Discover the Snowy Scheme
Explore the past, present, and future of Snowy Hydro at one of the Snowy Mountains’ must-see attractions.
Discover the Snowy Scheme’s proud history, learn about renewables, and stay up-to-date with the Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro expansion mega project.
Immerse yourself in the interactive displays, exhibition space, and state-of-the-art theatre.
The Discovery Cafe is open daily. Take a break and enjoy a delicious barista-made coffee and light refreshments.
EDITORIAL
Trista Heath
Nathan Thompson
Karen Forman
Melinda Cairns Hack
ADVERTISING
Keely Pressley
Jim Walker-Broose
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Aasta Arctander
Abbey Truelsen
Chris Stevens
Trish Sait
@themonaropost
PUBLISHER
Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd
ACN 121 288 060 59 Vale St, Cooma NSW 2630 PO Box 1227, Cooma NSW 2630
CONTACT US
Phone: (02) 6452 0313
Website: www.monaropost.com.au
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The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published. Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and neither deceptive, misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws and regulations. Please be aware that all material published in The Snowpost is subject to copyright.
Steve Maxwell and Steve Leeder
Spring has arrived
Mother nature has not been overly kind to us across the last month, with warmer temperatures and rain affecting our winter season.
Hopes for a decent snowfall to take us through until the end of season are yet to eventuate but Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass still have plenty to offer snow goers.
There is lots of adventure to have in the backcountry with spring skiing a favourite for many.
Off the snow, be sure to visit the Wildbrumby Distillery for not only the best schnapps in the country but a sculpture tour. Raising funds for One Thredbo, an arts based initiative, Wildbrumby’s Brad Spalding will take you on a captivating sculpture tour of the distillery gardens.
When visiting Cooma, the railway museum and car club are two highlights. The Cooma Railway Museum details the history of NSW rail travel and offers a window to the past.
Across town at the Cooma Car Club Museum, you will find one of the nation’s great vintage and historic car collections. From a charcoal burning 1926 Dodge to an American-inspired diner, the Car Club is an enthralling place to visit.
Our region boasts natural beauty across all areas. In the Bombala region, Myanba Gorge is a lovely spot for a walk and picnic. Nestled in the forests of the South East, there is a walking track to the gorge which is wheelchair friendly.
There is also plenty of wildlife to see. Look out for echidnas, swamp wallabies, red-neck wallabies as well as the many forest birds you’ll find.
We trust you find this edition of The Snowpost informative and engaging. Enjoy your time in the beautiful Snowy Monaro.
Why spring is the perfect time for families to visit Thredbo
Offering sunny skies and great skiing and snowboarding conditions, there’s a lot to love about a family snow trip in Spring.
the warmer days are great for kids, allowing them to spend more time on the mountain without getting too cold and the softer snow creates fun and forgiving skiing conditions ideal for first-timers and families.
During the September school holidays, thredbo offers even
Say hello to new downhill terrain this summer!
thredbo will be debuting a range of exciting developments to complement the expanding trail network this season. two new sections of trail accessed by the Kosciuszko Chairlift are set to give riders more variety and options on that popular side of the bike park. Other exciting upgrades include a huge realignment on the Kosciuszko Flow moving some of the trail off the open ski slopes and into the trees, a new small section of trail on the Lower All-mountain trail as well as massive rebuilds on existing trails including Kosciuszko Flow, All-mountain and Grasshopper. An exciting new intermediate jumps trail will also open in 2025 with further major trail developments to be announced soon.
Hot tip: the new thredbo Alpine Coaster is open 365 days a year so you can score downhill thrills all summer long and even in the shoulder season!
Mark The Calendars:
mountain bike park Opening Weekend - 16 - 17 November 2024
Cannonball mtb Festival - 10 - 15 February 2025
more value for families with a huge lineup of free events, entertainment and activities for kids every day.
running from September 21 to October 7, the September Kids Snow Festival is jam-packed with giant games, thredboland animal visits, fireworks and more.
For mum and dad, there’s après and live music every day in spring plus some big headline acts taking to the stage including Stace Cadet, KLp and the Knocks.
boost mobile Australian mtb Interschools - 3 - 7 march 2025
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.
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.
Hatchery open day
The NSW Government has invested $8.6 million into state-of-the-art upgrades to the Gaden Trout Hatchery to help futureproof NSW’s iconic trout fishing sector in the Snowy and surrounding areas.
Gaden Trout Hatchery, on the Thredbo River, 10 km north-west of Jindabyne, is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing cold water sportfish and after more than a year of closure for renovations the centre is ready to welcome the public back.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is hosting an open day at the hatchery on Sunday October 13 to provide opportunities for the community to come along and look at the improvements made to the existing centre.
The open day, which coincides with the ninth annual Gone Fishing Day, will host a range of community market stalls, food trucks and the Jindabyne CWA Day Branch will be running the barbecue.
Free fishing workshops will be staged throughout the day, as well as fly-fishing workshops on the river for all who would like to learn the skill. Guided tours of the hatchery will be taking place throughout the day, by booking only.
The community can view and partake in feeding the big fish in the hatchery’s brood stock ponds on the newly extended back deck and can watch a short film on the large screen TV of the new entertainment room.
Take a walk through the history of all things ‘trout’ in the Snowy Mountains displayed in the glass cabinets upon entry to the centre.
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW,
tara moriarty, said the multi-million upgrades include a new hatchery featuring hi-tech recirculating aquaculture systems that control water temperatures to allow faster and more efficient fingerling production and management of brood stock.
more than one million fish are grown in this facility annually and now with the recent upgrades to the facility the number is expected to increase each year.
“We can also better protect fisheries after enhancing the capacity to rapidly rebuild any fisheries impacted by severe weather or drought,” ms moriarty said.
“Up to three million rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, Atlantic Salmon and tiger trout stocked across NSW each year. For the many visitors to the hatchery, the education and visitor facilities have been expanded to enhance its attraction and experience.”
Set on 10 pristine acres on the banks of the thredbo river, the Gaden trout Hatchery is an essential facility supporting the Snowy mountains fishery, known to boast some of the best trout waters in mainland Australia.
Gaden Hatchery produces quality salmonid fry, fingerlings and adult fish to stock NSW waterways and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.
the hatchery is well known for its research including its trout tagging program and trout stocking missions but also for education purposes through guided tours and kids fishing days.
the new facility will allow for expanded aquaculture practices and the newly improved centre will allow for more conference capabilities and attract more people to utilise the stunning picnic areas.
the community is urged to come along for a fun-filled day and to browse the new centre. bookings are essential. to secure your free ticket, register via the eventbrite page - https://bit. ly/GadenOpenDay
Activities on Gone Fishing Day in NSW are proudly supported by the Government using funds from the recreational Fishing trusts.
GADEN TROUT HATCHERY
& Gone Fishing Day Event
Big Yard Farm, a farm for all seasons
Set on 100-acres of Snowy Mountains pasture bordering the Kosciuszko National Park and offering guests private access to some 500-metres of blue-ribbon trout fishing along the Mowamba River, Big Yard Farm is a self-catered, premium farm stay.
WHAT’S ON
LINE DANCING 6-7PM 9TH SEPTEMBER!
WOOLLEY’S BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH AND DINNER
THURSDAY’S SPIN & WIN MEMBERS
DRAW: $75 CASH, $125 CASH, SPIN & WIN FOR JACKPOT. 7PM, 7:30PM & 8PM
FRIDAY MEMBERS DRAW:
7:30PM AND 8:30PM
SOCIAL BOWLS EVERY WED AND SAT FROM 12:30PM
BINGO DATES: WED 6PM 28
AUG , 11, 25 SEPT, 9, 23 OCT. FRI
11AM 6, 20 SEPT, 4, 18 OCT.
LIVE MUSIC: SUNDAY SESSIONS 1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH 2PM-5PM, BAND
31ST AUG “ONE LOUDER” FROM 8PM
ONLINE TABLE BOOKINGS ARE AVAILABLE
COMMUNITY RAFFLES EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT. TICKETS ON SALE 7PM DRAWN AT 7:45PM. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO COMMUNITY GROUP CHOSEN FOR THE MONTH
KEEP IT LOCAL ONLINE RAFFLES EVERY FRIDAY ON FACEBOOK.
LIVE DRAW AT 7:30PM. OVER $500 IN VOUCHERS TO BE WON WITH
TOP PRIZE VALUE OF $140!
BOMBALA RACE DAY 19TH OCTOBER
LIVE MUSIC AT THE CLUB FROM 7:30PM “FURIOUS CATE”.
JUKE BOX | POOL TABLE | TAB & KENO | ATM AVAILABLE
TRADING HOURS
7 DAYS LUNCH AND DINNER LUNCH 11.30AM-2PM DINNER 5.30PM TO 8PM (SUN TO WED) 5.30PM TO 9PM (THUR-SAT)
PHONE: 6458 4466
11AM TO 9PM | THUR-SAT 11AM TO 11PM
the snowfields at thredbo, perisher and Smiggins are a relaxed 40-minute drive for winter sports as well as Kosciusko National park’s swag of summertime hikes and mountain bike trails. big Yard Farm is a laid-back alternative to a ski-in/ski-out resort or lodge stay.
the flyfishing season during the warmer months is a neat segue to the start and end of the ski season, with big Yard Farm a tranquil base from which to explore all the region has to offer and offering easy access to Snowy mountains adventures year-round.
big Yard Farm sleeps up to six guests in three generous bedrooms and is pup-friendly, offering an ideal getaway for families and friends travelling together. Guests can arrange bookings with a local community of tour and experienced operators, transfers and restaurants ahead of their stay.
As the crow flies, Crackenback in the next valley is directly over the mountain from big Yard Farm. Snow often dusts the ranges, and at 1150 metres snow showers often occur at the farm from April through to October, much to the delight of guests. Snow cover on the farm is occasionally deep enough to cross country ski or snowshoe.
In summer, experienced and first-time fishers can try their luck at snaring trout in the peaceful, private stretch of the mowamba river in front of the farm. Wombats, a cacophony of birds, kangaroos and the shy platypus all make their home at big Yard Farm.
three generous bedrooms, two open fireplaces, plus dining, lounge and pool rooms are well-appointed with stylish furnishings.
the country style kitchen features a French Lacanche oven and is as is stocked with a range of quality appliances from a pizza oven to an espresso machine and a holiday essential, good wine glasses.
With no mobile reception but access to Wi-Fi (and internet calls) via Starlink, a stay at big Yard Farm is a chance to switch off and relax.
the property runs almost entirely off-grid, with energy supplied from a rooftop solar array via a battery, while fresh, spring fed water is sourced from the ever-flowing mowamba river.
Owner Arnie Shields said he had been looking for a place in the Snowy mountains for their grown-up family to come away together or with friends and had fallen in love with the farm on first sight.
“We feel very lucky to have bought such a beautiful pocket of land in the Snowy mountains. We’ve loved holidaying here since we were kids and then again with our kids as the next generation,” Arnie Shields said.
Owner Sarah Shields said a career working in tourism and travel had inspired the well-appointed farm stay, offering easy access to adventures year-round.
“We’ve created big Yard Farm as a premium farm stay to meet a growing trend of holidaymakers looking for premium accommodation and access to a range of great experiences and adventures right on the doorstep,” Sarah Shields said.
“With private access to 100-acres of farmland, the troutrich river and short drive to the ski fields and national park walks, guests can spend time here together as a small group of friends or as a family and enjoy cooking up a storm, a glass of wine by the open fire and the peace of the moonbah valley,” she said.
For more information and to make a booking, visit www.bigyardfarm.com.au or email enquire@bigyardfarm.com.au.
Snowy Monaro Regional Calendar of Events: September 2024
Continuing 21 Aug – Oct 6 - 3D Ceramics & Sculpture Exhibition “INSIDE OUTSIDE” | Raglan Gallery Cooma, open
Wed - Sun, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Monday Music Trivia | Pinot’s Wine Bar, Jindabyne, 6.30pm registration for 7pm start
Tuesday Trivia | Brumby Bar & Grill, Jindabyne, 6.30pm
Wednesday Create & Connect Women’s Art Group | 6 Hill St, Cooma, 10am - 12pm
Wednesday Reloved Lane Up-cycled Creative Group | Made in the Monaro, 10am - 12pm
Wednesday Cooma Community Singers | Cooma Multicultural Centre, 5pm - 7pm
Thursday Djembe Drum Circle | Cooma Multicultural Centre, 5.45pm - 7pm
Thursday Line Dancing | Cooma Bowling Club, 6pm - 8pm, $2pp
Thursday Trivia | The Cooma Hotel, from 7pm
Thursday Michelago Community Choir | St Thomas' Church Michelago, 7pm - 8pm
Thursday Trivia Night | Jindabyne Bowling Club, 7pm
Weekly
Friday Line Dancing | Federal Hotel, Nimmitabel 10am - 12pm
Friday Felting | Made in the Monaro, 10am - 12pm
Friday Live Music Mark Travers | Thredbo Alpine Hotel Lounge, from 7pm
Friday Open Mic Night | Brumby Bar & Grill, Jindabyne, 7.30pm
Friday & Saturday Winter Live Music | Banjo Paterson Inn Jindabyne, 8pm - late
Friday & Saturday Winter Live Music | Alpine Hotel, Cooma from 8.30pm
Saturday Apres Ski Live Music | Traveller’s Rest Cooma, from 3pm
Saturday Live Music Mark Travers | Thredbo Alpine Hotel Schuss Bar, from 9pm
Saturday Dungeons & Dragons Game | Made in the Monaro, contact Rob 0405 312 091
Sunday Live Music Mark Travers | Thredbo Alpine Hotel Lounge, from 4pm
Singalong Sundays Karaoke | Pinot’s Wine Bar, Jindabyne, from 7pm
Thurs 5 – Sun 8 LAWSKI | Thredbo Resort, www.thredbo.com.au/events
Fri 6 – Sat 7
Bush Doof hosted by Tess Coady | Thredbo Alpine Resort
Monaro Men’s Breakfast | St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 7.30am. RSVP 6416 0124
Cooma Car Club Museum Open Day | 11 Bolaro Street, 10am - 2pm
Saturday 7
Sunday 8
Wednesday 11
Saturday 14
Apres Ski Live Music | Traveller’s Rest Cooma, from 3pm
Stace Cadet & KLP Live Music | Alpine Bar Thredbo, 3pm – 7pm, free
Gabi Forman Live Music | NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, 6pm – 8pm
CMR Artisan Markets | Cooma Historical Railway, 9am - 1pm
Fromage Feast – cheese experience | Lake Crackenback Resort, 6pm – 10.30pm. Book tickets www.lakecrackenback.com.au
Nimmitabel CWA Markets | Pioneers Memorial Hall, Bombala Street, 9am - 2pm
Sat 14- Sun 22
Sunday 15
Wednesday 18
Sat 21 - Mon 7
Oct
Bunyan Wave Camp 2024 | bunyan airfield www.canberragliding.org
Cooma Rotary Markets | Centennial park, 9am - 1.30pm
Pine Needle Basket Coiling Workshop | michelago railway Station, 12pm - 4pm. $110pp, book www.thislushcorner.com
The Band of Royal Military College | Cooma ex-Services Club, 2pm. tickets $10pp from reception
Radical Reels by the Banff Mountain Film Festival | Jindabyne Cinema, 7pm – 9.45pm. book tickets events.humanitix.com
September Kids Snow Festival | thredbo Alpine resort, various activities
Thursday 26 Jindy Creative Youth Space | 17 bent St, 4pm – 6pm
Sunday 29
Bredbo CWA Village Markets | bredbo Hall, 9am - 3pm
Gegedzerick Church Restoration Concert | Coolamatong Country Club berridale, 4pm – 6pm
Perisher Resort announces grant recipients from chairlift auction
Perisher Resort is happy to announce the auction of the Mt Perisher Double Chairlift grant submission and selection process is complete.
The impressive auction, which saw hundreds attend the ski tube building, raised $312,988 to support important youth initiatives, the environment and local community.
General manager of Perisher Ski Resort, Nathan Butterworth, said he couldn’t be happier with the end result.
“One of Vail Resorts Australia’s core values is ‘Do Good’, and we couldn’t be happier that we are able support so many local initiatives,” Mr Butterworth said.
“I am so excited to see these community projects come to life with the help of funds raised through the auction of our Mt Perisher Double Chairlift.”
Disabled Wintersports Australia (DWA) was amongst the grant recipients and CEO Rick Hastie said DWA is incredibly grateful of the excellent continued support provided by Perisher, with first providing a facility for their operations at Smiggins and then also to receive a grant to assist in building the correct infrastructure there as well.
“DWA’s aim is to promote and foster the advancement of participation of people with a disability in winters sports across Australia and having access to the right facilities enables us to work together with the member, our team and wonderful volunteers, to ensure we provide the best level of support,” Mr Hastie said.
“We couldn’t do this without the support of Perisher, so a huge thank you from everyone at DWA.”
Another grant recipient organisation, LAOKO also share their appreciation to Perisher for the donation.
“As a 100 percent volunteer run organisation, Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue is very grateful to be a successful recipient with the funds raised from Perisher’s Double Chair community auction,” LAOKO vice president, Allyson Jennings, said.
“This funding will assist us to purchase more rescue kits and provide essential training for our volunteers to be able to continue to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife within our region.”
Earlier this year, the resort announced the decommissioning of Perisher’s longest-standing chairlift, the Mt Perisher Double Chair, to make way for the construction of the new, high speed, 6-seater chair, the Mt P 6.
Perisher was thrilled to give their guests the opportunity to own a piece of Perisher history with the auctioning of Mt Perisher Double Chairlift’s original chairs on June 8.
The Mt Perisher Double Chair was Perisher’s first ever chairlift, a two-seater, fixed-grip chairlift that first opened to skiers in 1961.
Before it was decommissioned, the iconic ‘Mt P Double’ dutifully carried six decades-worth of skiers, and later snowboarders, up Mt Perisher.
According to Perisher Historical Society, a recipient of the grant money raised, the construction of the Mt P Double was ‘spurred on by the appetite for longer runs and the interest to open up new skiing areas on the Perisher Range’.
The chair’s construction represented a major step forward in Australian skiing.
In the winter of 1960, potential ski areas in the lee of Mt Perisher and Back Perisher Mountain were surveyed to identify the degree of skiing difficulty and snow depth.
It was Mt Perisher which received the go ahead to build the twoseater chairlift which would go on to service the area for more than 60 seasons.
The Mt Perisher Double Chair is a symbol of the enduring appeal of snow sports and the spirit of adventure that draws people to Perisher season after season and now they stand proudly in the homes of those who will appreciate its history.
Perisher will be announcing the 22 grant recipients formally on Sunday September 8 at Powder Inn on Mt Perisher.
Recipients include:
• Jindabyne Public School and High School
• Berridale OOSHC
• LAOKO
• Jindabyne Bushpigs
• Scouts (Kosciuszko)
• Rob Kneller Youth Foundation
• DWA
• Jindabyne Cricket Club
• Cooma Public School
• Australian Mogul Ski Club Inc
• Lambie Street Preschool
• NSW/ACT XC
• Perisher Historical Society
• Jindabyne Trail Stewardship
• Jindabyne Little Athletics
• Jindabyne Cycling Club
• Jindabyne Sailing Club
• Jindabyne Fire Brigade
• Bega Lands Council
• Destination Jindabyne
• Berridale Public School
More information on their other projects will be shared by Perisher in early September.
Take a guided sculpture walk at the
The Wildbrumby Distillery is a favourite amongst locals and visitors with plenty of events and activities on offer.
Wildbrumby is not just a distillery and café but is designed to be an arts haven that promotes local artists and gives visitors an appreciation of mountain culture.
The newest addition to the Wildbrumby is a Guided Sculpture Walk at the Distillery.
Join artist Brad Spalding every Saturday morning from 10am for a guided sculpture walk in the garden at Wildbrumby distillery.
You’ll also get the chance to peek inside the Spalding Studio – rarely open to the public.
Upon the conclusion of the walk, relax in the cafe with a beverage, and chat with newfound friends. All proceeds of the guided walk will go towards the not-for-profit work of One Thredbo.
One Thredbo is a not-for-profit organisation committed to fostering arts and culture in the area to create a closer community and attract new visitors. One Thredbo is a burgeoning organisation that has many plans for the future.
The director of Wildbrumby, Brad Spalding, is involved in the organisation due to his passion for the arts and love of the Thredbo community.
Wildbrumby is set on a picturesque property just 22km from Australia’s highest peak and features 18 sculptures.
Each sculpture will be featured on the guided tour as well as information on the artist and story behind the piece.
The guided sculpture walk at the distillery is an opportunity for locals and visitors to not only learn about the artists gaining inspiration from the alpine landscape, but to be involved in helping local arts and culture flourish into the future through their donations.
Bookings are essential for the guided tour and a minimum number of six participants is required. The cost of the experience is $30 per person, which includes a coffee or Wildbrumby cocktail and a fantastic experience touring the Wildbrumby gardens.
For sculpture walk bookings at Wildbrumby Distillery, please email orders@wildbrumby.com or phone 0411 650 451.
the Wildbrumby Distillery
New Thredbo Alpine Coaster
soars above & beyond expectations
Thredbo Resort officially launched the Southern Hemisphere’s first-ever Alpine Coaster on the opening weekend this winter season and it’s been hugely successful ever since.
Open 365 days a year, the new Thredbo Alpine Coaster is an incredible way for people to experience the mountain as they coast along 1.5 kilometres of stunning alpine terrain. In winter, riders can enjoy stunning winter scenes with snowy vistas all the way down – a completely unique experience in Australia.
While it was always expected to be an exciting new attraction for the Snowy Mountain region, it’s been even more popular than Thredbo expected with much higher visitor numbers than originally forecasted. To manage the rider experience, rides on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster are capped at a massive 1300 daily scans. Unexpectedly, this number has been maxed out on multiple weekends already this season which is a testament to its popularity.
the data also showed another surprising statistic about guests riding the Alpine Coaster - a strong pattern of repeat visitation. thredbo guests are not just riding the Alpine Coaster multiple times in one day, they are actually returning to ride it on two or even three weekends in a row. thredbo general manager Stuart Diver said thredbo is proud to be taking proactive action that supports local tourism now and into the future.
“We are completely committed to investing in our year-round offering. the Alpine Coaster has proven to be a big success in winter and now we’re excited to see the impact it will have 365 days a year. “this world-class attraction will build upon our wide range of outdoor adventures in summer and will be a huge drawcard to the region in the shoulder seasons.”
Contributing to the mass popularity of the Alpine Coaster is the widespread audience it appeals to. riders can control their own speed meaning thrill seekers can keep their hands off the brake to get their adrenaline-fix whereas chill cruisers can take it slow and enjoy the scenery along the way. For families, riding the Alpine Coaster offers another way for multiple generations to experience an outdoor adventure together in thredbo. Suited to all ages above three years old, it is little wonder that the Alpine Coaster proved to be incredibly popular during the July school holidays with multiple days selling out. the thredbo Alpine Coaster is also wheelchair accessible, enabling even more guests to enjoy this experience. thredbo resort is proud to have been voted Australia’s best Ski resort at the World Ski Awards for seven years in a row, best Australian Ski resort for Families at the Out & About with Kids annual readers’ Choice Awards for six consecutive years and best Australian Family Ski resort at the 2024 Ski and Snowboard with Kids Awards. Consistently investing in worldclass developments like the new Alpine Coaster is one of the ways that thredbo continues to lead the industry and achieve these prestigious awards each year.
to find out more about the coaster head to thredbo.com.au
Retail & hire including on snow location at Perisher for your convenience. Try before you buy with our demo program.
Our qualified & experienced staff cater to skiers from the first timer through to the experienced skier.
Telemark skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful winter’s day
Telemark skiing combines elements of alpine and Nordic skiing, allowing you to trek across flat terrain and glide downhill making it perfect for backcountry skiing.
This style is defined by the Telemark turn, in which special ski bindings enable Telemark skiers to move with their heels free.
If you can’t decide between cross-country skiing vs downhill or snowboarding then Telemark is for you. The surfy carve of
telemark is actually closer to snowboarding than skiing yet for those who want to try but are afraid of the drop knee turn you can stand up and make and alpine turn any time you get nervous. Telemark is the most versatile way to slide on snow.
The benefits of a Telemark skiing adventure are numerous.
The appeal of Telemark skiing lies in access: long pieces of synthetic fabric, known as skins, can be attached to the bottom of the skis to allow travel uphill in the backcountry.
If you want to experience a snow-covered landscape up close, telemark is a thrilling way to connect with the great wintry outdoors.
brimming with backcountry terrain, the Snowy mountains snow season is not over yet and though down the bottom might be thinning the time for backcountry adventures start now.
telemark skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful winter day.
With the extra flexibility of free heels, no terrain is off-limits, and once you’ve mastered the telemark turn, the possibilities are endless. From total beginners to long-time experts, this skiing discipline offers an exhilarating experience for everyone.
RETAIL
to perfect the turn you’ll need the equipment and rHYtHm Snowsports in Cooma has just put in a brand new fleet of skis with modern telemark bindings. they also have great staff ready to give you all sorts of advice about it all.
tuesday night skiing at perisher has always been teLemArK tUeSDAY and this year it seems to have been growing with more and more coming out to give telemark a go. Some of the local instructors have been really excited to give pointers on the night as well, and are always keen to ski.
this is definitely the year to give something new a try so why not tele, but if not this year, you will only be another year older when you do.
OFFERING NATIONALLY ACCREDITED TRAINING
• SIS30419 CERTIFICATE III IN OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP
• SIS40619 CERTIFICATE IV IN OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP (ALPINE GUIDE)
• AUR20320 CERTIFICATE II IN BICYCLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
Hand of the maker
Winter mornings often see Feldmark Pottery, nestled high in the aptly named Hill Top, adorned with a silver cloud. Located just 10 minutes out of Jindabyne on the road back to Canberra and Sydney, it has become a destination for locals and tourists to slow down and appreciate how landscape intersects with art.
“We are all here for what the landscape offers,” studio potter, Andrei Davidoff, said.
“Whether we are racing down a hill on skis or sailing on the lake in summer, our unique topography and climate inform how we interact with the land.”
Similarly, Andrei’s ceramic works are reflective of this connection to the land. When entering the gallery space, the subdued earthy colours are immediately calming and familiar - the colour palette of the exterior world continues indoors.
the picture windows in the space highlight certain vistas; a silver wattle leaning dramatically like an oversized bonsai, a flock of eastern rosellas having a noisy lunch break, or the rolling mists over Avonside. the speckly glazed pots reflect the granite boulders, while green ash glazes pick up the soft greens of snow gums, and the orange-hued Shino glaze is the colour of iron-rich red earth. the pottery is all very much of the place.
“pottery had a resurgence in popularity as a craft about a decade ago. Like anything in art, there were fads that came and went.”
“I know this might sound strange coming from a potter that makes work on a commercial scale, but I make the things I want to. there might be others that make the big mugs or wonky pots, but my pieces are from my own design language.”
the gallery space is dedicated to functional ceramic ware – there is an entire wall of mugs, cups, and saké bottles. A dining table displays dinner sets, while rough-hewn shelves are home to larger vessels decorated in ceramic slip with botanical motifs scratched in. the grasses on the pots sway as if caught in a mountain breeze.
the pottery was built as a threefold space – a working commercial pottery, a studio for learning, and a gallery to display the craft. Andrei lists the ritz-Carlton (in perth and melbourne) and Sofitel in Sydney, as well as top restaurants among his clientele. He is most proud however of locals Jindabyne brewing and Halfway Coffee getting behind the pottery.
“Some say you are local here after eight years, others claim it is three generations. my family has had a connection to the Snowy for 40 years but when we moved here permanently in 2021, we felt immediately at home.”
the pottery is also home to more than 30 students who take term classes. Andrei has schooled hundreds of people in using the pottery wheel for the first time in weekend taster classes, too. “the taster classes are a great time for those who attend. there’s the joy of making something by your own hand.
“Art education is the driver of what we do.”
Wet weather closes Selwyn - for now
After a promising start to the season, Selwyn Snow Resort management has closed the resort for now following recent wet weather.
The team will however, be watching the weather closely, Selwyn Snow Resort general manager Lucy Blyton-Gray said.
“This season has shaped up to be much better than last year,” Ms Blyton-Gray said.
“The school holidays, July and early August were fantastic. Unfortunately mother nature delivered rain late in August, which is detrimental to snow cover.”
The season had up until then been very successful.
“We have ironed out the new resort bugs and everything ran very smoothly.
“Guest numbers were fantastic through the school holidays, July and August,” Ms Blyton-Gray said.
Ms Blyton-Gray advised Selwyn Snow Resort guests and skiers stay tuned to Selwyn Snow Resort socials to keep up with any news of re-opening.
Facebook comments from followers have been very supportive and positive about the resort, and conditions this season, with many saying how fabulous the snow cover has been up until two weeks ago.
Record numbers take part in State Interschool Championships
the Subaru NSW/ACt/QLD State Interschool Championships came to a close at perisher on Friday August 23.
Over the five days of competition more than 1,800 students participated from 255 schools.
this is the largest participation event to be held at perisher for the 2024 season with almost 4,000 entries.
Snow Australia thanks the school co-ordinators, volunteer course officials and perisher race Department and management for helping run a successful event.
the number of schools, students and entries in the championships saw a seven percent increase in entries from the previous year. In particular, there was growth in the cross country and slopestyle disciplines. On one day alone, there were
1,107 race starts.
Snow Australia spoke with Juan George from Cronulla High School who competed in the Snowboard events.
His team placed fifth in the Snowboard GS, third in the Snowboard Cross, second in the Slopestyle. Individually he placed second in the Snowboard Cross and Slopestyle.
“It’s been really good, really good progression and an intro into doing comps with my friends and getting used to the comp environment and style of how things are run,” Juan said.
Down in mt buller, during the last week of August, was the mogul Ski World Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships, where 2,600 students competed from 242 schools with a total of 5,900 entries.
Car Club motoring along
The Cooma Car Club Motoring Museum is home to one of the nation’s great vintage and muscle car collections.
The museum is open each Tuesday and on the first Saturday of the month. Since opening its doors in 2022, the museum has welcomed 10,000 visitors.
Built by the members of the Cooma Car Club, the museum was completed in February 2022 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the town’s most popular attractions, drawing in automotive enthusiasts from far and wide.
Funding came largely through a NSW Government grant for
men’s mental health. The club has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours and dollars in ensuring the club and museum are first-class.
One end of the museum is furnished as an Americana-style diner that serves cold drinks and food for members visitors, and the other end is styled as a 1920s service station with historic bowsers and signage.
The service station is named Montague Motors in honour of Cooma Car Club life member Keith Montague.
The main attraction is the cars and the Cooma Car Club possess one of the finest automotive collections to be found anywhere in the country.
One vehicle that garners plenty of attention is the 1908 black motor buggy, on loan from Neville marsden of braidwood.
Other vehicles of note in the museum include a 1926 Dodge that runs on charcoal, and an amphibious car owned and taken on water by car club president, tony Nassar.
there are land speed record cars, and even a classic Jeep that was once occupied by the Queen. there is also a variety of historic motorcycles and a stack of automotive memorabilia, showcasing monaro’s motoring history.
“this museum has really been a labour of love for the club,” car club president, tony Nassar, said.
“A lot of our members are older folks and this project has really given them a lot of inspiration and a new attitude to life, so it’s wonderful to have seen it all come to fruition and turn out as well as it has.
“Since the museum opened, we’ve hosted other car clubs and various groups and it’s been wonderful to see people taking an interest and coming to visit.”
the Cooma Car Club is located at 11 bolaro St Cooma and is open every tuesday from 9am to 1pm and on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 3pm.
Group bookings can also be made by appointment on 0407 299 008.
Full steam to Cooma railway
One of the great country railway stations can be found right here in the Snowy Monaro. The Cooma Railway Station precinct is where history meets the future. The history of the railway station is presented in all its glory, while the Cooma Monaro Railway volunteers are working hard to ensure the region has a new chapter in its rail journey.
Volunteers are focussed on bringing back tourist trains to the Cooma and Bombala rail line. While this dream is still a few years away, there is no shortage of attractions and items of interest at the railway precinct.
Over a number of years, volunteers have created the Cooma Monaro Railway Museum. Housed in the beautifully restored railway station building, the museum tells the story of the golden age of railways in NSW.
Wander through the ‘travel for pleasure’ exhibition, explore of the last remaining complete railway precincts in the state and view the organisation’s immaculately restored rolling stock.
The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. The friendly volunteers will show you around the precinct.
The railway precinct is also home to the region’s most popular artisan markets. On the second Sunday of the month, a range of fresh produce, delectable treats, and homemade goods, line the railway platform. There is quality coffee, food and often live music.
There are lots of reasons to visit the Cooma Railway Station when passing through the Snowy Monaro.
Over 25 years living and working in the mountains. We’ll have the right products for your home or lodge.
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We supply and install a range of Double Glazed window and door products. These products include timber and aluminium framed items that have been specially chosen to withstand the Snowy mountains Alpine weather.
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Bombala rail trail takes shape
The finalisation of a $1 million grant to build the first five kilometres of the Bombala end and first stage of the Monaro Rail Trail (MRT) was the start of “huge changes” for the town. Monaro Rail Trail committee member, John Nevin, said the entire trail, if complete, would have significant economic benefits for Bombala, linking Queanbeyan and Canberra, to the Monaro.
“Imagine what this will be for the serious bike riders in Canberra who want to go on long training rides away from busy roads, along with recreational riders who like to go bike touring,” he said.
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We find it important to support other community organisations and are proud sponsors of the Snowy River Bears Rugby League Club, Jindabyne Bushpigs Rugby and Bermagui Breakers AFL.
Over the past 10 years we have owned "Snowy Laundry", we have continued to supply our customers with the highest level of service and quality linen. Based in Jindabye, our high volume laundry has state of the art equipment plus dedicated and experienced staff to cope with any demand. We are constantly reviewing processes to meet the needs of the everchanging regional market requirements. We are proud to support the local economy with employment and to also sponsor local sporting organisations. Should you require a quote for your business, please call at any time. We would be happy to discuss all your laundry requirements-Mick and Rebecca.
Multiple delivery and pick up days in Jindabyne, Thredbo, Cooma and the South Coast. with no additional charges. All linen washed beyond Australian standards for thermal sanitation.
“Not only will they have a great surface to ride on, but some good distance in beautiful surroundings.”
meanwhile, mr Nevin, a keen road and mountain bike rider, said the construction of the first 5km of the trail, out of bombala, would provide a significant 10km return sealed track for recreational riders, children, kids learning to ride, mums with prams and walkers.
Snowy monaro regional Council announced the finalisation of the $1 million funding agreement through the Investing in Our Communities program from the Department of Infrastructure, transport, regional Development, Communications and the Arts on August 2 and the project is now in the initial planning phase.
Starting immediately until mid-2025, Council will work on lease negotiations with transport for NSW, environmental assessments and reports, as well as the necessary preconstruction surveying work.
the new bitumen-sealed path will begin from a trailhead next to bombala Visitors Centre, proceed along mahratta St to where the current rail line crosses Stephen St (monaro Highway) then continue north within the rail corridor for 5km or as far as funding permits.
Delivery of the project will be completed over two phases, with final completion scheduled for October 2026.
existing rail infrastructure at bombala Station and along the rail corridor will be preserved or retained wherever possible. the trail will feature signage and seating to highlight local history and the landscape, enhancing the experience for users.
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Myanba Gorge for nature lovers
Set in mighty old-growth forest and comprising three lookouts, a picnic area, a boardwalk and walking track, Myanba Gorge is a must for nature lovers.
Start with lunch at the well-equipped picnic area before taking the easy and accessible boardwalk stroll.
At the first lookout you’re treated to picture-perfect views of fast-flowing Myanba Creek. Here, it surges over the escarpment across a huge granite slab, so visit after rain, if you can, to see a stronger, more spectacular flow.
Follow the creek if you choose to keep on walking – it’s a moderate walk that’s well worth the effort. See the numerous torrents burble through the rocks or snake off into rivulets and stunning cascades. Take a quick dip if
7 Days a week 10am-11pm
you like, and look for streaked rock orchids and the
the third lookout rewards your efforts with views of the remarkable geology of myanba Gorge and bega’s pretty towamba Valley.
return to the picnic area the way you came, listening out for distinctive ‘creaky gate’ calls of Gang Gang cockatoos.
myanba Gorge walking track is a short walk that offers young and old the opportunity to experience this unique natural setting.
the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk to the first viewing platform enables disabled and mobility impaired visitors to enjoy the views.
And for those of you who want to venture further on foot, continue the track through the gorge.
there is plenty of wildlife to see. Look out for echidnas, swamp wallabies, red-neck wallabies as well as the many forest birds you’ll find. pay special attention for the diamond pythons sometimes seen at the gorge viewing platform.
Why not make a day of it, pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the many stops along this remarkable car-touring route. the round-trip from bombala takes you to myanba Gorge and pheasants peak via the towering canopies of oldgrowth forest trees.
Snowy Scheme Museum is
The next six months will be a busy time for the Snowy Scheme Museum in Adaminaby.
There are many reasons to stop at Adaminaby, but one location that should definitely be on your visit list is the museum.
2024 marks a milestone year for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme as it commemorates 75 years since the Governor General, Sir William McKell, and the Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, fired the first explosive shots at Adaminaby on October 17, 1949.
It is also 50 years since the completion of the scheme’s construction phase in 1974.
To mark the occasion, the Snowy Scheme Museum will be hosting an open weekend over October 19 and 20.
During the 25-years of construction, the scheme achieved many significant milestones, not least of which are the physical and human legacies.
To this day, the surviving snowy workers maintain close personnel connections to the scheme through their families and Snowy Scheme workmates.
For the next generation, through groups such as the ‘Kids of the Snowies’, there is now an inherited family connection to the Snowy Scheme.
Future Generation Joint Venture, principal contractor for the Snowy 2.0 Project, is constructing Australia’s largest renewable energy project on behalf of Snowy Hydro Limited. Future Generation is committed to road safety and works closely with relevant agencies to deliver every load.
There will be increased traffic on the Snowy Mountains Highway and Link Road this winter between Cooma and our remote project sites.
Future Generation thanks motorists for their patience and extra care when driving near our segment trucks, other project related traffic and all heavy vehicles.
a must visit
Recorded history project
the museum now has a collection of more than 400 biographies and oral history records in its collection. Some of the recent stories include:
• A 91-year-old diamond driller who came from malta and began working on the snowy in 1950 as a wood cutter for the big snowy camps before taking charge of the diamond drilling team
• A 95-year-old lady who was president of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) in the township of eaglehawk, who with the butcher, organised the buff’s Cabaret ball raising in excess of 500 pounds for the Cooma Hospital
• An 84-year-old woman who was a wait attendant was selected by Sir William Hudson to be trained to service Queen elizabeth and prince phillip on their tour of the Snowy Scheme in 1963
• A 92-year-old woman who, at the age of 23, became the first female teacher at the eaglehawk public School
• A woman in her 90s, whose family immigrated to Australia from Austria, and because she missed the snow, applied for and was successful in obtaining a job with the snowy in Cooma and became an excellent stenographer.
For these and other projects of the past don’t forget to stop at the Snowy Scheme museum, Adaminaby.
WINTER EVENTS
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST & BEST
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Family Flare Run & Fireworks –Friday Flat – Every Thursday evening from 27 June to 19 September
Watch the Fireworks & Flare Run –Supertrail – Every Saturday
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Pirate Life Deck Sessions – Merritts Mountain House Deck – Sundays from 28 July | 1pm – 3:30pm
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AUGUST
ALPINE EXPERIENCES
Sunrise Sessions presented by Range Rover – Tuesday mornings from 30 July – 3 September
Guided Mountain Tours presented by Range Rover – Thursdays through Sundays from 29 June – 1 September
Merritts Mountain Haus Feast –Select Wednesday and Friday nights from 26 June – 23 August
Kareela Supper Club presented by Pommery Champagne – Select Saturday nights from 13 July – 31 August
Kareela Snowcat Dinners – Select Wednesday nights from 24 July – 28 August
Dead Horse Gap Tours – Thursdays and Fridays during August
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