worked both shifts, and I couldn’t tell you which one’s better. They’re both equally as good”.

One of the many bonuses of working nights is groomers always have the daytime to ski and snowboard. Plus, you know where the best snow is.

“All the grave shift guys go snowboarding. All the swing guys, they all are keen to get on the hill and go ride at the end of their shift. Because really, we’re all here for the same reason, that’s to ski and snowboard.”

“There’s nothing more satisfying than grooming a run and then on grave shift, especially when you’re heading back for home, and you look up and you can see the run you groomed, and it’s just there, looking beautiful.”

Sean said he loves all types of grooming, although these days as the Terrain Park Manager he spends 90 percent of his time overseeing the terrain park, which involves pushing snow. He now overseas the crew on the rakes doing all the shaping.

“Everyone loves pushing snow, I love it all,” he says with added enthusiasm.

The early part of the 2024 season has seen limited natural snow, which really highlights the groomer’s skill. The team take pride in finding everything possible to ensure runs are operational.

Sean runs through the procedures of the Prinoth, an Italian manufactured machine and admires what they can achieve. He also states that during any shift, the variances in temperatures and the resulting impact this has on snow needs to be considered. It’s not as simple as just rolling over the top and making it smooth.

“We rely a lot on the wind, our hills just collect the snow, in the snow fences you see everywhere, they collect a lot of snow. And we have honey holes, and over years you’ll get shown the honey holes and you learn where all the honey holes are.”

“We dip into our honey holes, you might be on the backside of a little ridge and there might be a metre of snow

sitting there, and with two cat passes wide you are back to 300 of snow. You are not stripping anything, but move a metre onto the snow run.”

“I feel like all Perisher crew should be quite proud of what we’ve achieved. I want snow, but it definitely keeps you on your toes, I think we are doing a great job,” he says in early July.

◼ Sean Cragnolini and Doug Graham pushing snow for the terrain park.

◼ Sean Cragnolini grooming at night.

Changes To Mount Perisher

By STEVE CUFF

THINK back to all the years you have visited Perisher, and the one common thread in most people’s lifetime has been the Mount Perisher lifts. The double and triple chairs have both been mainstays of any skiing and snowboarding holidays. In 2024 this all changed, firstly the removal of the historic Mount Perisher Double Chair that was operational since 1961. As much as many of us may have disliked that chair, deep down there was much love, which was shown when the old chairs were auctioned o in June for hefty prices. The next piece of the puzzle will be

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revealed in 2025, when the old triple chair is resigned to the history books to make way for the brand-new Mount Perisher six seat high-seed detachable chair which will debut in winter 2025.

Guests have been crying out for a new chair on Mount Perisher for a long time. But as they say, good things come to those who wait. In this

case, the latest technology in chairlift design from the world’s leading lift manufacturer Doppelmayr.

We spoke with resort management prior to winter on a range of topics regarding the chair, and specifically their thinking around the Mount Perisher precinct.

Perisher General Manager, Nathan Butterworth said, “one of the justifying reasons commercially, for investing in infrastructure, despite what people think or believe, it is not to support increase in visitation. We’ve seen increases in visitation over a long period of time, which is a really great thing to see. To combat that experience in the resort,

we’ve typically looked at the areas within the resort where the slope capacity isn’t appropriately matched with our lifting capacity”.

“And the last great investment in that sort of mindset was the Freedom Chair in Guthega, where we saw a wholesale shift in the way that people were moving around the resort as a result of providing that,” said Mr Butterworth.

“If you think about ski resort development like a chess game, because it often is with the lead times that we run.”

“Certainly what we’re expecting to see, is a more appropriate balancing between the number of skiers that Mount Perisher as terrain can support, because it was

◼ A di erent 2024 landscape on Mt Perisher with no double chair towers, only the triple chair. Skier Adam Kroenert carving Towers run in July. PHOTO: Perisher / Lucas Wilkson

significantly underrepresented with the lifting, so we should see a more even distribution.”

“I’m sure, in the first year or two, there’ll be a number of people where we get swings across, where everyone wants to ride and experience the new chair, and there’ll be challenges that we need to mitigate as a result of that. But over time, we should see that improvement balance across the resort, that’s certainly what we’re hoping to achieve, improvement in overall experience with the average guest, because we’ve got better distribution across the entire resort.”

“Some of the substantiation around the Leichhardt Chair install in 2018 was to prepare us for this process of having to try to get people there to Mount P and also get them back. The interesting piece that we saw through that, is that we’ve seen significant increases in repeat skiing in that area because of the (Leichhardt) chair.”

Perisher’s Operations Director Michael Fearnside said as Perisher guests acquire a “wider experience, both in overseas and in Australia, they’re demanding, they’re wanting that high speed detachable lift”.

“It will see a 60% increase in chair lift capacity on Mount Perisher, which will draw more people to the Mount

PHOTOS: National Archives of

Perisher area for sure, you’re going to see better and bigger utilisation,” said Mr Fearnside.

“From a ski slope capacity perspective, it’s got massive opportunities.”

Skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the whole south ridgeline towards Eyre and still be able to make it back to the Mt Perisher 6 chair. With less tower infrastructure on Towers run, it will seem even more open that 2024.

The resort management, and their guests are aware of congestion at certain lifts at particular times. This scenario is not easy to combat, especially when some people may be new to the resort and gravitate to one area.

The Ridge Chair on weekend mornings is an example, and if you look at the

most recent new chairlifts, the Freedom Chair at Guthega changed the way guests accessed the mountain. Data supplied from your lift pass also indicates people stay longer in the Leichhardt Chair area since it was upgraded from a T-bar.

Mount Perisher will be the same, it will be busy as everyone will want to ride the $25 million chair.

The related issues this will create is excess of people egressing from this area at days end. The return journey back to Front Valley has options of Happy Valley T-bar, Leichhardt Chair and the Home Rope Tow.

Management is well aware of the scenario, and one improvement will be the upgrade of the rope tow. There will be a development application to improve this to a quick J-bar, the exact timing of completion unsure at present. It will be at a cost of over $1 million when you consider all work involved. Essentially, it will be the upgrading of the Cow Pastures J-bar to current standards.

“That is a project we’ve got in the wind in the anticipation of increased egress from the Mount Perisher area,” said Michael Fearnside. This would see up to a 400% increase on the current Home Rope Tow capacity.

Guests may have expected restaurant upgrades at Mount Perisher to coincide

with the new chair. Originally, restaurant plans were combined with the chair development application. That has now changed.

Mr Butterworth said, the new restaurant will be in future plans, but for the time being they will be monitoring people movement to fully understand what they require.

Any new restaurant would be in the same bottom location, there will be no restaurant on top of the mountain. There will be upgrades to Eyre Kiosk, including toilet amenities for the 2025 season.

There are concept designs for the Mount Perisher restaurant which will most likely incorporate a large deck area. (see more on pages 22-23)

◼ Classic old photos of the double chair in the 1960’s.

Australia

New $25 Million Perisher Chair For 2025

By STEVE CUFF

PERISHER will enter a new era in 2025 when they debut their new $25 million Doppelmayr D-line high-speed detachable 6-seater chair. The state of the art chair has been designed specifically for Australian conditions.

Work commenced this past summer and construction crews from Perisher and chair manufacturer Doppelmayr have another busy period ahead for the 202425 summer in what Perisher’s Operations Director, Michael Fearnside described as a “big build”.

Hence why substantial groundworks were completed on the new chair last summer. These works were essential if they were to meet their winter 2025 deadline. It was not feasible to complete the entire build in one summer, a key reason the Mount Perisher Double Chair was

decommissioned prior to the 2024 season.

When the snow melts from October, it will be all hands-on deck in what is still regarded as a tight schedule.

One interesting fact, the Triple Chair will remain most likely until about February 2025 as an efficient way to transport workers to the top of the build site.

Once the new tower footings have been established, it’s highly likely the old towers will be flown out, and the new towers installed in the same time window using the same aircraft.

It’s visible to see the new top station foundations if you have ridden the Triple Chair this season. This new lift will also acquire the title of Australia’s highest lifted point at 2042 metres above sea level. More importantly for Perisher guests, it will allow easy access along the south ridge and all the available terrain often not accessed previously.

Perisher view prior to winter 2024 showing both chairlifts.

“Super positive,” was how Perisher’s General Manager, Nathan Butterworth described the public’s feedback so far.

“We’re lucky to be involved in an industry and in a sport where people are so emotionally engaged, and sometimes that’s positively orientated,

◼ Mt

PHOTO: Perisher

and sometimes not so much. And there’s this clearly diversity of view. But I think people are grateful to see the investment and grateful to see the improvement in the skier experience,” said Mr Butterworth.

“It’ll be the first investment in intermediate and advanced terrain, certainly first chair lifting service that we provide with high-speed lifting capability for intermediate and advanced skiers at Perisher. I think that’s been welcomed.”

The New MT P 6

The cost of the new chair will be north of $25 million, which includes the currently completed pre ground works, the Doppelmayr 6 seat chair and associated build this coming summer.

Nathan Butterworth said when they look at the infrastructure age and the skier amenity at Mount Perisher, their commitment allows them to not only solve the problem now but going forward for the 30 plus years resorts typically see the lift infrastructure’s lifetime.

“One of the upsides of it taking so long (approval) is that we’ve got the benefit that we can leverage a bunch of this new technology.”

As much as everyone wanted the new chair years ago, the wait has proved beneficial. The technology is

◼ The new Doppelmayr 6 seater chair will whisk guests to the top in 5.6 minutes.

far advanced and much more superior than even five years ago. Chairlift manufacturer Doppelmayr have moved into their next generation of D-line lifts.

Describing the improvements, Perisher’s Operations Director, Michael Fearnside rattles off a succession of modern improvements including direct drive with no gearboxes, electronic safety and control systems, safety derail circuits, wider rope gauge and more comfortable ergonomically designed chairs.

From a lift operator’s point of view, they can see more of what’s happening on the lift via screens, plus, even the lift manufacturer can also view it from their office.

“It’s a significant step forward in the last five years in lift technology that’ll see far, far better performance than you would’ve if you bought an older

generation lift,” said Mr Fearnside.

A huge benefit of the new lift technology, it’s supported by the lift manufacturer for the next 20 to 30 years. An older generation lift would see that technology being phased out.

A positive of using direct drive will result in a much quieter, much smoother operation. One benefit on the maintenance side, is not having to overhaul a gearbox at set yearly milestones, always a costly exercise.

From an operating point of view, there will be automatic loading and unloading of the chairs and the design on the crossovers should see less de-icing in the mornings. The new chair will also operate from 8.30am, allowing guests an earlier start than previous.

Australia does receive some of the harshest winter climate, regular visitors can attest to ferocious blizzards. Hence why the T-bars will always be in operation and necessary.

Everyone is aware the old double chair has always been wind affected, but the new chair is expected to improve that number.

“When you talk about what the design capacities are, I’d say there’s probably a 20 or 30 percent increase in wind operating capacity,” said Mr Fearnside.

The new chair will be on virtually the same alignment as the current Triple Chair but will start slightly lower and finish increasingly higher for the unload. The top station will have an enclosed 90 degrees unload facing to the south and the ride time will be 5.6 minutes.

◼ An artists view of the new top station of Mt Perisher.

Women Of Winter Networking

SNOW Australia hosted a Women of Winter forum in Jindabyne in early July, the first of several planned for this winter. Held in collaboration with the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors (APSI), Advancing Women In Snowsports, the night brought together over 60 women involved in the snow industry.

The Women of Winter initiative is dedicated to empowering women in snowsports to achieve their full potential. The program fosters a supportive environment through professional development, training, and networking opportunities, which helps increase the number of women working and volunteering in the snowsports industry. It also focuses on encouraging women to maintain their roles and advance into leadership positions.

Rachael Oakes-Ash, known as Miss Snow it All, welcomed the guests as emcee for the night. Rachael spoke to the group about her journey in the industry and how she saw an opportunity to become an international snow media journalist, along with challenges and unique insights of her career.

Thredbo’s Sarah Lyster, with 30 years of experience in roles ranging from

instructing at Thredbo to sales and marketing management within the industry also spoke on the night. Sarah said she was blown away by the turnout on the night.

“It was extraordinary actually, and lots of di erent women from di erent stages in their career. I thought it was great to have that coming together of di erent women in di erent phases of their career to be able to network,” said Sarah. There were several instructors attending on the night and the Advancing Women In Snowsports initiative is really providing

opportunities for women within the snowsports industry in particular. Working on post-natal initiatives for women to be able to return to the industry, and AWS scholarships for women going through the instructor qualifications were some of the areas highlighted as positives.

“Really just providing platforms like that night where women can actually network. And it’s not about ostracising anybody else in the industry, it’s just about really providing some connections so females can network, and then

obviously gain knowledge to be able to further their careers.”

“My takeaway from that is, and I actually said it on the night, if I was to reflect back 30 years ago and tell my younger self, that I would be in a room with a facility and a facilitation like that, I just would never have believed you, because it just wouldn’t have been possible.”

“It’s a very positive move forward for the industry because we need diversity in the industry, and clients within the ski schools want diversity within the industry, and so we need to be supporting all employees through these pathways.” Women were encouraged to talk with others they did not know prior.

“I had so many younger women come up to me and ask questions and wanting to really gain some knowledge for themselves. In fact, that was my favourite part of the night, that connection to other women in the industry that I had not connected with before.”

A Women of Winter networking evening will be held at Falls Creek on Wednesday 31 July. For more information and to follow news from Snow Australia, you can sign up for their newsletter.

www.snow.org.au

◼ Chloe Merry, Sarah Lyster, Shea de Lorenzo, Angela Pope, Rachael Oakes-Ash, Rebecca Clark, Zoe Hocking and Wendy Olsen at the Women of Winter night.

Station Live Music And Big Giveaway

LOOKING for action once you leave the slopes, then hit The Station in Jindabyne for electrifying big band live music until the end of August plus local bands in Happy Jacks bar. Plus, enter the ultimate music giveaway.

WEDNESDAY JULY 31

Indie rock quartet Pacific Avenue will play their debut gig in Jindabyne on July 31, the South Coast rockers debut album leaving an indelible mark on the music industry securing number one Australian album.

SATURDAY AUGUST 3

Rapidly rising punk rock stars Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers plus genre-diverse outfit The Grogans take on regional Australia for their ‘Fix it with Salt Tour’ accompanied by Melbourne’s Kitschen Boy 4-piece band.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7

Influenced by Australia’s coastal culture, the acoustic folk duo The Dreggs are celebrating the release of their debut album ‘Caught In Review’ and hitting the road to Jindabyne.

SATURDAY AUGUST 10

The Vanns have had a massive 12 months with sell out shows and landing at #8 on

◼ RedHook will play at The Station.

the ARIA album charts. Now after releasing their second album, they will be heating up The Station venue with their acclaimed live show and supporting act Gosh.

FRIDAY AUGUST 16

Get ready for an unapologetically loud and raw experience as the Belair Lip Bombs take their gritty sound on the road for a no-frills East Coast tour.

SATURDAY AUGUST 17

Get ready for the ultimate showdown as the Never Ending 80s presents the battle of the decades: 80s vs. 90s! This epic live performance will pit the best pop hits of two iconic decades against each other, with a song-for-song battle that will leave you breathless.

SATURDAY AUGUST 24

The Terrys are a kaleidoscopic burst of energy, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity hailing from the coastal haven of Gerringong venture to the mountains with their magnetic blend of infectious melodies.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28

While playing the UK together last year, Dune Rats and Fidlar found themselves sitting backstage drinking warm ales, talking about releasing their new albums and how much they wanted to keep the party rolling! That party arrives in Jindabyne in August with tickets to be in hot demand.

SATURDAY AUGUST 31

It’s been 16 months between Soju shots, now Sydney/Eora-based alt-rock powerhouse RedHook will be supersizing the party at their biggest headline shows to date. In honour of their infectious new anthem ‘Breaking Up With’, RedHook will be laying the smackdown at Jindabyne. Supported by Melbourne melodic rock force The Beautiful Monument, Newcastle pop-punk veterans Eat Your Heart Out and Perth metalcore rising stars Patient Sixty-Seven rounding out a blockbuster undercard.

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By STEVE CUFF

Your Best Thredbo Day

STROLLING through Thredbo Village and crossing the walking bridge on your way to a powder day is one of the special mornings on your snow holiday. You arrive early and the Kosciuszko Chair faithful are already buzzing and awaiting in line.

Or, you are staying in Jindabyne, have driven the snowy Alpine Way and have probably salivated all the way in anticipation. You pull into the day carpark and cannot strap your boots on fast enough. Your choice is either the Gunbarrel Chair, as its closer, or catch the village bus to Valley Terminal.

Oh the choices in life….. Keep in mind when choosing, the Kosciuszko Chair is probably the best chairlift in Australia when the season, and snow, is in full swing.

Your friends may want to chat, but reconnaissance is your only objective as you rise out of the valley. Sure, you want to hear stories of their last night shenanigans, but not now.

Powder turns are on o er, and important ski decisions need to be made. The Blu into Little Beauty or Bushranger. If you are an exclusive corduroy warrior, no problem, the Supertrail and World Cup will be superb. These first decisions will influence your whole morning. Wrong choices early mean forever playing catch up.

The Blu it will be, and oh how wonderful it looks. Don’t worry about missing first chair, there will be ample fresh turns this morning, just be on point, listen to what the snow is telling you and enjoy. It’s smooth and deep in pockets, and your smile increases as does the adrenalin. It’s

◼ Mila Randall enjoying a taste of Thredbo powder in July 2024.

a great day and you haven’t even finished your first run. Blasting out of lower Cannonball onto True Blue the corduroy is squeaky smooth. To the chair it is and time for more laps.

The morning evolves, the mountain gets tracked, just all part of the natural occurrence when the snow is fresh. Everyone has emerged out of the woodwork and it’s highly likely you see people you have not encountered for some time. They, like you, are smiling.

Knowledgeable folk have their routine, venturing to the Golf Course, Funnel Web,

the side of Little Beauty, Karels and The Basin. There’s no point heading to the other side, others have feasted there.

Morning complete, now it’s chow time. You need to replenish for energy via your favourite restaurant. Kareela, Black Sallees, Avalanche, or venture to the village.

You know that feeling, where you deserve a treat for all your e orts. You have worked hard; your day is done - the legs are toast. And now it’s time to toast.

The Denman’s Après Bar is pumping. There is laugher, excitement and beverages

are flowing. Yes, the beers always taste better on powder days (just sayin). Music is in the air, tales are told and before you know it, it’s time to decide dinner. Cascades or The Terrace, and the The Lounge Bar for dessert (code for wine). Tonight is not the party night; the snow still falls and beckons another day, so why waste a morning when mother nature is in a generous giving snow mood.

We hope you can experience the best of Thredbo too, just like this image above and our August cover photo.

PHOTO: Thredbo Resort / Boen Ferguson

Variety Of Tours And Leisure

THREDBO winter holidays are all about options. You have Australia’s longest runs, the new Alpine Coaster for an adrenalin option, a vibrant village for après and dining and a vast choice of lodging. Adding to the variety are the adventures that lie above the lifts, with either skis, snowboard or snowshoe tours and the leisure centre for relaxation or training.

Backcountry Tours

Thredbo Backcountry Tours o er a unique experience, and one where you are greeted with the solitude of the high alpine. Three di erent tours cater for those eager to learn basic skills, access new terrain and explore the best of the backcountry including Mount Kosciuszko. The women only tours, aimed at providing more women with the opportunity to gain and develop skills beyond the resort boundaries have two tour options. Led by all-female guides, choose between an Introduction to Backcountry tour and Beyond the Boundaries tour to upskill and boost confidence in exploring all the beauties of the backcountry.

Women only tours are scheduled for August 16-17, and general tours can be booked on set days, or on request.

Thredbo Leisure Centre

Taking the plunge in winter is not what you think. The water temperatures are comfortable and stretching the muscles with few laps in the Thredbo Leisure Centre 50 metre pool is popular. Plus, with a full gym set up, trampolining, squash and basketball court, it’s an ideal option for those days or afternoons away from the mountain.

When you add the Mission Inflatable and

Of

September 2nd – check TAM website

Thredbo Alpine Museum @thredboalpinemuseum

Visit

Thredbo Alpine Museum

On the steps between the Bakery and Thredbo Information Centre at the end of the bus line. Full of Thredbo, skiing and snowboarding history dating back to 1860. Volunteers in the Museum ready to help.

View the New Updated Website www.thredboalpinemuseum.org.au

Sign Up For Membership Become a TAM member and get special discounts and recognition.

Open Daily in Winter 12 noon to 4pm contact@thredboalpinemuseum.org.au

the waterslide, (yes they are fun for all), you can easily pass away a few hours (think kids entertainment).

The Thredbo Leisure Centre is a short 5

minute walk from the village or Friday Flat and is a top class facility. Participants can book for private swim lessons, personal training sessions, group fitness classes and zero gravity trampoline session, or workout with your own routines.

All information for Backcountry Tours and Thredbo Leisure Centre can be found on the website. www.thredbo.com.au

at the Denman Hotel Thredbo and discover all that Thredbo has to offer right on your doorstep.

(02) 6457 6222

stay@thedenman.com.au

www.thedenman.com.au

Faces

Thredbo Dinner

◼ Reach beyond the clouds with Thredbo backcountry tours, including a women’s only tour.

PHOTOS: Thredbo Resort

◼ Thredbo’s Leisure Centre o ers multiple activities for all ages.

By STEVE CUFF

Welcome to Mooki’s World

WHEN it comes to legendary Australian snowboard status, with a touch of celebrity, Scotty James is the top contender. Just like he is always contending for the biggest trophies in snowboarding events on the world stage.

When Scotty debuts his Mooki’s Mini Pipe Cup at Thredbo on August 18, the junior kids in attendance will not only be in awe of meeting Scotty, they will be thankful that he is donating back to the roots of Australian snow sports.

Having been named Thredbo resort ambassador prior to winter, Scotty has also donated a mini pipe cutter machine to Thredbo that will shape the 13ft Mooki’s mini half pipe that will hopefully one day breed a new wave of Australian snow superstars.

Scotty said he was very excited to finally share Mooki with his followers, a nickname “that my dad gave me at a young age”.

“The astronaut suit symbols shooting for the stars, going for the moon and no dream is too big. That was always something my parents instilled in me,” said Scotty. Scotty has risen to fame with hard work, captured two Winter Olympic medals, three world championships and nine X Games medals, and he will surely relay some of that earned wisdom at the Mooki’s Cup.

“Naturally being a snowboarder from Australia and wanting to pursue action sports wasn’t typical, so the pathway to get here was never clear. And in that journey, there’s a lot of adversity and a lot of moments where I got scared. I still get

scared every day. I get fearful of failure every day. You know, I don’t think I’m good enough sometimes,” Scotty told his social media followers.

“And naturally, as human beings, what gets in our way is us. We stop us from being able to achieve whatever that goal is in front of us.”

“In the process, it’s important to also have a big smile on your face, because regardless of what happens on the journey, any asteroid, any curveball, Mooki has always been a character that I embrace through those moments.

“And he encourages me not to be scared, to dream big, to be courageous, to be ambitious, to have big goals, be fearless and make sure you smile in the process.”

He said he is super excited to share Mooki with everyone, and how this character “helps me on a daily basis”.

With the release of his new Mooki range of clothing, plus Mooki kids book, you could expect the Thredbo kids in attendance to have the chance to walk away with a swag of Mooki goodies in August, plus a desire to dream big.

“Welcome to Mooki’s world.”

The Mooki’s Cup is a jam session with prizes and spontaneous competitions throughout the sessions where riders will be awarded prizes. To register visit the Thredbo events page. www.thredbo.com.au/events/

◼ Winter Olympian Scotty James will host the Mooki’s Cup at Thredbo in August.

PHOTO: Tim Clayton

Huge Après and Big Events

SNOW, sunshine, après, events and energetic nightlife are all part of your Thredbo holiday. In what order you prioritise your participation is entirely up to you. But either way, we know you will be in for one great fun snow holiday.

In Thredbo it’s no just about skiing and snowboarding the long runs of the Supertrail, sipping champagne at Kareela or dining in the many restaurants, there is long list of events for the après set or the extreme seekers. Take your choice.

This season Thredbo have upped the ante with their biggest August après of live music and entertainment. Every Saturday they have huge music acts that will set the heart racing.

In addition to the major headlining après events, Thredbo o ers live music every single night during winter at crowd favourite bars like the Lounge Bar and Schuss Bar in the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.

Sunday afternoon you can find Pirate Life deck sessions with DJ’s on the Merritts Mountain House Deck and every Wednesday and Saturday stop at Black Sallees for great après ski atmosphere with delicious Japanese food. Each afternoon The Denman’s Après Bar is a hotspot for cocktails, champagne and beers, and a time to plan your evening.

The Rainbow Mountain week is bigger and queerer than ever with a stack of favourite on and o mountain events. This three day inclusive event sees Thredbo’s LGBTQIA+ guests and allies celebrate in the snow with the Poof Doof Saturday night capping o all the glamour.

August Main Entertainment lineup:

• August 3: The Jungle Giants (DJ set) presented by Smirno

• August 9 - 10: Rainbow Mountain ft. Poof Doof Ski Club & GiRLTHING presented by Brookvale Union

• August 17: Sneaky Sound System presented by White Claw

• August 24: Crooked Colours presented by Hyoketsu

• August 31: Bag Raiders presented by Pirate Life

If you are chasing the extreme, even in your own small way, sign up for one of a host of great action events on Thredbo’s packed on-snow calendar. All events have multiple categories.

The Battle of the Blu is an August highlight, carving out lines down the

◼ Whether you are hitting the jumps, sliding with Rainbow colours or sipping champagne, Thredbo has an event for you. PHOTOS: Thredbo Resort

signature Blu run. Send it big, hit the drops and strut your best moves in one of the premier freestyle events. Snowboarders will relish the tenth annual Transfer Banked Slalom. Can you master the course this year and nail your two runs and celebrate in style for the historic milestone.

The Slopestyle event of the Triple Crown in late August provides a course with jumps and rail features competitors will negotiate from start to finish. Showcase your best bag of tricks and come away with the glory, and a taste of the $4000 in cash and prizes.

The Big Air, the final stop in the Triple Crown is your last chance to dominate and really it’s go big or go home. Bring your top-level technical tricks and manoeuvres to snatch glory.

Action Packed On-Snow Events

• August 12: Battle on The Blu

• August 16: Transfer Banked Slalom

• August 18: MOOKi’s Mini Pipe Cup

• August 30: Thredbo Triple Crown: Slopestyle

• September 1: Thredbo Triple Crown: Big Air

• September 6: Bush Doof hosted by Tess Coady

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Black Swans

Cygnus atratus

THIS is a photo I have wanted to take for years, but it required a storm of epic proportions. It had to snow low enough in altitude that the whole of the Monaro would be covered in snow to capture this image.

This one-in-twenty-year storm occurred in 2021. It had snowed the entire night before, all the way to Cooma. Roads were shut down, and cars quickly found unwanted homes in ditches all over the area as they slid o the icy roads.

altitude it now sits at. They are not always full of water, being quite shallow, but when they are, they are ideal habitats for swans who favour the shallow water reeds for food. It didn’t take me long to find this pair whose honking at each other alerted me to their location. The lake was a soup of ice and snow. It was evident that the couple had spent the night spinning on the spot. This erratic behaviour had stopped the ice from freezing around them, but now they were unable to reach each other as the ice separated them.

Normally, after such a storm, I would go straight to the mountains, but I chose to instead take a risk and venture to the Treeless Plain past Nimmitabel. The Treeless Plain is scattered by basalt lakes that often harbor breeding pairs of black swans. These natural lakes are the remnants of the volcanic activity that three million years ago helped elevate the Monaro to the

Choosing to sacrifice dry boots and comfortable feet for this photo, I waded into the icy water to remove the distractions of thistles and grass from the foreground. With each step the ice cracked, my boots sunk into the mud, and the piercing bite of the cold water enveloped my feet. Slowly, little by little, step by step, I gained the ground I needed. Eventually, in the right position, I stood motionless in the water just like my subjects and waited for their heads and necks to face the right direction so I could eventually capture the photo needed.

Visit Charles’ new Cooma gallery and follow him on Instagram and Facebook. charlesdavisphotography charlesdavisnaturephotography

Charles Davis Gallery Location: The old Uniting Church, 185 Sharp St, Cooma. Opening times: 10am - 4pm | 7 days a week | www.charlesdavisphotography.com

Over 25 Years living and working

The story behind the picture

Lifestyle Jindabyne Property Listed First Time In 40 Years

PREMIUM properties that tick all the boxes for both lifestyle living and the potential for investor income are not often presented in Jindabyne.

Located in one of the best streets in Jindabyne for lake access, proximity to shopping, schools plus restaurants and bars, this architecturally designed Clyde Street residence warrants extra scrutiny for the discerning buyer.

With a huge 338 metres of living space, this 4-bedroom property over two levels delivers expansive lake views from its northerly aspect. One beauty that should be considered is to live in one level with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the potential to rent the other level for either holiday letting, or the guaranteed luxury of year-round tenants and income.

The London Terrace apartment block of six units, comprising of two very large units and 4 smaller units have always been a sought-after location. Built in the early 1980’s for the Sponar and Swain families, both well-known and respected identities in the Snowy Mountains, the property has all the extras desired in Jindabyne living.

Tony Sponar, co-founder of Thredbo Resort, and his wife Elisabeth owned this apartment 5 as their residential home. The spacious home is spread over two large levels and consists of 4 x bedrooms, 4 x bathrooms, 2 x living areas (both containing lounge, dining and kitchens), the lower level a huge balcony and expansive, northerly Lake Jindabyne views. A total living space of 338sm and overall property of 719sm.

On title there is also two undercover car spaces at street level and a large 381sm

◼ Huge 338sm living space and overall property of 719sm o ers the perfect Jindabyne lifestyle.

‘back yard’ with parking for at least 6 additional vehicles, and direct access to the bottom two bedroom level. A ramp walkway accesses the top level. Parking being a huge

attribute in any Jindabyne property. For lifestyle owners, the property is located a level 500m walk to Nuggets Crossing and the CBD of Jindabyne where you will find a plethora of restaurants and bars. Two school options are also located nearby. A short stroll to the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore will allow all the traits of summer living, lake usage and the mountain bike trails around the lake. For winter, the snow resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are easily accessible only 33km away.

Purchasers will find this a rare property with very few homes above 300 square metres, and with both front and rear access.

This is the first time the property has been listed for sale in over 40 years.

New owners of 5/33 Clyde Street will also be associated with iconic history of the region.

Tony Sponar and his wife Elisabeth both lived here until their passing.

Tony is an icon of the region and generally regarded as the main driving force in the planning and development of Thredbo Village, Australia’s premier ski resort. This is only part of Antonin (Tony) Sponar’s colourful life story – he also carried the flag for his native Czechoslovakia in the opening ceremony of the 1948 Winter Olympics where he competed in three alpine events. He escaped nazi occupation during World War II, lived in St Anton, Austria before emigrating to Australia where he was heavily involved in the development of Thredbo Ski Resort. He was the author of book, ‘Snow in Australia – that’s news to me!’

Central Jindabyne Apartment

719sm property including

of living space over two floors/levels

◼ Lake Jindabyne views from bedroom.

◼ Tony Sponar (right) was an owner of this apartment, pictured here with Charles Anton scoping the Thredbo landscape. PHOTO: Geo rey Hughes

Photos Virtually Styled.

By STEVE CUFF

KOSCIUSZKO National Park is an iconic Australian destination, home to our highest mountain, the roof of Australia and during winter months the upper alpine region covered in a blanket of snow. The park stretches across an area of 673,542 hectares, is the biggest national park in New South Wales and has a celebrated history stretching well beyond the shores of Australia.

In 2024 Kosciuszko National Park celebrates its 80th anniversary of the assent to the law that created Kosciuszko State Park on April 19, 1944. Prior to winter, the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA)

◼ Linda Groom, Polish Ambassador Maciej Chmieliński, Dave Darlington and Deidre Slattery cut

organised an invited gathering to celebrate this milestone at Thredbo Village. Linda Groom, a volunteer event organiser with NPA said they were not short on numbers who wanted to attend, but they had to set a limit. “The fan base of Kosciuszko National Park is huge,” said Linda.

Included in the guest list were Indigenous Elders, the Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Maciej Chmieliński, former and current National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sta , scientists with a special interest in Kosciuszko, representatives of Park user groups and volunteer groups such as Kosciuszko Huts Association (KHA).

A welcome to Ngarigo country by Elders Aunty Kathy Jones, Aunty Ellen Mundy and Uncle John Dixon started proceedings before guest speakers spoke of not only their love of the park, but the many facets of its history, how it has evolved and been nurtured through the decades by NPWS sta who have a deep love of park and its environment.

Co-author of the book, ‘Kosciuszko, A Great National Park’, Deidre Slattery spoke passionately about the preservation of Kosciuszko National Park (KNP). Along with the late Graeme Worboys, they have compiled a compelling history of

Ph: 6456 1551

Shop 1, Snowline Center, 6532 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne. Near the Thredbo turnoff. www.lakesidelures.com.au

Kosciuszko National Park 80 Years

Kosciuszko into their 430 plus page book.

Deidre referred to those who explored and recorded the region in its early days.

“Elms, David and Pittman, in a way they were the great grandfathers of today’s park in European culture along with many more,” said Deidre.

“Many of these people shared a

protectionist vision for the mountains and although scientists and observing and documenting this new place, they were already observing change, and were concerned about change.”

At the 80th anniversary, the Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Maciej Chmieliński said

the 80th Kosciuszko cake. PHOTOS: Steve Cu

◼ The Snowies Alpine Walk and Spencers Creek suspension bridge near Guthega.

PHOTO: DPE/Boen Ferguson

the mountain and park had a special meaning to Poland.

The strong Polish connection is for Sir Paul Edmund Strzelecki being the first westerner to summit Australia’s highest mountain which he named after Poland’s famous freedom fighter and national hero General Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Strzelecki was accompanied on this exploration by James Macarthur and two Aboriginal guides, Charlie Tarra and Jackey. They would ascend from the western side on Hannels Spur, Strzelecki the only one to reach the summit.

In Jindabyne’s Banjo Paterson Park you will find a bronze monument of Strzelecki, Poland’s gift for Australia’s 1988 Bicentennial celebrations. Born in 1797, Strzelecki educated himself in the Sciences and geology while in Europe and arrived in Sydney in 1839. He ascended, identified and named the mountain Kosciuszko on March 12, 1840. The mountain had similar shape to a Mound in Krakow, Poland which had been built as a monument to Kosciuszko. There are many great places in America that also bear the name Kosciuszko, such was his fame.

The Ambassador thanked the elders of the Ngarigo people who have strong attachment and culture connections to the Kosciuszko National Park land. There have been numerous reciprocal visits to Poland and Kosciuszko.

“The ceremony that took place in 1940 on the very peak of Mt Kosciuszko is something that we Poles hold very dear until today. And that initiative of the NSW government, a plaque commemorating the centenary of the mountain’s naming was unveiled,” said Ambassador Chmieliński.

The First People were prominent in the alpine region long before Europeans arrived. In the Slattery, Worboys’ book, it states archaeological sites explored in foothills of mountain in the 1970’s contains evidence that people visited these sites as shelters, from at least 21,000 years ago. A cave at Yarrangobilly was occupied 11,000 years ago.

The Ngarigo were permanent occupants of the Monaro and the Walgalu and the Djilamatang managed the western areas of the mountains.

Above the Snowy and Thredbo River valleys, people have camped

for generations. At the base of access routes to the peaks, a few large camps of up to 500 people congregated for ceremonial gatherings: one was near Kalkite, now under Lake Jindabyne.

There are small stone artefact scatters in alpine and subalpine environments, the highest near the saddle of Perisher Gap. The bogong moth was a rich food source, and the Aboriginal people would seek the moth in the alpine regions during summer.

One disappointing aspect of the 80th celebrations in Thredbo was the personal verbal attack from an elder on a former senior figure in the National Parks and Wildlife Service. On such an historical 80th occasion, to identify a particular individual in the room for a personal vendetta from decades prior was an embarrassment. It was received with shock by those in attendance.

Kosciuszko National Park is enormous, contains a wealth of history and has endless scenic points of interest and exploring opportunities.

The gold mining era of the 1860’s

at Kiandra, the town also the birth of skiing in Australia, the magical history of the Kosciuszko Huts, many which can be easily accessed, others requiring a more strenuous e ort to be viewed are just a snippet of attractions.

In the north, the drive along Long Plain Road is highly recommended to view the Coolamine Homestead and the spectacular scenery of the Blue Waterholes and Clarke Gorge. Yarrangobilly Caves is an exceptionally fascinating area. Exploring caves that are millions of years old, and the thermal hot springs highly worthy of a swim in either the heat of summer or a cold winter day. Hiking and camping in the warmer seasons present endless trails and options across the entire park. Geehi and Tom Groggin on the western side of the park, plus the scenic Alpine Way drive from Khancoban to Thredbo.

The hike to the majestic Blue Lake and the challenging Main Range walk, the stepping stones crossing of the Snowy River has long been a favourite summer adventure.

The new 55km multistage Snowies Alpine Walk is now one of the highlight trails from Charlotte Pass to Guthega, Charlotte Pass to Perisher and from this spring, Perisher down to Lake Crackenback Resort.

And of course, summiting Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia at 2228m above sea level is a bucket list ‘must do’ for every Australian. Take the chairlift from Thredbo Village and follow the walking path for 6.5km to reach the top.

During the winter snow season, hundreds of thousands of snow lovers flock to the region to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at each of the four snow resorts, Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Fields.

To purchase the Kosciuszko, A Great National Park book, search for distributors. For more information on visiting Kosciuszko National Park, visit these websites. www.snowymagazine.com.au/kosciuszko-national-park www.snowymountains.com.au www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park

◼ Walking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

◼ Author Deidre Slattery with her book, Kosciuszko A Great National Park.

Explore Canada’s British Columbia

Scattered across 10 diverse mountain ranges, British Columbia’s snow resorts are abundant with mountain adventure and rich with small-town charm.

BRITISH Columbia (BC) is vast, rugged and its unspoilt mountains offer a world of possibilities whichever style of snow holiday you seek. The raw nature, unique ski culture, deep snowfalls and unmatched terrain draws skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, inspiring them to explore, play and relish adventure.

With so much to take in, from vibrant ski towns, countless winter activities, and memorable après moments with locals, the best way to make the most of your ski trip is combining resorts and planning an unforgettable ski safari.

Silver Star

The colourful SilverStar resort warmly welcomes all ages and abilities, making it a great choice for families. Here, wideopen runs are perfect for those looking to cruise with an extra sense of private space. The mid-mountain village is the central hub making it easy to ski up to shops like the Bugaboos Bakery for a delicious homemade soup, or to Elevate Spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Sun PeakS

Further north is Sun Peaks, a charming slopeside, pedestrian-only village, encircled by a trio of mountains offering multiple long groomed or off-piste runs

to explore. As Canada’s second-largest ski area, you’re spoiled for choice with a huge range of terrain for all abilities. Season 2024/25 will see the launch of the new West Bowl Express chair which will open up access to one of Sun Peaks’ most special hidden treasures. Serviced by a T-bar up until 2021, the only way to access the West Bowl area in the last few years has been via a short hike. But with the new high-speed quad opening this winter, it’s about to be a lot easier to experience the breathtaking panoramic views and pristine powder.

And when you’re keen for a break from the downhills, head out on a crosscountry adventure on the groomed Nordic trail network, or ride with a team of Alaskan huskies on a dog sledding tour.

red Mountain

The town of Rossland is home to the renowned Red Mountain Resort, just 15 minutes from the US border. Skiing is the town’s main language, and with sustained vertical topping 914 metres (3,000 feet) and numerous peaks offering great variety, you have arrived in skiing nirvana. One key beauty of Red is the 360 degrees skiing off most peaks that spreads out crowds but allows mixed levels to ride the same chair. For the advanced, be enthralled navigating the well-spaced tree skiing glades the mountain is famous for.

WhiStler BlackcoMB

Ninety minutes from downtown Vancouver is world-renowned Whistler; home of Whistler Blackcomb. The two mountains boast North America’s largest in-bounds terrain at over 8,000 acres and consistently rank among the top resorts on the continent. After the lifts

close, the fun heats up in the village with restaurants and a nightlife that welcomes ski boots well into the early hours.

PanoraMa Mountain reSort

In the heart of BC’s Purcell Range is Panorama Mountain Resort with immaculate slopes away from any hustle and bustle. With 1300 metres of vertical, cruise long smooth groomed blue runs or a host of black trails to get the heart pumping. Boasting the most complete resort village in the Canadian Rockies, the lifts are virtually at your door in the ski in ski out village. After a full day on the mountain, resort guests are welcome to unwind at the Panorama Springs Pools.

revelStoke Mountain reSort

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is home to North-America’s highest vertical drop at

more than 1,700 metres, plus combined with an average yearly snowfall of over 9 metres, the result is seemingly endless thigh-burning runs, from top to bottom. From wide-open alpine bowls to perfectly spaced glades, the challenge is making sure your legs can keep up.

northern eScaPe heli Skiing

Located in the stunning Skeena Range of Northern BC, well off the tourist trail, Northern Escape Heli Skiing offers a backcountry paradise, with some of the planet’s deepest, driest, and most reliable snowpacks. BC is the birthplace of heliskiing and with quick access to their three boutique, luxury lodges from Terrace airport (a short 1.5 hour flight from Vancouver), Northern Escape is easily British Columbia’s most accessible heli ski and heli boarding operator. The terrain is wild and expansive, featuring alpine bowls, immense glaciers, steep couloirs and epic tree skiing across 5,500 sq kms of big mountain powder skiing.

To plan your own dream snow holiday safari in British Columbia, speak to the snow travel experts at Mogul Ski World on reservations@mogulski.com.au or 1800 335 724

Discover more at: www.mogulski.com.au www.hellobc.com/ski

◼ Skiing at red Mountain resort.

PHOTO: Destination BC/Ashley Voykin

◼ Skiing a wide open bowl at revelstoke.

PHOTO: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe

◼ exploring via snow mobile at revelstoke.

◼ Powder turns at Sun Peak’s West Bowl.

ELEVATE YOUR SKI EXPERIENCE

IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

With its pristine mountain ranges, deep powder snow and vibrant ski town culture, a winter playground of endless possibilities awaits in Canada’s British Columbia.

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To plan your snow holiday to British Columbia, reach out to the Snow Travel Experts at Mogul Ski World on reservations@mogulski.com.au or visit mogulski.com.au Discover more at hellobc.com/ski

Book your Whistler Snow Holiday by August 31 and receive up to $500CAD Resort Credit. T&Cs apply.

T&Cs, Blackout Dates and Early Booking Deadlines apply. Main image credit: Sun Peaks / Mie Marlie Elli

RED MOUNTAIN

SUN PEAKS

REGARDED as one of the civil engineering wonders of the modern world, the Snowy Scheme is the heart of the Snowy Mountains in both its history and day to day functions.

In October 2024, Snowy Hydro will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ‘Mighty Snowy’ where former and current workers, their families and supporters of the Scheme will gather and reminisce about their history.

It’s truly amazing the passion and love people have for this project, not only in the local region, but Australia wide. The Scheme brought together a multicultural workforce from across the globe, with workers operating in harsh conditions, and at the time, very remote environments.

Construction started in 1949 and finished in 1974, the work completed in between, nothing short of remarkable. Eight power stations, 16 major dams, 80 kilometres of aqueducts and 145 of interconnected tunnels make up the Scheme.

Tumut 3 Power Station, the largest in the Scheme, is also a pumped-hydro facility capable of generating and pumping by recycling water between Talbingo Reservoir and Jounama Pondage. The Snowy 2.0 project, currently under construction will also operate as a

pumped-hydro facility, pumping between Talbingo Reservoir and Tantangara Dam.

The vastness of the Scheme is realised when you tour the region. From the Murray Power Stations at Khancoban, all the way to the Tumut Power Stations, and the lakes of Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Blowering really outline the scope of the entire project.

Many of the small towns, or camps, which were instrumental in the construction days have long since been removed, the land rehabilitated to the point they now merge into the landscape.

Island Bend, near Guthega is one site that can still be visited to see some remnants of its glory days.

The town of Cooma, as the main headquarters for the Snowy, itself has a vast and interesting bustling history during the height of the work. The town was, and still is, the beating heart of the Scheme, especially with the recent Snowy 2.0 project and its new workforce.

Snowy Scheme Power Stations and their year of completion.

Two smaller hydro stations were built at Jindabyne Dam and Jounama Dam after the main Scheme was finished.

Guthega – 1955

75 Years Scheme Celebrates

COMMUNITY GRANTS

Snowy Hydro is supporting community groups through a 75th anniversary community grants fund. Groups can apply for up to $5000 in grants, with all information on the website.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19

Former Worker Reunion 10am -3pm

Cooma Multifunction Centre

Former workers and their families are invited to share their memories and meet up with old acquaintances.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2

Tumut 3 Power Station Community Open Day

Take a behind the scenes tour of Tumut 3, the largest power station of the Scheme, completed in 1973 and upgraded in 2012. The day includes visiting the Talbingo Reservoir and the top of Tumut 3 Penstocks.

The 75th anniversary events are free, all details are on the website but attendees must register.

www.snowyhydro.com.au/75years/

Blowering – 1955

Tumut 1 – 1959

Tumut 2 – 1962

Murray 1 – 1967

Murray 2 – 1969

Tumut 3 – 1973

DISCOVERY CENTRE COOMA

Visiting the Discovery Centre in Cooma, guests can view the entire Scheme operation, including the power currently being generated at the time. There is a large collection of historic photographs and memorabilia, and the Centre has a fascinating immersive theatre that is a must visit. See page 5 for opening times.

◼ An historic image of a Snowy Scheme worker. PHOTO: National Archives of Australia

◼ The Guthega Dam under winter snow. PHOTO: Snowy Hydro

Visitor Information

Snowy Mountains Magazine

snowymagazine.com.au

Snowy Mountains snowymountains.com.au

Adaminaby visitadaminaby.com.au

Berridale www.snowymagazine.com.au /berridale-dalgety

Bombala www.snowymagazine.com.au /bombala-delegate

Charlotte Pass charlottepass.com.au

Delegate delegate.nsw.au

Cooma visitcooma.com.au 1800 636 525

Corryong towong.vic.gov.au

Dalgety www.snowymagazine.com.au /berridale-dalgety

Jindabyne

Snowy Region Visitor Centre nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 6450 5600 destinationjindabyne.org.au

Khancoban (NPWS) 02 6070 8400 visitsnowyvalleys.au

Lake Crackenback Resort lakecrackenback.com.au

Perisher perisher.com.au

Thredbo thredbo.com.au 1300 020 589

Tumbarumba 02 6948 3333 visitsnowyvalleys.au

Tumut Region

NPWS Visitor Centre 02 6947 7025 visitsnowyvalleys.au

ROADS AND RESCUE

Emergency 000

Cooma Police 02 6452 0099

Jindabyne Police 02 6456 2244 RTA Road conditions 132 701

LAOKO Wildlife Rescue 02 6456 1313

Sculpture Trail Continues To Grow

THE Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail continues to grow with four new sculptures now on display in Tumut bringing the total collection to over 55 artworks across twelve locations from world renowned artists.

Extending the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail into Tumut follows requests from local businesses to be included in this initiative, which is bringing thousands of tourists each month to the Snowy Valleys region.

The first four Tumut sculptures, made possible thanks to Snowy Hydro’s sponsorship of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, are installed around the town in front of cafes, restaurants and the Tumut Art Society’s 5 Ways Art Gallery. All four sculptures were previously exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, where they were widely appreciated by hundreds of thousands of visitors and art critics.

The town is now the twelfth location alongside Adelong, Talbingo, Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tooma, Courabyra Wines, Johansen Wines, Obsession Wines, the new Sculpture Forest at the Laurel Hill Sugar Pines, Pilot Hill Arboretum and the Alpine Ash Walk.

David Handley, Producer of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail who founded Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi in 1997 said it was always their aim to grow the

elsewhere.

“Thanks to Snowy Hydro this has been made possible with plans to also extend to Khancoban at the end of the year,” said Mr Handley.

In December 2023 the first of the Snowy Hydro-supported sculptures was unveiled in Talbingo. A total of seven sculptures will be installed over the next year, as a part of the Snowy Hydro partnership to support the development of the Trail collection.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company was delighted to support a venture that helped the Snowy Valleys community showcase and develop the region.

“Our goal is to support communities and give them opportunities to thrive and grow. We hope the four Snowy Hydro-sponsored sculptures in Tumut are significant attractions for the Snowy Valley Sculpture

Trail that boost the local economy through increased tourism visitation. Our partnership also includes an education program delivering sculpture workshops to Snowy Mountains schools, which is a wonderful way for local children to get involved,” Mr Barnes said.

Prior to winter, the new Sculpture Forest stage in Bago State Forest was added creating an entirely new dimension to the existing Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, plus o ering a range of experiences at three very di erent sites.

The Sculpture Forest is comprised of 13 new sculptures by Australian, Chinese, Czech, English and Icelandic artists at Laurel Hill, Pilot Hill Arboretum and the 1.5km Alpine Ash Walk made possible by the NSW Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

Czech sculptor Vaclav Fiala has twice received major awards at Sculpture by the

Sea, and his spectacular work ‘Universum’ is now located at the Pilot Hill Arboretum. Along the Alpine Ash Walk, visitors will find the ‘Contemplation’ sculpture by internationally acclaimed Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir. The human condition in all its complexity has been a constant source of inspiration for this artist, his sculpture shows a frozen moment of contemplation.

The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is a fascinating trail weaving its way through twelve locations with visitors able to start at any location. Simply follow the trail map along the Snowy Valley Way.

The trail is much more than just sculptures. Numerous scenic sightseeing locations add to the spectacle including Paddys River Falls and the wineries of Tumbarumba, Batlow and its apple growers’ roadside stalls, and the trail at Adelong also leads to the Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins. At Talbingo you can visit Talbingo Dam and Tumut Three Power Station, all part of the engineering wonder of the Snowy Scheme.

To view the sculpture trail, visitors can download a map from the website and visit each of the towns. There is information on where to eat, stay and places of interest. www.sculpturebythesea.com/snowyvalleys/

IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

The Jindy Inn is a warm and friendly lodge central to town and located only 200 metres from local shops, restaurants and cafes.

We offer on-site guest parking and restaurant/bar.

Guests also have access to free Wi-Fi, guest kitchen/laundry, a drying room and tastefully appointed and updated rooms. Breakfast is included in the tariff.

Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail into Tumut and

◼ Steinunn Thorarinsdottir with his work ‘Contemplation’ on the Alpine Ash Walk.

◼ Artist Vaclav Fiala with his ‘Universum’ sculpture at Pilot Hill Arboretum, Bago State Forest.

◼ ‘The Sound of Sky’ by Wataru Hamasaka in Wynyard Street, Tumut.

PHOTO: Grant Hardwick

◼ Beautiful range of gemstone jewellery

New Woollen Jacket with fleece lining from Nepal $159 ◼

The Law Fleece Lined Hooded Jacket

Patagonia

◼ Iowa Highcountry EVO GTX Hiking Boot

◼ Wilga Merino Turtle Neck Tee

◼ Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket

◼ Women’s Katsura Snow Boot

◼ Cabello Women’s Flat Boot

◼ Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece

◼

◼ Yarra Trail Spacedye Jumper

◼ Cabello Women’s Flat Leather Boots

Dynastar E Lite 7

Women’s Ski

$1,199.00

Dimensions

124mm – 75mm – 109mm

Radius 12m (158cm length)

Ladies looking for a great carving ski will love the Dynastar E Lite 7 with its 75mm under foot allowing for easy initiation of turns. Suited predominately for intermediated to advanced skiers, the ski performs best on the groomed runs. The ski balances a powerful edge with a smooth ride that absorbs vibration and terrain variations for controlled carving by advanced skiers. Its Hybrid Core uses a blend of wood and polyurethane to absorb vibration, while our V-Tech design transfers power to the edges and reduces swing weight for an agile feel.

Available in three lengths, 149cm, 158cm and 166cm.

Find a retailer www.futuresport.com.au/brands/dynastar

Kastle NEW MX 88

Dimensions

130mm - 88mm - 114mm

Radius 17.1m (174cm length)

The Kastle MX88 is a true warrior of the slopes and one of the flagship Kastle skis. Suited to the advanced skier, this ski is a hero on the groomed runs, carves the piste with ease and certainly likes it share of speed. Hardpack, no worries, its sti�ness allows you to hold the turn when the going gets tough. The perfect ski for high performance turns all over the mountain. Thanks to an innovative sidecut, carbon reinforced HOLLOWTECH 3.0, EARLY RISE Technology and a classic race-inspired sandwich construction, the MX88 is Kästle’s most legendary all-mountain ski par excellence. This is an all-rounder ski that delivers performance and stability all over the mountain, whether it’s on firm-snow groomers or in choppy backcountry conditions.

Available in 160cm, 167cm, 174cm, 181cm and 188cm lengths.

www.harrosnowsports.com.au

Stöckli New 24/25 Montaro AR

Dimensions

128mm – 84mm – 114mm Radius 16.3m (175cm length)

The Swiss are renowned for their precision, and the Stöckli skis live up to that reputation plus more.

The Montaro AR ski is especially well suited to the entire mountain. The chatter-free smoothness of the Laser GS paired with the playful, versatile feel of the Montaro AX distinguish this athletic all-mountain ski.

The 84mm waist allows you to carve perfection on the corduroy plus if you are looking for more adventure in the o� piste and powder, it has the versatility you expect from the Stöckli brand.

With the Montaro AR, you can turn the mountain into your personal playground

Available in 165cm, 170cm, 175cm, 180cm and 185cm.

www.alpinesports.com.au

More power and more control with less energy. The women’s Lange Shadow 95 MV and men’s Lange Shadow 120 MV ski boots bring a new level of power transfer, vibration absorption and comfort to allmountain skiing.

Ladies will find this boot o�ers all day comfort as you carve signature turns across the mountain.

The men’s 120-rated flex boot gives advanced and expert skiers a strong platform for ripping across the whole mountain. Available in 100m or 97mm lasts.

www.futuresport.com.au/brands/lange/

our social channels at Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/snownewsaustralia Instagram www.instagram.com/snownewsaustralia/

JINDABYNE DINING

www.brumbybarandgrill.com

BRUMBY BAR AND GRILL

Cnr Kosciuszko Rd + Kalkite St Jindabyne Ph 6456 2526

The Brumby Bar is a winter tradition and with such delicious food, be sure to visit this snow season. For starters the popcorn chicken is very tasty and the kingfish ceviche and calamari all great to share. The tender succulent pork fillet with chips, slaw and house

BBQ is a fantastic dish, and highly recommended. From the grill, choices of the hangar angus steak, scotch fillet steak with potato and bacon gratin, the 400g pinnacle ribeye and pork ribs will melt in your mouth. Pub classics include the everpopular chicken schnitzel with your choice of gravy sauces and the house made lasagna. Seafood lovers will delight in the beer battered

fish chips, superbly cooked and for dessert order the sticky date pudding. A range of draught tap beer, wine list and cocktail menu compliments the evening.

OPEN DINNER + BAR

7 days from 4pm, dinner from 5pm

www.instagram.com/hollygolightly_jindabyne/

HOLLY GO LIGHTLY

6 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

Winter après vibes mixed with great food and a friendly atmosphere greet you at Hollys after your snow exploits. Settle into Jindy’s favourite beer garden for a relaxing evening with tasty eats and drinks under the evening stars. Swing in for a beer, vino

or one of their amazing cocktails such as the signature Hollys Mai tai, French martini or classic range of margaritas! The new look menu has many favourites to suit everyone. For après and beers you can’t go past the smoked chicken wings in peri peri sauce and the parmesan crumbed eggplant chips with miso sauce. For the hungry, the wrangler beef

burger, chignona chicken burger, and the classic BBC are delicious! Craft beer on tap plus a selection of great brews and an extensive cocktail menu. Come find out why Hollys is the favourite with the locals!

OPEN Bar + Dinner

3-10pm Sunday to Thursday 3-11pm Friday + Saturday

BACCO

Shop 10 Nuggets Crossing

Restaurant 6456 1420

Pizzeria 6457 1080

Vibrant popular à la carte restaurant for in house dining or takeaway pizzeria and pasta. The tagliatelle fungi with portobello, porcini mushrooms, garlic, chilli and spinach is a delicious favourite pasta. The eye fillet steak with roasted eschalots and red wine and blue cheese sauce or the veal backstrap scallopine with kipfler potato, broccolini and creamy

wild mushroom sauce are highly recommended. The Bacco flavoursome pizzas are renowned suiting all palettes, the capricciossa with basil, ham, mushroom or the margherita both delightful. For takeaway pizza, choose from great gourmet and traditional options, the chicken with mushroom and bacon a great choice and ask about house made gluten free pizza base.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner

Wednesday to Sunday

Lunch 12pm – 2pm

Dinner 5pm – 9pm

www.baccojindabyne.com

JB’s

Cnr Kosciuszko Road Town Centre Jindabyne

A sister bar to Jindabyne Brewing, JB’s has had a makeover and are now serving great co�ee to start your day plus a selection of delicious toasted sandwiches, tasty pulled pork and chicken sliders, grazing boards with all your favourites and on select days look for the Bánh mì rolls. Plus, if you grab a pizza slice from Stacks Pizza

next door and need an accompanying beer, all good. Cozy up to the bar or enjoy alfresco après in the courtyard with your favourite Jindabyne Brewing craft beers on tap, top shelf whisky and a great range of cocktails. Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and beers from Wednesday to Saturday evening. Easy to find, (formerly CBD) the first venue when you turn into the Town Centre.

OPEN B’fast + Lunch + Dinner + Bar 7am to 1pm 7 Days 5pm to 12am Wed to Sat

www.facebook.com/jb’s

SHUT THE GATE

39 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale

PH 02 6456 4601

Fireplace wine tastings with great produce from The Little Grocer will entice you inside this divine Berridale establishment. Relax and absorb the tasting room splendour while you sip on fine wine and nibble on a selection of cheeses, prosciutto, breads and selected crackers. Stocking a great selection of condiments and fresh

produce, all can be matched for social drinks as you select your favourite vino. Traveling through and require supplies, fill your basket at The Little Grocer including Ironpot Artisan alpine bread plus watch for food specials including fresh oysters. A full range of wine and First Friday of each month stop by until 9pm for drinks, nibbles and music.

OPEN Grocer + Wine Lounge 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday

www.facebook.com/thelittlegrocerberridale

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

COUNTRY CLUB

RESTAURANT

Town Club

74 Jindabyne Road, Berridale

Delicious food and great reviews have the new restaurant set for a busy Berridale winter. For entrée choose from three tasty wings options, the bu�alo, spiced BBQ and Asian wings will reward your tastebuds. The burrata bruschetta and chilli garlic prawns also divine entrée choices. The garlic parmesan stu�ed chicken Kyiv

and creamy pesto chorizo and chicken pasta are delightful and for steak aficionados, the tender juicy 250g sirloin steak with mashed potato, broccolini and green peppercorn sauce is delicious. Great dessert choices including everyone’s favourite the sticky date pudding. The dedicated kids’ menu makes it an ideal family venue. Bookings and takeaway available including online for winter.

OPEN Dinner + Bar

5.30 – 8.30pm Wednesday –Saturday

JINDABYNE + BERRIDALE DINING

www.banjopatersoninn.com.au

BANJO PATERSON INN

1 Kosciuszko Road

Jindabyne Ph 6456 2372

Winter dining and entertainment are Banjo specialities with multiple eatery and bar choices for snow lovers at Jindabyne’s most popular venue. The Clancy’s Brasserie refurbishment with its superb menu will be the place to dine this snow season. For entrée the sesame tuna tataki is superb and for mains, a full complement of

pub classics including crumbed veal or chicken schnitzel and Kosciuszko beer battered fish and chips. The slow cooked lamb shanks and the parmesan crumbed pork loin have become huge patron favourites, and from the grill the best juicy rump and scotch fillet steaks. The Overflow bar o�ers casual family dining with tasty burgers and great gourmet pizzas, also ideal for takeaway. The four cheese

and the overflow pizza, or cider and chipotle braised pulled pork burger all delicious. The best winter après venue for drinks and music and home for Kosi pale ale, straight from vat to tap.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bars From 10am

https://jindabynebowlingclub.com.au

JINDABYNE BOWLING CLUB

Bay St Jindabyne Ph 6456 2133

A winter favourite for snow visitors with great food for lunch and dinner in a casual relaxed environment ensures the ‘Bowlo’ is always a popular venue for dining and drinks. For lunch choose from the Szechuan squid,

steak sandwich or classic chicken schnitzel, all served with chips and salad. Dinner has multiple delicious choices from the beer battered fish, Thai beef salad and the chicken parmigiana with chips and salad or mash potato and vegetables. From the grill, the 500g pork ribs and juicy scotch fillet and rump steaks are cooked to your liking and see specials board for fish of the

day. The kids have their own menu with ham and pineapple pizza, an all-time favourite, and kids love the dedicated play zone. Pizza available all-day form 10am, chicken wings on Monday nights and join club for member discounts.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar

Lunch 12 noon to 3pm

Dinner 5pm to 9pm

JINDABYNE DINING

www.jindabynebrewing.com.au

JINDABYNE

BREWING

5 Nettin Circuit

Jindabyne

Delicious menu of tasty skewers and the winter return of grilled calamari are huge attractions for après, dinner and weekend lunch. Add a generous serve of atmosphere and you soon understand why the brewery has huge appeal. The core menu of skewers, share plates and a mix of sides ensures all tastes are

catered for. The lamb skewers are dressed in salsa verde with house chips and salad, the beef served with thai nahm jim sauce served with charred Asian greens and chips and the Chermoula chicken skewer with tzatziki, Greek salad and chips. The sauces on each dish are sensational. For share plates to accompany a few ales the chips with house aioli, pulled pork chips and Greek

salad are all recommended. Sit back and admire the stainless steel vats and the region’s best craft beer of Island Bend Pilsner, XPA Alpine Red X.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar Wed-Fri 3-9pm Sat-Sun 12-9pm.

www.jindabyneemporium.com

JINDABYNE EMPORIUM

Shop 14 Upstairs Town Centre

Jindabyne Ph 0438 427 680

Winter lunch, après and dining choices are upstairs at Jindabyne Emporium where succulent burgers accompany the best comfort food in the mountains.

Their tender and juicy mouthwatering meats are slow cooked in house and pulled apart daily. Choose from the secret menu of chipotle corn ribs, devil wings and salt and pepper squid tacos as ideal share plates. The popular Jindy crispy fried chicken burger with creole seasoning, crisp oak lettuce, bacon, thick cut pickles and sriracha mayo and the beef burger all delicious. The pig mac pulled pork burger is a favourite or the vegan jackfruit burger plus a side of fries. Ideal family venue, just venture upstairs and dine with lake views. Kitchen open all day from 12 noon.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar From 12 noon

BIRCHWOOD CAFÉ

3/3 Gippsland Street

Jindabyne Ph 6456 1880

A foodie paradise for winter diners, this vibrant trendy café serves fresh wholesome food in the heart of Jindabyne. Start your day with house favourite soft boiled dippy eggs with fried zucchini or the Dutch pancakes with a fruit compote. The popular avo on three mills sourdough toast and tripled smoked ham and Swiss cheese

toastie are available all day. The big kahuna marinated chicken thigh burger is extremely tasty and the Thai jungle curry a great winter dish. Specialty co�ee by Single O is very popular and perfect when served with the tasty house made carrot cake. Birchwood is licensed and have great cocktails plus have opened Birchy kiosk for winter at Leesville Estate.

OPEN Breakfast + Lunch

7am to 2pm Daily

STACKS PIZZA

1 Kosciuszko Road

Jindabyne Ph 6456 2439

Looking for the best pizza in town this winter? New to Jindabyne for the 2024 season, Stacks Pizza is going to be your new go to for dine in and take away pizza. Just like the best pizza venues in Italy, you can buy by the slice for a casual bite or share with friends and family one of their scrumptious full-size pizzas. Select from delicious classics of tasty

www.facebook.com/birchwoodjindabyne www.stackspizza.com.au

marinara, the margherita with a harmony of tangy sauce and creamy mozzarella, add some spice with pepperoni perfection or indulge with savory delight the popular mushroom pizza. Their signature chezarino has a decadent blend of flavours, the feisty chorizo or the speciality boscaiola will all melt in your mouth. Their secret base recipe assures all pizzas will be stacks hot, stacks good.

OPEN DAILY

From 5pm to late night Town Centre Jindabyne

JINDABYNE - CRACKENBACK DINING

SEASN TERRACE CAFÉ

Town Centre Jindabyne

Ph 0487 994 920

Popular Jindabyne café serving great co�ee and delectable food for all snow lovers. Perfect for breakfast and lunch, try the mushroom and tomato bruschetta with fetta crumble and poached eggs, the breaky taco and the smashed avo with pumpkin, hummus, feta and toasted seed mix will be winter

favourites. Don’t overlook the big brekky to fuel up for your snow adventures, or the vegan tofu scrambled and the delicious bahn mi Asian style slow cooked chicken breast burger is a winner. Great seasonal options and treats in the grab and go cabinet, plus milkshakes, fresh juice and a full range of co�ee blends with Ona speciality co�ee.

OPEN Breakfast + Lunch 8am – 2pm - 6 days (closed Monday)

PERROTTA’S ITALIAN + BAR

at Lake Crackenback

Ph 0416 042 062

An exciting new restaurant at Lake Crackenback under new managers, Perrottas will feature the best of modern Italian cuisine and classic cocktails and is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with trout benny - local smoked trout with spinach, sun dried tomato, salmon roe, hollandaise

https://wildbrumby.com

WILDBRUMBY DISTILLERY

Alpine Way, Crackenback Ph 6457 1447

www.seasncafe.au

on toasted mu�ns. For dinner the rigatoni with vodka sauce and the gnocchi lamb shoulder ragu including Sicilian olives, mint and pecorino are delicious. Fancy a pre-dinner drink, the Aperitivo hour is every day from 3pm till 5pm featuring drink specials and selection of great tasting small plates. Great cocktail menu plus local and Italian wines and beer.

OPEN 7 days from 8am Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Winter holidays should always include a Wildbrumby visit where delicious food accompanies great atmosphere at this iconic venue. A snow season favourite is the spinach and ricotta dumplings, perfect to warm the soul after your mountain foray. The popular pan-fried crumbed veal schnitzel with sauteed kipfler potatoes

is perfect with your schnapps tasting and the Austrian slow cooked beef gulasch with mash and beans delicious. For local fare try the tasty Rockstock deli o�erings. Desserts are a must, the sticky date pudding or Austrian apple strudel well suited with an afternoon wine, schnapps or draught beer. The gift shop is your last stop to purchase award-winning gin, vodka or

schnapps for a later day. Free schnapps tastings every day.

OPEN Brunch + Lunch + Bar

Thur - Mon 10am to 5pm Fri & Sat 10am to 6pm Bottle Shop Tues - Wed 10am to 5pm

www.lakecrackenback.com.au/dining/

LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORT

1650 Alpine Way, Crackenback Cuisine Ph 6448 8209

A perfect lakeside setting, welcoming ambience and superb food establishes Cuisine as one of the finest restaurants in the region. The relaxed and spacious environment is matched with a curated menu to accompany

the winter season. Arrive early and enjoy a relaxing drink in the stylish bar and reminisce about your snow adventures. Decisions will need to be made between the highly recommended pan-fried scallops with vanilla cauliflower, lemon finger lime pearls and crisp prosciutto or the succulent beef tenderloin with roast potatoes, broccolini, and red current jus. Both

accompanied with wine from an extensive wine list. Dessert lovers will rejoice after tasting the sa�ron panna cotta and fresh raspberry, the perfect culmination to a splendid dining experience. Cuisine is open for breakfast and dinner and bookings are recommended.

OPEN Breakfast + Dinner Opening times refer to website

PERISHER DINING

www.marritzsalzburg.com.au

MARRITZ HOTEL

Perisher Valley Ph 6457 5220

The impressive Marritz, a classic European style ski hotel located in the heart of Perisher Valley has long been one of the most desired restaurants for lunch and dinner. A short stroll across the bridge from the slopes, escape the crowds for lunch and dine with relaxation. For dinner entrée, try the beef tartare with

cured egg yolk, caper berries and crostini or the wild mushroom and mozzarella arancini. A favourite for mains is the delicious, braised beef cheek with juniper and tomato with fresh herbs and fried kipfler potato. The confit duck leg with burnt Jerusalem artichoke puree, black barley and cherry caramel or the slow cooked lamb shoulder,

deboned and pressed with orange, beetroot salad and fetta cream will both be in demand. The relaxing cocktail bar has an extensive wine list, beers and a cosmopolitan list of cocktails.

OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner

Call for bookings

www.themanhotel.com.au

MAN FROM SNOWY

RIVER HOTEL

Perisher Valley

Ph 6457 5234

Superb food, great atmosphere and the huge glass facade at The Man create a most desirable venue to dine in what is an iconic Perisher establishment. Settle into the surrounds for a cocktail starter with the open stone fireplace and peruse the

curated menu which changes daily. The Cowra lamb rump with burnt eggplant cream, sumac onions, turnip and radicchio or the local smoked trout with tomato butter, chewy olive, potato and smoked fish oil are both delightful. The tender juicy Riverina eye fillet with pommes Anna, portobello mushroom and green pepper sauce will suit steak lovers and for dessert, the malted cheesecake semifreddo

GUTHEGA INN

Guthega

Ph 6457 5383

The Guthega Inn o�ers much more than just delicious food, a cold beer and atmosphere in spades. Diners have the luxury of the best lunch view in the Australian alps. Settle in for lunch with the best house-made chicken or veal schnitzel, the fried barramundi burger and the house made pie with mashed potato, mushy peas and gravy. For dinner, start with the oysters or stu�ed

mushroom and for mains the prime meats are a speciality. The Tomahawk (The king of Steaks) Westholme Wagyu from the vast rangelands of Northern Australia with a marble score 8+ is superb. The seafood pasta served with prawns, muscles, scampi, calamari with a Neapolitan sauce is delicious.

OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner

Bar 10am to 10pm

Lunch 11am to 2pm

Dinner 5.30pm to 8.30pm

www.guthegainn.au

SNOW GUMS RESTAURANT

Perisher Valley Hotel

Ph 6459 4755

Dining with on snow mountain views is only one of Snow Gums charms, the fabulous food in Perisher Valley Hotel’s signature restaurant by far the standout attraction. Cosy up to the fireplace for an exotic cocktail bar après beverage while you peruse the delectable dinner menu. Entrées of confit byaldi or the tasty chilli and garlic prawns are contenders for starters. The crispy skin

Barramundi with fennel and onion remoulade, caper powder, coriander oil and fish roe is superb, and the succulent lamb rack with chimichurri, mash potato, mint oil and chilli oil a perfect winter dish. The pea and mint risotto or confit duck leg are delicious and finish with white chocolate pannacotta and berry compote.

OPEN Bar + Dinner

Cocktail bar - afternoon

Lunch - see website for open times

Dinner - bookings required

will tempt you. The pub bar is open for lunch and dinner with all the classics, cold drinks and caters for takeaway orders. Wander across the bridge for a perfect lunch location away from the slopes.

OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner

Bar - Lunch 12 noon to 3pm

Bar - Dinner 6pm to 9pm

Restaurant - Bookings essential

THREDBO DINING

IZAKAYA BY YAMAGEN

Lower Thredbo Village

Inspired by the Gold Coast’s famous Yamagen Restaurant, Thredbo’s allnew Izakaya will take you straight to the alleyways of Tokyo, right in the heart of the village. With the cool and casual vibe of Japan’s hole-inthe-wall eateries, step in to warm up with bowls of ramen, keep it fresh

with hand-rolled sushi or grab some quick gyoza and karaage chicken to-go. Japanese food and culture combine perfect with skiing, so expect this to be one of the popular venues in Thredbo Village this winter. Kon’nichiwa to delicious food and kanpai with a cold Bīru. Arigato.

OPEN Après + Dinner

From 2pm to 8.30pm

www.thredbo.com.au

ALPINE PIZZERIA

Lower Thredbo Village

Pizza with altitude is what every snow reveller needs in winter. Lunchtime refuel or late-night pizza slices, look no further than the new Alpine Pizzeria. Start and share dishes of garlic bread, burrata and rocket salad will get your appetite warmed for a vast selection of delicious pizza. Who wouldn’t want three cheese pizza or the classic ham and pineapple, a kids

(and adult) favourite. The peri peri chicken with red onion, capsicum, jalapeno and peri mayo or the chilli prawn will warm your tastebuds up a notch and the supreme has the best of everything with peperoni, shroom, olives, ham and pineapple. Fully licenced and look for weekly specials.

OPEN Lunch + Dinner

12pm – 9pm Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm Friday & Saturday

www.thredbo.com.au/restaurants-bars/alpine-pizzeria/

CASCADES

Thredbo Alpine Hotel Ph 6459 4270

Start your day with a window seat and be inspired by the mountains and a delicious Cascades breakfast at this winter favourite venue. Perfectly poached eggs, flavoursome bacon, a selection of healthy bowls plus co�ee and juice will prime you for snow exploring. For dinner, the set price of $72 - 2 course or $85 for 3 courses o�er

exceptional value. For entrée the charred octopus or duck croquette are delicious. The pasture fed Riverina lamb backstrap with pistachio crust, burnt onion and celeriac puree or the potato gnocchi with goats’ cheese, fennel and spicy sun-dried tomato butter will be winter favourites for main course. Fancy a tender, juicy steak, then the 200g grasslands eye fillet with chestnut mushrooms

is delicious. For dessert the sticky to�ee pudding with butter scotch and vanilla bean ice cream caps of your evening. Reserve your table in advance.

OPEN Breakfast + Dinner

Breakfast 7am - 10am

Dinner 5.30pm - 8.30pm

www.thedenman.com.au

THE DENMAN

21 Diggings Terrace

Thredbo Village Ph 6457 6222

The Denman’s Après Bar is certainly the home of après, where winter afternoons begin with corks popping, bubbles flowing and atmosphere accompanied by tasty dishes of balsamic mushroom burger,

southern fried chicken and haloumi chips. Upstairs, the Terrace Restaurant is a Thredbo institution where ambience greets inspired food by chef Tristan. This season’s menu is ideal for sharing starters, the roasted cauliflower, whipped ricotta and the delicious BBQ prawns in tomato vinaigrette, pangrattato and lemon will all be in demand. The black angus flank tagliata

with green sauce and red wine jus, pan seared barramundi and crab fettucine are all delightful, plus patron favourite slow cooked lamb shoulder with tahini yogurt, pickled onion and harissa oil. And yes, the appleschmarm is on the dessert menu.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOMODATION

Rainbow Pines Tourist Park Accommodation on the shores of Lake Eucumbene

• Cabins + Pine Lodge

• En-Suite Camping Sites

• Powered & Unpowered Campsites

• 40 minutes to Selwyn Snowfields

• Lake Eucumbene Fishing At Your Doorstep

Phone: 02 6454 2317

Email: info@rainbowpines.com.au www.rainbowpines.com.au Lucas Rd, Old Adaminaby

CABIN ACCOMMODATION

Anglers Reach Lakeside Village On Lake Eucumbene

• 20 fully equipped self-contained cabins. Ideal location to stay all year round.

• Perfect for Selwyn Resort, trout fishing, mt biking, cycling, hiking.

• 4WDriving, bushwalking, wild brumbies spotting.

• Also suited for large groups, team building, school or family reunions. Contact Michael & Sal | Ph : 02 6454 2276 info@anglersreachcabins.com.au www.anglersreachcabins.com.au

KITCHENS – BATHROOMS – JOINERY

DLC

UPHOLSTERY

SCHULZ UPHOLSTERY

• Custom made sofas

• Re - upholstery

• Soft furnishing

-Sofa beds - bedheads - ottomans - cushions

• Foam cut to size

Over 30 Years in Business

Phone Adam Schulz 0408 975 457

Factory & Showroom 30 Lee Avenue, Leesville Estate, Jindabyne

Joinery Highest Quality Kitchens and Joinery based in Jindabyne

• Custom Design & Built Kitchens, Wardrobes & Bathroom Vanities

• Solid Timber Woodwork • Utilising World’s Number 1 Design

UNDERGROUND UTILITY LOCATING

Accurately locating all underground utilities for water, sewer, power, gas and communications.

Fully Certified DBYD (Dial Before You Dig)

Locators - Telstra & Optus Accredited

Radio Detection equipment

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

• Vacuum Excavation (non-destructive)

• A range of reporting options

• Servicing Snowy Mountains, ACT & South Coast.

Contact: Andrew 0429 899 777 Email: info@livelocates.com.au www.livelocates.com.au

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Tumut Valley Kitchens

• Supplying the Snowy Mountains region with the Highest Quality custom built kitchens.

Individual 3D computer aided kitchen design.

• Kitchens, Bathrooms, Stone benchtops, Farmers kitchens, Wardrobes, Vanities.

• Follow on Facebook & Instagram: Tumut Valley Kitchens

• Lic. 232913C

Ph: (02) 6947 3004 • 1/180 Adelong Road Tumut Email: tvk05@bigpond.net.au tumutvalleykitchens.com

PEST CONTROL

Hammond Pest Management

Locally owned and operated business in Jindabyne & Snowy Mountains region.

• Experienced Reliable Professional Service

• Pest Management

• Termite Barriers

• Expert Advice Testing Bird Control

• Deodorising

• Inspections/Protection

• Family run business 10yrs experience

Phone: 02 6457 2713 or 0404 446 334

E: info@hammondpests.com.au www.hammondpests.com.au

CONVEYANCING

Denise Ackary Conveyancing

With over 10 years of experience we offer a professional alternative to having your property transaction handled by a Solicitor. Areas of expertise include:

• Contract for Sale preparation for Sellers

• Contract for Sale review for Purchasers

• Residential property - Strata properties - Rural Land - Vacant Land - Subdivisions • First Home Owner’s - Thredbo Subleases - Lake Crackenback Resort.

ATV & OVERSNOW VEHICLES

Terrence’s Oversnow & ATV

Sales – Service - Spare parts

• Polaris ATV/snowmobile Dealer

• Husqvarna /CubCadet/Rover mowers & garden equipment

• Argo ATVs

• Agent for Yamaha snowmobiles

Repair & service of ATV’s, snowmobiles, mowers, tractors, small engines

Second hand machine sales

Cnr Lee Ave & Baggs St Leesville, Jindabyne Phone: 02 6456 2222

Email: terrences1@bigpond.com

PLAY GOLF

Snowy Mountains Golf

Play Golf Winter + Summer Coolamatong Golf Club

Open 7 Days (After 12noon Wed + Sat)

18 Hole Course - Grass Greens Clubs + Carts For Hire

Contact Mark 0417 652 575

WE Specialise IN WATERPROOFING NEW HOMES, BATHROOMS, MUD-ROOMS, RENOVATIONS IN OLD HOUSES,PLUS: WATERPROOFING DECKS, RETAINING WALLS, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE WATERPROOFING, AND CAN SUPPLY WATERPROOFING CERTIFICATES.

WE Specialise IN WATERPROOFING NEW HOMES, BATHROOMS, MUD-ROOMS, RENOVATIONS IN OLD HOUSES, PLUS: WATERPROOFING DECKS, RETAINING WALLS, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE WATERPROOFING, AND CAN SUPPLY WATERPROOFING CERTIFICATES.

Phone: (02) 6457 1863 Suite 7/3 Gippsland St, (2nd Floor - The Office Hub) Jindabyne www.dackaryconveyancing.com

Ph: 0493 880 129 (preferred) or (02) 6456 3518 3583 Kosciuszko Road Berridale www.coolamatonggolfclub.com.au

Open Competitions Wednesday + Sunday 2km Berridale - 27km Jindabyne - 34km Cooma coolamatong

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Move Mountains Physio

• NEW! Women’s health, pregnancy and post-natal physiotherapy available. Holistic, whole-body, movement-based physio to treat the root of your problem, not just manage the symptoms.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CUSTOM BLINDS AND WINDOW COVERINGS

• Specialists in chronic, stubborn and complex injury treatment.

4 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne

Phone: 0436 307 639

Email: admin@movemountainsphysio.com

Website: movemountainsphysio.com

MEDICAL SERVICES

Jindabyne Medical Practice – 6457 1221

Provides a comprehensive range of medical services from experienced GPs and Registered Nurses

• Injury management

• Occupational and sports medicine

• Pregnancy care, child and baby health

We supply and install quality, custom-made window coverings across the Snowy Mountains.

• Roller Blinds and Day/ Night Blinds

• Roman Blinds (Standard and Classic)

• Venetians (Aluminium/PVC/Timber)

• Plantation Shutters

• French Woven Blinds

• Sheer and Blockout Curtains

Residential and Commercial Experience

Suppliers: National Blind Suppliers, Capitol Shutters, Peter Meyer Blinds, Warwick Fabrics, Wilson Fabrics

Free measure and quote:

Meagan Cutcliffe 0477 047 331

Email: jindabyneblindlady@gmail.com

• Women’s and Men’s Health Open Monday to Saturday + Sundays in snow season Online bookings via HotDoc or by calling our reception on 6457 1221. For urgent or unexpected problems please call for an appointment 5 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne

RETREAT

Snowy Retreat

PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

Co-working space with desks, meeting and conference rooms in a professional, quiet and air-conditioned location.

• Workspace: Flexible plans for desks by the hour, day/s, season & full time.

• Meeting Rooms: 4 & 10 person meeting rooms with 50” smart TV & whiteboards.

• Fast, reliable WiFi with comfortable breakout space for informal meetings. Entry next to the Commonwealth Bank ATM, Nugget’s Crossing. Book your visit online at jindyworkspace.com.au Phone: 02 8320 0588 Email: hello@jindyworkspace.com.au

Yuli Ong BDSc (Hons) FRACDS

Mountains Dental offers comprehensive, preventive and

dental care. We strive to understand each patient’s individual needs and treat patients with

Escape your busy schedule to nurture your body, mind & soul

• Meditation • yoga

• sound healing • breathwork

• shamanic healing • nutritious food

• bushwalks & waterfall

and Neck Pain • Pre

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Peak Physio Plus

Bruce Wilson

M.Hlth.Sci.Spo.Phty

Highly experienced Physiotherapist

• 20+ years in the Snowies

• New fully equipped premises in Berridale

• HICAPS instant health fund rebates

• No referral necessary

Opening hours to Monday-Thursday 9:00am -5:30pm

Phone: 02 6456 3993

1/72 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale

WINTER OPENING HOURS EVERY DAY 8am to 8pm

• All ePrescriptions Welcome!

• Full Service Compounding Pharmacy

• Support Braces: Knees, Wrists, Ankles

• SAMPLE OUR FAMOUS ALPINE PAIN GEL

• Nutraceuticals & Vitamins

• Health Food & European Foods

• HARD TO FIND MEDICINES

• Largest range of LEGO in the Southern Hemisphere

and Braces • No Referral Necessary

• Immediate

AUGUST is my favourite winter month and where the fun really gets serious. June is for dabbling, July sorts out the ri from the ra and August is quite literally the peak of the season.

The resorts are generally fully operational with plenty of terrain choice for all levels, so skiers and boarders can move across the entire resort via runs that are appropriate to their experience and capabilities.

There is enough room for everyone. The lifts are turning easily, sta are well acquainted with their jobs and the ones who have stuck it out through the worst weather months, and who haven’t peaked too early in the party scene, are now relaxed into their roles with a purposeful ease.

Like everyone, I have several types of “ski friends”, and while initially I might throw the “who is up for a ski today?” out to all my “ski-friends” message threads, it depends on the respondents as to what kind of ski day it’s going to be.

I’ve recently been asked do men and women approach a day of skiing di erently? Is there a stereotypical gender base to a “type” of skier and boarder? As I sit down to write this, I’m pondering the types of skiers and boarders I’m likely to spend the day with…

If I can wrangle a ski on Monday, it’s with mums who have school kids so we cannot leave Jindabyne before school starts. We catch the Skitube to Perisher for a few relaxed runs before a co ee break, then a few more runs before we pick somewhere nice to lunch and partake in one glass of wine before heading back down the hill in time to collect the kids from school.

The friends I ski with on Wednesdays

Ski Day Choices With Friends

or Fridays are pretty serious skiers. They drive up early for first tracks if possible and deliberately seek out the challenging terrain. Their purpose is to actually put more vertical on their profile and compare each other from week to week. Lunch is optional and always somewhere convenient. Après is generally not partaken in until they are back down the hill.

Sundays are fundays. From the day my kids first started the Sunday programs this has been my favourite day to ski. It’s locals’ day. On the weekends we catch the bus to Perisher and if it’s a sunny day head to the outskirts of Mount Perisher, then slowly ski our way around to Guthega making sure to fit in Roller Coaster and Outer Limits if the Ridge Chair is not too busy. Then to Guthega via See Forever aiming for a late lunch if we can actually score a table there. It’s so busy these days. Sunday is a great day to schuss around the entire resort avoiding the tra c jams in the usual congested places. Stay ahead of the crowd (or even slightly behind it), and if you find a quiet lift and do a few runs you need to keep moving because it won’t stay quiet for long.

Whatever the weather, Sunday is definitely the day to lunch. For less than 16 weeks we have access to some top restaurant options. And we make sure to experience them all. If the weather is not conducive to skiing, there’s always somewhere great to have lunch. And yes,

◼ August is a great month to cruise the entire

there’s a message thread to the group that are happy to skip straight to the lunch bit.

Skiing is an exhilarating activity, it connects us with nature, the outdoors, friendships and dad jokes on chairlifts, however it could be said that if skiing didn’t come with après, I may never have taken up the sport. Many great friendships have begun at an après bar amidst the afternoon entertainment. There’s nothing better than coming in from a ski day to a warm bar and the band has just started. These days we now change out of our ski boots before we begin the dancing though.

mountain.

PHOTO: Perisher Resort