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.
Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and Cafe Monaro Highway, Cooma
Open 7 days | Weekdays 8am-4.30pm Weekends and public holidays 9am-2pm
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
Editorial: editor@monaropost.com.au
Advertsing: sales@monaropost.com.au
Accounts: accounts@monaropost.com.au
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.
courtesy of Steve Crazy
Celebrating our 100th Snow Post
Welcome to the 100th edition of the Snow Post - your locally produced tourist magazine showcasing the best of the Snowy Mountains and Snowy Monaro.
The team behind the Snow Post is excited to bring you a special edition of the magazine to celebrate 100 publications.
Hitting the stands for the first time in 2009, the magazine plays an important role in highlighting the many attractions, events, and offerings our beautiful and unique region boasts.
Throughout the journey of the Snow Post, our team has been proud to partner with the region’s hard working business operators, snow resorts, community organisations, event committees and the wider community - together, we have been able to promote and encourage visitors to spend more time in the Snowy Mountains and Snowy Monaro.
Since the first Snow Post, our tourism landscape has changed. Snow is and will always be central to what the region has to offer visitors and locals.
In the 15-years the Snow Post has been available, yearround tourism has taken off. The region has become one of the most popular places in the country come the warmer months.
Our rivers, streams and lakes offer some of Australia’s best fishing and our Alpine region is a favourite for hikers and campers.
In our towns and villages, there is a terrific range of events during spring and summer.
The Snow Post team is proud to produce a magazine promoting and covering our entire region.
The magazine wouldn’t be possible without the many contributors to the Snow Post. Your images and words have been integral in producing the magazine.
We offer a great deal of thanks to our advertisers. Your support has ensured the Snow Post grew from its early days to become an award winning publication.
Together, we will continue to showcase our wonderful part of the world. It’s a region we love to call home.
Happy 100th, well done Snow Post
By Gail Eastaway OAM
- co-founder/former editor of The Snow Post
“Start a tourist magazine,” they said. “it’ll be fun,” they said.
So we did. One hundred editions later, the publication is still promoting local tourism to a wide audience.
Monaro Media Group was on the up back in 2007. the owners had invested a great amount of time and effort into establishing the Monaro Post, the Snowy Monaro region’s only locally owned and operated weekly newspaper.
taking the extra step to also publish a local tourist magazine was logical and one the company’s founders were well placed to accomplish.
But there were parameters.
in previous employment, the partners had worked on another tourist magazine which had been established years before. But they wanted their publication to concentrate only on local year-round tourism and not just winter tourism.
initially, the Snow Post had a sister publication the Sun Post. they were published according to the season and it wasn’t until 2017 they were amalgamated into the Snow Post, as this better reflected the local tourism industry’s increased push to promote year-round tourism.
Working on a tourist magazine was a relief from the week-to-week obligation to produce a weekly newspaper. Both the journalists and production staff enjoyed the challenge and the opportunities.
Lots of hard work went into producing the magazine - especially by my former business partner and Monaro Media Group co-owner and sales manager tracy Frazer.
Magazine styles differ from straight news and offer more latitude for feature stories and a more light-hearted approach.
People on holiday don’t necessarily want to be bombarded with hard news, but offer them a good read of a less serious subject, together with impressive images and you have them engaged.
that’s not to say the Snow Post hasn’t tackled serious matters pertaining to the industry, but the emphasis is on providing information and a good read.
the staff enjoyed working on tourism articles - especially when the magazine went off on a tangent with an apparent pub crawl, followed not long after by the great parmi hunt.
But the emphasis has always been on keeping it local - supporting the local tourism industry and attracting visitors to our region, not encouraging them to head overseas, taking their very important tourism dollars with them.
Happy 100th Snow Post.
Lots to do at Thredbo Resort
August is all about après events every weekend and live music every night.
Boasting Australia’s biggest winter calendar of live music and entertainment, Thredbo is renowned for its huge music events that rival the international après scene, and this month is going to be huge. During August, Thredbo is hosting one of its famous apres events every Saturday featuring some of Australia’s biggest acts.
August 3:
The Jungle Giants (DJ set) presented by Smirnoff
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
Rainbow Mountain Is Back
Dates: Thursday 8 - Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Rainbow Mountain returns to Thredbo presented by Brookvale Union, bigger and queerer than ever with a stack your favourite on and off mountain events. This three day inclusive event is for all our LGBTQIA+ guests and allies – a perfect way to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, visibility, community, and love. Your favourite drag show is back featuring Poof Doof Ski Club & Girl Thing DJ’s as we light up the Alpine Bar on Saturday night with all the colours of the rainbow.
Live Music Every Night
In addition to the major headlining après events, Thredbo offers live music every single night during winter at crowd favourite bars like Lounge Bar and Schuss Bar.
Pirate Life Deck Sessions
Live music is taking over the mountain every Sunday afternoon with Pirate Life Deck Sessions on the Merritts Mountain House Deck. Skiers and snowboarders can stop into the Merritts deck, grab a Pirate Life and enjoy a DJ set with all their favourite tunes.
Big Deck Energy at Black Sallees
One of the hottest spots on the mountain, Black Sallees is a crowd-favourite après destination for a reason. Now with live music every Saturday and Wednesday from July 27 – September 14, guests can enjoy a great après ski atmosphere with delicious Japanese food and drinks alongside stunning mountain views.
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. 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.
Action Packed On-Snow Events
Whether you’re competing or spectating, the skiing and snowboarding events are not to be missed in Thredbo.
August 12:
Battle on The Bluff
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
MOOKI’s Mini Pipe Cup presented by Scotty James
Sunday August 18
Don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride the pipe with Scotty James at thredbo’s Mooki’s Mini Pipe Cup on August 18! thanks to Scotty’s donation of a pipe cutter, thredbo’s building a rad 13-foot halfpipe, perfect for all ages to hone their transition skills. Score some huge prizes on the day with spontaneous competitions throughout the jam sessions where riders will be awarded for best method, best handplant, best style and spirit of the craft.
Women’s Backcountry Weekend
presented by The North Face
Friday 16 - Saturday 17 Aug, 2024
thredbo Backcountry tours and the north Face are proud to present this unique experience aimed at providing more women with the opportunity to gain and develop skills beyond the resort boundaries and connect with those already immersed in the big white wonder. Led by all-female guides, this exclusive women’s experience is split into two separate tours run on the same day. 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.
Thredbo Leisure Centre
Join us at thredbo Leisure Centre, located just a five minute walk from thredbo Village Square and Friday Flat. Get fit and have fun at our top-class facility featuring a gym, pool, waterslide, Mission inflatable, sports hall, bouldering wall, squash court and recreational trampoline centre.
Stay active with private swim lessons, pesonal training sessions, group fitness classes and Zero Gravity trampoline Sessions available to book now.
From down under to Big White
nestled in picturesque British Columbia, the beloved Big White Ski resort has been family-owned for generations.
Australian-born Peter Plimmer, a third-generation family member, worked his way up from ski rentals to become the CeO of Canada’s favourite family resort.
At just 23, Plimmer was told he would one day lead the country’s largest ski-in, ski-out resort, covering over 1133 hectares. Fastforward to 2013, and at the age of 37, he became president and fulfilled this prophecy.
“i first came to the resort in 1988, i was 12 years old and it’s a memory i still go back to,” Plimmer said.
“i remember getting out of the car at my grandfather’s place and being amazed that such a place could exist. i was mesmerised by the beauty of the place and what it offered. it was magical.”
Plimmer’s journey to Big White began with his grandfather, Desmond Schumann, an Adelaide native who bought Big White in 1985. Schumann, who also owned Victoria’s Mount Hotham, sold it to focus on his Canadian ventures. He further expanded his interests by acquiring SilverStar Mountain resort in 2001, just 120 kilometres from Big White.
Growing up around snow
Plimmer grew up in Harrietville, Victoria, with his family running a ski rental business at Bright near Mount Hotham. Despite his father’s advice against taking a gap year from university, Peter followed his passion for skiing, eventually moving to Canada in 1998 to work for his uncle at Big White.
Starting with managing the resort’s website and snow reports, Plimmer quickly realised this mountain was where he wanted to be.
At a 1999 Christmas party, his uncle predicted Plimmer would one day lead the resort. Fourteen years later, that prediction came true.
Embracing leadership
Plimmer, alongside his Australian wife Sally and their two daughters, worked across various resort departments, contributing to its expansion. After his uncle’s sudden passing in 2022, Peter faced new challenges but relied on the solid team his family had built over decades.
Located 56 kilometres southeast of Kelowna, Big White offers a unique ski experience with Canada’s largest ski-in, ski-out village. the resort boasts 119 alpine trails, an ice-skating rink, a tube park, and extensive cross-country skiing tracks. its family-friendly atmosphere doesn’t compromise the thrill for advanced skiers, with ample glade skiing and off-piste opportunities.
A unique resort experience
Big White shines with its dry, light snow, offering a unique charm compared to other neighbouring BC resorts. While competitor resorts often experience coastal storms, the mountain enjoys more consistent and delightful snowfall.
With an impressive average of 750 centimetres of snow each season, the mountain’s snow-making capabilities are naturally limited because the snow is so light and fluffy that it doesn’t bind well, a testament to its exceptional quality.
Plimmer highlights this as a significant advantage that distinguishes Big White from other resorts in the region.
“Our terrain is extensive. While Whistler is the largest, we avoid their coastal storms and receive more frequent snowfall. this drier snow, along with numerous enjoyable runs, makes Big White fantastic.”
Plimmer points out the resort’s top elevation of 2,319m is another key factor, with the village situated at 1,755m, almost at the same altitude as the peaks of major competitor resorts. the elevation of the terrain contributes to the excellent snow quality that skiers love.
Family-friendly focus
Despite being slightly smaller than the province’s largest resort, Big White offers a more intimate and community-focused skiing experience, often preferred by families and those seeking less crowded slopes.
Big White’s commitment to a family-friendly environment does not compromise the quality of skiing for advanced enthusiasts. the resort’s expansive terrain, consistent snowfall, and unique village setup make it a compelling choice for families and seasoned skiers alike.
Plimmer’s vision for the resort includes continued expansion and improvement of existing infrastructure, ensuring that Big White remains a premier destination for skiers from Australia and around the world.
“We offer a very different experience compared to Whistler, which feels more like a resort town. For most skiers, i believe our skiing product stands up to Whistler. And any savings on lift tickets at Whistler are offset by higher accommodation costs.”
Looking ahead
today, Peter Plimmer is focused on the future growth of Big White, planning for new north-facing slopes and enhanced summer activities. With a proud legacy of 60 years of family ownership, Big White remains committed to delivering an exceptional skiing experience under its third-generation leadership.
Have major ski conglomerates expressed interest in acquiring Big White?
“Big White is not for sale, although we have received inquiries from interested parties,” Plimmer said.
Peter Plimmer of Big White Ski Resort
Snowy Monaro Regional Calendar of Events: August 2024
Continuous
3 July – 18 Aug - Art in Miniature Exhibition | Raglan Gallery Cooma, open Weds - Sun, 10.30am - 3.30pm
3 July – 18 Aug - ‘Whirly Gig’ Phillip Frankcombe Art Exhibition | Raglan Gallery Cooma
21 Aug – 6 Oct - 3D Ceramics and Sculpture Exhibition “INSIDE Bredbo CWA Village Markets | Bredbo Hall, 9am - 3pm
Thursday 1
Curry Luncheon Cooma Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser | Cooma Bowling Club, from 12pm. $30pp, tickets from The Fabric Salon or Kitchen Bench Cooma
Friday 2
Thredbo Triple Crown: Rails | Thredbo Alpine Resort, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Saturday 3
Monaro Men’s Breakfast | St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 7.30am. $7pp, RSVP 6416 0124
Snowy Community Market | The Village Church Jindabyne, 9am - 2pm
Look out for Lovegrass Free Workshop | Club Bombala, 9.30am – 1pm. RSVP by 23 July
Cooma Car Club Museum Open Day | Cooma Car Club, 10am - 2pm
High Tea | Royal Arms Guesthouse Nimmitabel, 10am – 4pm. Bookings essential 0429 312 302
Truffle Hunt and Lunch | Macenmist Bredbo, 11am - 3pm. Book www.macenmist.com.au
Apres Ski Live Music | Traveller’s Rest Cooma, from 3pm
The Jungle Giants (DJ Set) | Alpine Bar Thredbo, 3pm – 7pm
CH3 Christmas in July | Alpine Hotel, 6pm. $40pp, RSVP rcoumbis@gmail.com by 23/7
Thurs 8 – Sat 10
Rainbow Mountain ft. Poof Doof Ski Club and Girl Thing DJ’s | Thredbo Alpine Resort, various activities celebrating LGBTQIA+, www.thredbo.com.au/events
Saturday 10
Nimmitabel CWA Markets | Pioneer Memorial Hall, 9am - 2pm
Clay and Graze Pottery Taster Class | Feldmark Pottery Jindabyne, 2pm – 5pm. Book www.feldmark.com.au
Apres Ski Live Music | Traveller’s Rest Cooma, from 3pm
Gabi Forman Live Music | NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, 6pm – 8pm
The VANNS Live Music Concert | The Station Resort Jindabyne, from 8pm. $40pp, tickets.oztix.com.au
Sunday 11
CMR Artisan Markets | Cooma Historical Railway, 9am - 1pm
Clay and Graze Pottery Taster Class | Feldmark Pottery Jindabyne, 10am – 1pm. Book www.feldmark.com.au
Thredbo Senior Interclub | Rossignol Racecourse, Thredbo Alpine Resort, 10am – 4pm
2024 ACT and NSW Ski-Orienteering Championships | Perisher Valley, 10am – 1.30pm, www.perisherxcountry.org
Truffle Hunt and Lunch | Macenmist Bredbo, 11am - 3pm. Book www.macenmist.com.au
Monday 12
Battle on the Bluff Freeride Competition | Thredbo Alpine Resort, 10am – 3pm
Fri 16 – Sat 17
Women’s Backcountry Weekend | Thredbo, register www.thredbo.com.au/events
Friday 16
Transfer Banked Slalom | Thredbo Alpine Resort, 9am - 4pm
Saturday 17
Truffle Hunt & Lunch | Macenmist Bredbo, 11am - 3pm. Book www.macenmist.com.au
Paint & Sip with Netty – Highland Cow | Cooma Hotel, 2pm – 5pm. Book artbynetty.com
Apres Ski Live Music | Traveller’s Rest Cooma, from 3pm
Sneaky Sound System Live Music | Alpine Bar Thredbo Alpine Hotel, 3pm – 7pm, free
Never Ending 80s vs 90s: The Battle of the Decades | The Station Resort Jindabyne, from 8pm. Tickets thestation.oztix.com.au
Gabi Forman Live Music | Adaminaby Bowling Club, 8pm – 11pm
Sunday 18
Cooma rotary Markets | Centennial Park, 9am - 1.30pm
MOOKi’s Mini Pipe Cup | thredbo Alpine resort, 9.30am – 3.30pm. Ages 7 – 17, free
Saturday 24
Clay and Graze Pottery taster Class | Feldmark Pottery Jindabyne, 10am – 1pm. Book www.feldmark.com.au
Family truffle Hunt | Macenmist Bredbo, 11am - 12pm. Book www.macenmist.com.au
Paint and Sip Chookie Chooks | imperial Hotel, Bombala 2pm –5pm
Apres Ski Live Music | traveller’s rest Cooma, from 3pm
Gabi Forman Live Music | nrMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, 6pm – 8pm
Sunday 25
Bredbo CWA Village Markets | Bredbo Hall, 9am - 3pm
Clay and Graze Pottery taster Class | Feldmark Pottery Jindabyne, 10am – 1pm. Book www.feldmark.com.au
Paint and Sip with netty – Chookie Chooks | imperial Hotel Bombala, 2pm – 5pm. Book artbynetty.com
Capital Kamikaze enduro Series | Mt Gladstone, Cooma
Thursday 29
Jindy Creative Youth Space | 17 Bent St, 4pm – 6pm
Friday 30
thredbo triple Crown: Slopestyle | thredbo Alpine resort, 9.15am – 3.30pm
Saturday 31
Apres Ski Live Music | traveller’s rest Cooma, from 3pm
Bag raiders Live Music | Alpine Bar thredbo, 3pm – 7pm, free
Sat 31 - Sun 1
Cooma Barrel racing | Cooma Showground, 9am - 3.30pm
Our friendly teams at the Cooma and Bombala Visitor Centres are here to welcome you and support with winter travel information. Call in for some good old-fashioned conversation and local knowledge to enhance your visit.
• Free Touring Map • Weather & road conditions • Bespoke giftware • What’s On event guide View upcoming events at www.visitcooma.com.au/snowy-monaro-events/
Cooma Visitor Centre
119 Sharp St, Cooma | 1800 636 525 | 9am to 3pm, 7 days | visitcooma.com.au Bombala Visitor Centre 41 Monaro Hwy (Mahratta St) Bombala | 02 6458 4622 | 10am to 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday We’re here to help you
...about our Snowy Mountains & Monaro. #oursnowymonaro #snowymountainsnsw @coomavisitorscentre @visitbombala
‘Postcards’ - an all female, ski, snowboard movie
By Mabel Ashburn
‘Postcards’ the movie is an all female cast, ski and snowboard, street and park movie, based in Finland, in the city streets of Helsinki and the renowned parks of Ruka Ski Resort.
Postcards was an opportunity to step away from the competition structure and produce our visions with complete creative freedom. For most of us, this trip was our first introduction to street skiing, we only had experience with the competition side of skiing.
It was definitely daunting to commit to filming a street movie, with no experience behind us, and were unsure what may lie ahead of us in a foreign country in the streets, but we went to Finland determined and excited, and I think that is really shown in the movie. Street skiing showed us a completely different side to skiing, which was super challenging, but extremely rewarding.
We were able to fall in love with a whole new aspect of skiing, and come home with a renewed excitement for skiing, which is so special, and we’re so grateful that we had the opportunity to do so.
Postcards represents the spirit of resistance and not conforming to the expectations of what it means to be a professional skier or snowboarder.
At present, competitions are still seen as the main pathway to becoming a professional skier or snowboarder and are the only ways to ‘make it’. Although our team has had their fair share of competing, and will continue to do so, we hope that Postcards will shed light on another path that is just as valid in creating a successful professional career.
in particular, this path is only just beginning to be walked along by females, and we hope that Postcards can contribute to this movement and inspire other women to get on board. Females in general are a minority amongst our sporting community, so it is crucial for more media to be produced to create exposure for women and to show the world what women are capable of, this was a huge facilitator in creating Postcards.
Postcards is a love letter to our younger selves that could only dream of doing something like this, and to any other young girl or person watching, we hope that postcards can do the same for you.
We are representing women who are at the top of their field, pushing in new directions, and creating pathways for the generations to come. We are hoping to inspire women to wholeheartedly follow their passion, and to push boundaries. We aim to help women to feel empowered, brave and fierce, and to take leaps in new directions, even if it is daunting, because you might fall in love with what you love, all over again.
the movie was produced by Mabel Ashburn, co-directed by Mabel Ashburn and Jai Hunter, filmed and edited by Jai Hunter and shot on film by Doof Maxwell.
The
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, his 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 at the end of the day, i make the things that 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 that 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 alsp home to more than 30 students that 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.”
Backcountry v Resort
As resorts start to ramp up and the snow starts to build, winter seasons in Australia always leave people wanting that little more. It is becoming apparent snow is fickle and climate change is a fact that reminds us of the changes in season and snow conditions. June is the start of the season when staff arrive for winter and shops gear up with fun and warm stuff. Bruce Easton of Wilderness Sports has your backcountry adventure sorted.
Thank goodness for snow making and grooming in both resorts with more natural snowfalls seeing some packing of snow and grooming on the Cross Country Trails at Perisher.
The backcountry and higher elevations in Kosciuszko National Park and Main Range being over 1800 metres means the snow invariably stays longer. So far this winter season we have seen good snowfall forming a solid base and cover in the resorts and on the higher locations of the Main Range. This snowfall followed a period of sunny days and cold nights bonding the snowpack and creating an icy layer that will build a base for an extended period.
Places
The season started slowly with limited snow making early on and little moisture in the air and consistent sunshine followed
by some cooler nights.
One good snowfall through June got the season underway and resorts managed with a thin snow pack and groomed terrain to offer some reasonable skiing and terrain opening.
Meanwhile it remained a thin cover in the backcountry and tough conditions for a period.
Usually touring options from Dead Horse Gap in the sheltered trees offer options in the blizzards that often arrive through the early part of the season, with a chance to climb higher into the Ramshead Range on the days with better and clear weather. Some less experienced use the ease of access with Backcountry Pass for a single but quick access ride to the top Station of Kosciuszko Express Chair.
Many people choose to ski closer to the resorts near Perisher around 1700 metres with easy access to the sheltered slopes near Mount Wheatley or just beyond the resort boundaries of the Paralyser.
From Guthega, people well equipped and with skills and experience take advantage of access to steeper slopes and terrain. Usually as winter progresses and additional snowfalls top up the snow cover, plus fresh snow, this makes it a great option for those with more experience. Those with experience, skills, fitness and appropriately equipped to make journeys into more challenging terrain of Mount Tate or to Mount Twynam and Blue Lake for the mountaineers.
Gear to go
there are lots of ways to explore the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko national Park beyond the resort boundaries.
Many people discovered the use and versatility of snowshoes to travel in skinny snow conditions such as we experienced so far this season with little snow to date. When people had limited ski skills or conditions tougher than they had skills to deal with, the ease of access plus also being more affordable meant many people choose to use snowshoes for simpler access.
Ski touring and backcountry requires some special equipment with backpacks to carry what you need for a day away from resorts including repair kits, first aid, hydration some energy food to ensure self sufficiency and importantly an awareness of navigation and items like map and compass plus Personal Locator Beacons. Specific ski equipment with climbing skins, ski crampons are more essential items to take with you. Depending on skills plus also the skier/rider experience and planned tour into terrain and snow conditions, you might make a choice to take some appropriate gear for avalanche situations like a snow shovel, probe and beacon.
Choosing touring partners and destinations is an especially important decision.
Know before you go
Local knowledge of snow conditions by staff in the shops where you might hire or buy backcountry gear plus speaking with local guides who are regularly out and about in the mountains is a great resource and place to start.
Looking at resort and various snow cams as a guide to seeing snow and also weather, plus reviewing the most current forecast
with the Bureau of Meteorology is important when planning your backcountry adventure.
Some insight is also shared about snow conditions via the Mountain Safety Collective.
there are also many clubs who can help you to learn how to be safe and develop the skills you need to enjoy the backcountry.
Commercial tours will also fast track your knowledge and skills and a value for money option to learn about places, plus also how to efficiently use your equipment and develop skills. Start out with short tours of an hour or three till you become comfortable with travelling away from resort areas and making turns in fresh snow. You can learn navigation to good terrain and reading maps and understanding features and contours as this will all aid you in finding the better places to ski and ride.
Beyond the resorts boundaries
the road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass from the June long weekend to reopen again around the October long weekend. this is when the resorts tend to close down their lifts and their winter season comes to an end.
Often the weather and snow remains into the Spring and backcountry season, though for the keen and those who are prepared, to earn their turns and hike uphill only to make fresh tracks back down.
explore and be bold, use common sense to build your understanding of snow and the gear, plus knowledge to travel efficiently and extend your adventures in the snow and backcountry season.
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.
Airport upgraded, carriers on radar
Record numbers but no commercial flights
Snowy Mountains Airport is in the best state it has ever been for commercial flights, but despite the region well into its busy winter tourist season, it is still yet to attract a carrier to deliver tourists and provide locals with commuter services.
The locally owned airport, which features a 2.2km long runway able to cater for 77-seat Dash 8 aircraft and a terminal with cafe facilities, has not had a commercial flight arrive nor depart in more than 12 months.
Ironically, it “has never been busier”, with Snowy Hydro charter flights carrying around 900 workers a week in and out of Cooma.
“We are pushing hard to attract a carrier so we can get commercial flights up and running again,” Blyton Group chief operating officer, Lachlan Blyton told The Monaro Media Group.
“We would love to see increased tourism through the airport, especially for snow season, and would love seeing people using the airport. But we need to attract a carrier.”
Previously, Qantas operated flights from Brisbane to Cooma and a number of other routes, for example from Sydney, were trialled.
“We had COVID and I think we fell off the radar,” Mr Blyton said.
“Qantas had staff shortages and other things happened, but now we are absolutely trying to get them back up and running. We are ready.”
The Blyton Group bought the airport off the former preamalgamated council 20 years ago.
“No-one wanted it so we decided to take it on,” Mr Blyton said.
“We want it to be used as an airport for the region and for tourism like other regional centres have.”
The Blyton Group also owns Charlotte Pass Snow Resort and Selwyn Snow Resort and is based in Jindabyne. Both resorts have faced challenges in recent years, with Selwyn burning down in 2019-2020 and then being unable to open its revitalised facility in its first year due to lack of snowfall. This year, Charlotte Pass Snow Resort’s water treatment plant caught fire, meaning its 2024 season opening has been delayed for a month while a solution was found.
Mr Blyton said a great deal of work had been undertaken in recent months on the runway, to bring it into line to accept Dash 8 aircraft.
“Qantas has bought another 14, phasing out the Q200 and 300 in favour of the Q400, or Dash 8,” he said.
“As well, the terminal is being improved, with the addition of televisions and extra seating, air conditioning and we are improving the café options.”
Meanwhile, Mr Blyton said the Snowy Mountains Airport had record numbers of passengers passing through every week, despite not arriving on commercial flights.
“Snowy Hydro brings charter flights in regularly - there were 3500 passengers during May, which is around 800 in and out per week,” he said.
“These are record figures.
“It is great that we are supporting Snowy 2.0 and it is supporting us as the biggest industry in the region, with staff being brought in via Cooma airport and then bussed to the worksites.”
Major award for corrections museum
the State Correctional Museum in Cooma has been awarded the 2024 travellers Choice Award by tripadvisor.
tripadvisor is the biggest trip organisation in the world with more than one million reviews of attractions and places internationally. the award is based on customer reviews.
Statewide museum manager for Corrections, Andrew Weglarz, said he was very proud to hear of the award.
“About a year ago we opened seven days a week. We had been a bit more sporadic prior to that but these days we are open every day from 8.30am-3.15pm and this is obviously a vindication of that,” he said.
“Visitor numbers have increased, particularly from Canberra, Queensland and Sydney. Up until the end of June we had 4500 people through.
“When we opened 10 years ago it was three days a week. Obviously weekends are important but we were shut Sundays and Bank holidays.”
the museum currently has 106 reviews on trip Advisor and all of them are not only positive, but rated “excellent”.
“i think we will receive a certificate,” Mr Weglarz said.
the museum focuses on the history of nSW Corrections from the First Fleet to the present day, plus Australian history.
“We have the actual gallows from Bathurst jail from the 1930s, where 40 plus people were hung from them,” Mr Weglarz said.
“We have stocks and items of punishment, death masks from Captain Moonlight, original hanging ropes used in executions, the dock from Armidale courts, a padded cell used for housing vulnerable inmates, the reconstruction of cell inside Cooma jail and a room of confiscated contraband from inmates (crossbows, knives, guns) which people tend to find quite interesting.”
the museum is located next to the Cooma jail, which is the oldest working jail in Australia.
Embark on a schnappy quest at Wildbrumby Distillery
The Australian snow season can be fickle, but whether there’s fresh powder on the mountain, spring slush, or a wind hold, there’s a sure way to enjoy your trip to the mountains that’s always reliable. Embark on a schnappy quest and head to wildbrumby distillery to experience a unique blend of Aussie x Austrian mountain culture. Here’s how to make the most of the experience.
Free tastings
Tastings of the range of liqueur and premium traditional schnapps, gins, and vodka, are free all day, every day so you can discover the mountain spirit you’d like to take home! In the Austrian alps, where wildbrumby founder Brad Spalding learned the art of distillation, the drinking of schnapps is embedded in mountain culture. Whilst traditionally a strong spirit (over 40 percent ABV) sipped neat after a meal to aid digestion, wildbrumby has developed a liqueur range with a low ABV, using premium Australian-grown fruit, that is delicious on its own, poured over ice-cream, or shaken in cocktails.
Try our Snow Gin
each year, before the snow season draws to a close, snow from the Main range is collected, melted and blended with local botanicals to bring you a unique, limited-edition Snow Gin. each bottle is also lovingly painted by artist SPALDinG, making it the perfect gift or memento of your travels.
Enjoy après-ski cocktails and winter warmers
Let’s face it. Part of the joy of visiting the snow and going skiing first thing in the morning is relaxing with a warm bevy in the afternoon. For those cold days, order a Glühwein – a blend of pink lady apple schnapps, shiraz and european herbs and spices. Alternatively, get cosy with a Hot Whipped Minty, or Hot Whipped Devil (hot chocolate with peppermint or chilli Devil’s tongue schnapps). if you fancy a cocktail, there are seasonal favourites on the menu for a limited time, such as Powder Day and the Face Plant shot – each featuring our winter Baked Apple schnapps.
Stretch your legs on a sculpture walk
enjoy the grounds at wildbrumby and peruse the alpine landscape-inspired sculptures on display. Alternatively, for a guided experience join artist Spalding every Saturday morning from 10am. Become an art aficionado, peak inside the Spalding Studio, and make some new friends. the cost of the experience is $30 per person, which includes a coffee or cocktail, with all proceeds going to support the not-for-profit work of One thredbo. this work includes an alpine public art project set to invigorate thredbo Alpine Village.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a big deal at wildbrumby, and this year we’ll be celebrating on Saturday October 5 with the Cooma District band out back. Get in quick to book a table, bring a rug or a lawn chair, and pop on your lederhosen (if you really want to get into the spirit).
Your schnappy quest awaits!
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 100
Red Energy:
On behalf of 100 percent Australian owned Red Energy, congratulations to Snow Post on achieving the milestone of 100 editions. Red Energy has a deep connection to the Snowy Mountains region (being owned by Snowy Hydro) and has been a part of the Snow Post for many years. We look forward to many more editions to come.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
As one of the major publications in the Snowy Monaro region, it is my great pleasure to congratulate the Monaro Post on their 100th edition of the Snow Post. The dedicated team inform the public and report on our region with diligence and respect, and I am proud to be a contributor. They’ve been going strong since 2007 when I was last in office, and I wish them another 100 editions in the future.
Snowy Hydro:
As a proud member and supporter of the local community, Snowy Hydro congratulates the Snow Post on its milestone 100th edition and the team’s ongoing commitment to highlighting the great stories, achievements, attractions and diversity of the Snowy Mountains region.
Thredbo Resort:
A massive congratulations to the Snow Post team on reaching this significant milestone. Snow Post has been a champion for the Snowy Mountains region, and we thank all of the team for their hard work and support. Thredbo is proud to have partnered with Snow Post for many years and looks forward to what the next 100 editions will bring.
100TH EDITION OF SNOW POST
Snow Australia:
We sincerely thank the dedicated team at Snow Post for their hard work behind the scenes in producing seven editions each year. Your unwavering commitment and dedication since the first edition in 2007 have been instrumental in sharing the message about Snow Australia events and community. We appreciate your passion and effort in bringing each edition to life.
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:
Congratulations to the Snow Post team for reaching 100 editions of Snow Post and thank you for promoting the beautiful Snowy Mountains in the mighty eden-Monaro.
Wildbrumby Distillery:
Brad, Monika, and the team at wildbrumby congratulate the Snow Post on a milestone 100th edition. the Snow Post is a great supporter of wildbrumby and other local businesses, providing a valuable means of connecting with the thousands of visitors our region receives year-round. thank you for your efforts, and here’s to many more exciting editions.
Yarrangobilly Caves, NSW NPWS:
Congratulations to everyone at the Snow Post on reaching 100 editions, a significant milestone, 100 editions promoting the attractions of the Snowies and surrounding area for visitors and locals alike.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council:
Congratulations to the Snow Post team on your 100th edition. Since 2009, you have been a valuable partner in promoting the Snowy Monaro region. Your work in covering local events, community stories, and regional attractions has supported tourism and helped to connect our resident and visitor communities with one another for the benefit of all.
Rogan Corbett, former Cooma Monaro Shire Council Deputy Mayor and current Cooma Car Club volunteer:
Congratulations to the team at the Monaro Media Group for reaching 100 Snow Posts. the magazine has always promoted the best of the entire Snowy Monaro region and showcased our wonderful area to visitors and even locals. the Cooma Car Club is proud to work with you to promote the club and help increase visitation in Cooma and throughout the local government area. We look forward to another 100 editions.
Disabled Wintersports Australia
the work of Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) has been praised and supported as the Jindabyne Bushpigs and wider Snowy Mountains community threw its support behind the organisation.
the club raised more than $25,000 for DWA to help the organisation continue its work in promoting and fostering the advancement of participation of people with disability in Australian winter sports.
Paralympian Sam tait praised the organisation for its role in helping him discover sit-skiing. in 2018, tait competed in the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics.
“Without DWA’s support and the support from the community, my journey wouldn’t exist,” tait said.
“i wouldn’t have represented Australia without DWA’s involvement.”
tait acquired paraplegia at 22 when he broke his t11 vertebrae in a motorcycle accident in Wollongong. He thanked DWA for its support.
the Bushpigs held their annual charity dinner and fundraiser in July to help further DWA’s impact and reach in the community.
through auctioning player jerseys, raffles and collecting donations at the region’s snow resorts, the club will donate more than $25,000 to the organisation.
Charlotte Pass moving ahead
With promising snow falls of late, there is plenty of positivity in the air at Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
Just being open is an achievement, following a fire to the resort’s water treatment plant in mid-May. Through a herculean effort, Charlotte Pass opened on July 5, just in time for the school holidays.
Chief Operating Officer, Lachlan Blyton-Gray, said the team is excited to be welcoming snow goers back to its slopes.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to pull off in such a short space of time,” he said.
“We are looking forward to getting back to providing a great experience to our loyal guests.”
The fire occurred just a month from the opening weekend for many of the resorts. The blaze was expected to ruin the season for the resort, a sister to Selwyn Snow Resort near Adaminaby, which has also gone through a few tough years following bushfires and poor snow.
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“the fire affected the contents of the plant, so the important stuff like the inflow in the first tank, the scientific equipment, the brains, if you like, the auto heating, aeration, ultra violet and media filtration,” Mr Blyton-Gray said.
“All the tanks were fine and minor repairs were done, but we needed a containerised solution to provide the ability to treat water from taps, toilets and showers.
“We asked around but no-one was able to provide us with what
we needed, and then we found AKS who did a job that normally takes nine months in just four weeks. not only that, but we have a permanent solution, not just a temporary one, which is great news looking ahead.”
Charlotte Pass worked with stakeholders, national Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning and the environmental Protection Authority to devise a strategy to save the winter season.
Regional Interschool Championship success
Over the last three weeks, the Regional Interschools Snowsports Championships returned to the Snowy Mountains. The Interschools Championships brought school students together in a friendly and safe competition where they had the opportunity to compete in five snow sports disciplines: Alpine, Ski Cross, Moguls, Snowboard GS, and Snowboard Cross.
largest club on the Monaro, one hour south of Canberra located in the heart of Cooma, gateway to the beautiful Snowy Mountains.
At the SUBArU northern nSW and QLD regional Championships held at thredbo from July 9 to 12, nearly 800 school students from 110 schools participated. thredbo hosted fun and suitable courses for this level of competition, and the participants, families, and school supporters enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.
competition, and it was never too late to participate, as shown by Year 12 first-timer Lucas Saxby from Knox Grammar School.
“i had been skiing for a while and saw this as a great opportunity to represent the school, and it looked really fun,” Lucas said.
the interschools Championships then moved to Perisher for back-to-back regional Championships, including the SUBArU Sydney Championships and the ACt and regional nSW Championships. the Sydney Championships brought 1,240 students from 122 schools to the slopes, where the four-day event saw 2,600 event starts. the ACt and regional Championships recorded the largest participation, with 1,300 students competing from 146 schools.
the interschools Championships provided an opportunity to introduce skiers and snowboarders to snow sports competition. every year, many new students entered the
When asked what advice he would give to those considering interschools, he said let’s just give it a go.
teammate and captain of the Knox Snowsports, Oscar Downs, enjoyed his final regional interschools competition at thredbo, particularly the moguls event.
“it was pretty fun; it was accessible to all levels. the announcer was really inclusive and encouraged everyone to participate. it was lots of fun,” Oscar said.
‘interschools is really good for learning how to ski better.”
Snow depth measuring improvements
Snowy Hydro’s snow depth measurements in the Snowy Mountains are underway for 2024, with some changes and improvements to data collection and public reporting.
The first reading for 2024 was conducted on June 14. Manual readings at Spencers Creek will occur weekly to fortnightly this winter, with a greater focus on the second half of the season when snow depths are peaking and as the spring snowmelt increases.
Manual readings at Deep Creek and Three Mile Dam will be carried out on an as-needs basis and supplemented by automated instrumentation.
Following a rigorous process review and impact analysis, Snowy Hydro is investing in new instrumentation across the Snowy Scheme and can now provide more frequent snow depth readings at a site close to the Spencers Creek snow course. Snowy Hydro said it is committed to remaining flexible and exploring new technology to maximise the value of Spencers Creek, which is regarded as Australia’s premier long-term snow record.
“We recognise its significance to scientists and the wider community as an index of environmental variability and change. Indeed, having an understanding of the alpine and subalpine environment is essential to our business operations,” a Snowy Hydro spokesperson said.
“Safety and operational considerations will remain our highest priority when conducting snow depth measurements.
“By being more flexible with how we collect data in remote locations, including the regularity and frequency of obtaining snow depth readings, we reduce the need to send staff to remote locations in poor weather conditions.
“This agility allows us to schedule this work to occur when conditions are safest while also maintaining quality records.”
This near real-time snow depth information is available on Snowy Hydro’s website.
The new equipment can measure snow depths accurately up to three metres.
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Snowfalls through mid-July have kick-started the season at Selwyn Snow Resort.
Promising snow at Selwyn
Promising snowfalls during the second week of the school holidays saw the resort open its new Chum Double Chair, Wes’ Wonderful Carpet and toboggan Park.
in what has been a tough couple of of years for the resort, the recent snowfalls have the Selwyn Snow resort hopeful of a bumper season.
the team say the resort is nSW’s most affordable and a favourite for those seeking adventure play or trying skiing or boarding for the first time.
Selwyn is a family-owned and operated snow resort
nestled in the nSW Snowy Mountains, just a short and scenic drive from Cooma or tumut.
the closest towns to Selwyn are Adaminaby and talbingo.
Selwyn originated from Kiandra, located a stone’s throw away. Kiandra was the birthplace of the first ski club in the world established in the 1860s.
Selwyn is the biggest toboggan park in Australia! Book a ticket and enjoy a ride on our whopping 150 metres snow carpet for effortless laps of fun.
the brand new Selwyn Centre houses all guest facilities and services in the one building. Visit the expanded ski and snowboard Hire, enhanced food and drink offerings and improved toilet amenities.
Take in Bombala’s sights
The Bombala Precinct Trail offers cyclists an easy and fun way of exploring the town. Discover the best of Bombala on bike and don’t let the cooler temperatures deter you.
The Bombala trail is part of the planning for the Monaro Rail Trail - a shared path linking the villages along the disused rail corridor from Queanbeyan to Bombala – it was envisaged that short local trails could be developed at each village.
“These were intended to provide something at each destination for visitors to explore which in turn might encourage them to stay longer and contribute to the economy,” Monaro Rail Trail Inc’s Frank Bakker, said.
“It is expected that most rail trail users will stay in the towns and villages on the way, and would have time and interest in seeing what each place has to offer. And the locals would benefit also.”
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these trails were developed separately from the rail trail as smaller projects, and the Boco rock Community enhancement Fund Committee awarded $53,859 to Mrt for the development of the trail, which encompasses three loops designed to showcase Bombala’s attractions.
“On successfully receiving this grant we set up a small working team of Mrt members and community representatives and got started,” Mr Bakker said.
“the project has involved much planning and design input from community and Council stakeholders, and many local businesses were involved.”
the Bombala Precinct trail project boasts:
• Maps and signage for the cycling and walking trail around Bombala, utilising the existing riverside paths and route to the Bombala town lookout. the precinct trail now also
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includes a diversion to visit the railway Station grounds, historic machinery shed and Visitor information Centre.
• Brochures with maps of the trail for the visitor centre to give to visitors.
• Path upgrades at the railway station footbridge, and near the downstream river footbridge. these areas were previously quite degraded and in need of repair.
“We would like to acknowledge considerable support from the staff at Snowy Monaro regional Council who helped with the planning and design stage and also with the installation of the wayfinding signs,” Mr Bakker said.
“After all the effort that went in it is pleasing to see the results, with the path upgrades now finally being completed. it is hoped that the community will benefit from and enjoy these works.”
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New night shuttle getting you
There is good news for the Jindabyne community this winter season as Cooma Coaches extend their Jindabyne public transport options with a new night shuttle.
Collecting and dropping passengers off for the first run of the new Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle took place on the evening of Wednesday June 26 and was a success with all passengers.
Managing director of Cooma Coaches Chris Fogg said for the past few year’s Cooma Coaches has seen a demand for midweek, Friday, and Saturday evening local shuttle services to cater to the people of Jindabyne.
“We try to do the best we can with the small amount of resources that we have at this time of the year and try to accommodate some sort of transport plan for getting people around town,” Mr Fogg said.
“If successful and the numbers show the demand for this service, Cooma Coaches hope to continue the night service as it does the Snowy Mountains Bus Service to the resorts which has become a popular way to get up the mountains for many.”
The Jindabyne community does not have many options for evening transport with many having to walk home, which can be dangerous.
Jindabyne lacks accessible footpaths in many areas of the town as well as very limited streetlights.
“The town is growing every year and with the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct in the plans it is only going to continue to grow and there’s limited public transport options,” Mr Fogg said.
“The town isn’t going to get any smaller so at some point in time we do need to develop some sort of public transport plan for Jindabyne.”
Currently Jindabyne has one taxi in service and two Uber drivers for evening transport, the limited services aren’t enough to keep up with the demand from the community on busy Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Many years ago, the Jindabyne winter community relied upon a funded public transport service called the ‘brain bus’ whom ran a service very similar to the new Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle.
Mr Fogg said Cooma Coaches are trying to do something similar to the brains bus and reach out to a wider audience so we’re looking to the community for support; other routes can be added in the future as an alternative to taxis or an Uber.
“We want to put out a timetable that’s regular and a service that the community can rely on,” Mr Fogg said.
home safely
“the people of Jindabyne need to continue using the public transport systems offered to them in their community as the more demand the more likely the services will be supported for future use as well as implementing the services year round on a permanent basis.”
the new Jindabyne town loop and Station resort shuttle runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until
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Visit the Cooma Coaches Facebook page to view the timetable and link to book a ticket or go to coomacoaches.com.au for more information.
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Snowy Scheme Museum is a must visit
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 Hydroelectric 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 with the Selwyn Snow Resort reopening.
Future Generation thanks motorists for their patience and extra care when driving near our segment trucks, other project related traffic and all heavy vehicles.
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.
Arts guide proves popular
The new art and artisan trail guide for the Snowy Monaro region has been published by South East Arts and is already proving a popular source of local information.
Visitors now have a comprehensive guide to the best arts and culture spots the Snowy Monaro has to offer, and there are plenty.
The booklet is available at visitor centres, libraries, cafes and shops to provide visitors with a guide to the many cultural experiences available in the region.
South East Arts chief executive officer Andrew Gray said it contained a comprehensive list of art and artisans, which was a first for the region.
He said he believed the guide would help set the wheels in motion for cultural tourism.
“The trail allows visitors to meet the makers, get upclose-and-personal with street art or take a slow stroll through sculpture walks,” Mr Gray said.
South East Art’s Gaby Tagliapietra said the trail was a companion to the Creative South website which had been developed in partnership with South East Arts and Southern Tablelands Arts.
“Our region is home to many talented creatives, from artists at every stage of their career to those in the creative industries, making beautiful artisan wares,” Ms Tagliapietra said.
“The trail includes artists who have workshops or outlets you can visit; creative retail venues; cultural events; heritage trails and our ‘bank’ of public art, which consists of mural art and world-class sculpture walks.
“We want to show people this region has wonderful cultural experiences to offer in addition to the traditional outdoor attractions of skiing and mountain bike trails. We want to celebrate art and culture and give people another reason to visit our region, and to take home something special to remind them of this place.”
Ms Tagliapietra said the experiences in the arts and artisan trail were available year-round.
“All you have to do is check the specific websites/ social media for details about open times, workshop or festival dates. Alternatively visit Creative South and create your own trail using the interactive map.”
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Adaminaby offers plenty of charm
the region is peppered with small towns that offer a lot of interesting sights to explore as well as fun activities, and are rich in local history as well, making them wonderful places to explore.
towns like Adaminaby, which is a great starting point, being a gateway to several historical sites in the Snowy Mountains and around the Monaro region.
Prior to european settlement, the region was a popular meeting place for indigenous people, who would arrive from both sides of the mountains to feast on the nutritious Bogong moths.
When the early european settled on the Monaro Plains, they would take advantage of the high country grasslands, moving their livestock up the mountains to feed during the summer months.
Having been relocated in the early 1960s to accommodate the townspeople displaced by the construction of Lake eucumbene, Adaminaby offers visitors plenty of local historical interest, along with stunning mountain scenery, to make their visit to the town enjoyable.
Both the Kosciuszko and namadgi national Parks are within easy reach of the town and abound in hidden treasures to delight wanderers, such as the magnificent views, the abundance of native wildlife, historic huts, guided walks, and the Currango and Coolamine homesteads.
History buffs can take an enjoyable wander around the Old Adaminaby Cemetery, which provides a valuable history of the family names of those early settlers to the area and their descendants.
For those preferring to stay closer in town, Adaminaby offers some great eateries and shops. take the time to explore the Heritage trail and the town Walk.
Don’t forget to visit the Snowy Scheme Museum, a terrific facility offering a window into what life was like during the Scheme.
there is also the much talked about Big trout, fresh with a new paint job. You can’t miss it.
Tips for using snow chains
Do you need snow chains to drive to the snow?
When driving in the Snowy Mountains National Park and other snow affected areas, snow chains must be carried. With the exception of 4WD vehicles, authorities require snow chains to be fitted when conditions demand.
Although 4WDs are exempt from using snow chains, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) recommends that 4WD owners, including sport utility vehicles, off-road vehicles, and all-wheel drive vehicles – except those with vehicles equipped with winter tyres - carry chains and install them when directed.
When do snow chains have to be used?
National Park regulations require all vehicles, except four wheel drive vehicles, in the National Park to carry chains between the June and October long weekends when driving through designated ‘snow and ice’ risk sections.
In the Alpine regions, possible snow and ice risk sections are identified with yellow lane line marking and black and yellow signposting. There are also designated snow chain fitting bays.
These indicate when you can put chains on your tyres. You may also be directed by rangers, highway patrol or other authorised people to put chains on before proceeding further.
How do you put them on?
You only have to fit chains to two driving wheels: front wheel drive vehicles, fit to front wheels; rear wheel drive vehicles, fit to rear wheels; and four wheel drive vehicles if using chains, fit to front wheels. For all wheel drive vehicles refer to the owner’s manual.
When fitting chains, pull off to the left of the road as far as possible and use a chain fitting bay if possible. Do not use a jack to lift a vehicle to put on snow chains as in icy conditions, your car might slide off the jack.
Make sure the inner and outer hooks are securely fastened. Tie the loose ends of the chains down to prevent damage to mudguards.
After you have driven the first 50 to 100 metres, stop and check that your snow chains are still tight.
Winter driving tyre tips
the 2024 winter season is now underway and there is no better time for you as a motorist, to have a review of your tyre situation on your vehicle.
As the weather conditions can change very quickly, cold, and icy road conditions become a significant factor when driving within the Snowy Mountains region, the importance of good safe tyres is vital to the safety of both your own vehicle and the safety of other road users.
there are some very simple maintenance steps you should undertake to ensure your vehicle is in good, reliable shape for winter driving.
One of the simplest and most important things you can do to keep your tyres in good condition is to make sure they are correctly inflated.
Failure to maintain correct tyre pressures may result in fast and uneven treadwear, improper vehicle handling, and excessive heat build-up which could result in a possible tyre failure.
Attending your local tyre dealer for a tyre pressure check is highly recommended as most good tyre dealers have their pressure gauges calibrated on a regular basis.
these tyres are manufactured with a different rubber compound and tread design to their ‘cousins’, the mud and snow tyre, and are specifically designed to work on snow and ice.
if you are required to drive in snow conditions regularly these may be worthy of consideration.
the minimum requirement for legal tread depth is 1.5mm.
it is imperative that your tyres are above the legal tread requirement, especially in wet weather conditions, as a reduction in tread inhibits the ability of the tyre to create traction on the road causing a dangerous situation for both you and other road users.
if you are in the need of tyres soon, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to fit your vehicle out with good rubber to take advantage of the tyre’s prime performance over this year’s winter season.
if you would like more information, a safety check, your tyre pressures tested or any other tyre related help, call into Snowy river tyrepower at Leesville estate in Jindabyne and one of the friendly staff will be able to assist you.
Many locals are now taking advantage of a range of specialised snow and ice tyres.
WINTER EVENTS
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST & BEST ALPINE EVENTS CALENDAR
JUNE
JULY
OCTOBER
WEEKLY EVENTS
Family Flare Run & Fireworks –Friday Flat – Every Thursday evening from 27 June to 19 September
Watch the Fireworks & Flare Run –Supertrail – Every Saturday
APRÈS
Pirate Life Deck Sessions – Merritts Mountain House Deck – Sundays from 28 July | 1pm – 3:30pm
Big Deck Energy – Black Sallees Deck Saturdays from 27 July – 14 September | 1pm – 3pm
WHAT'S ON
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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
RESORT PARTNERS
SEPTEMBER
