+ THREDBO OPENING WEEKEND + PEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL + SNOW AUSTRALIA AWARDS + PERISHER 6 REVIEW + FRIDAY FLAT SNOWMAKING
+ CHARLOTTE PASS NEW CHAIR
+ SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY BENEFITS
THREDBO
FIRST TRACKS CLUB
PERISHER BEGINNER BUNDLE SNOW
TOMMY TOMASI 100TH | DINING GUIDE
DEPTH CHART | AREA TOURING MAP
SHOWCASING THE BEST OF THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS
PROUD TO BE AN OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF
Snowy Hydro proudly unveiled its Community Benefits Report for 2025 at events in Cooma and Tumut last month, celebrating the people who are the heartbeat of the region, including families who have lived in the mountains for generations, to new residents helping to build Australia’s renewable energy future.
Throughout 2025, the Snowy family continued to grow with 713 local residents making up the direct workforce and over $104 million in salaries flowing directly back into local communities. Snowy also awarded more than $400,000 to 76 grassroots organisations, ensuring vital projects like Cooma Public School’s swimming program and the much-loved Tumbafest continue to thrive.
Local students are also being empowered as the "energy superheroes" of tomorrow, with 28 schools receiving $212,000 to bring STEM learning to life through mentorships and hands-on robotics.
Snowy’s Head of Social Impact and Community Sarah Norris said Snowy is proud to support the people,
projects, and events that keep our towns vibrant.
Snowy Hydro Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Scott MacKillop said the report is a testament to the enduring relationship between Snowy the nation-builder and the local communities it calls homeserves.
"Since the first blast on the construction of the Snowy Scheme, Snowy has been a part of the Mountains and we’re deeply committed to the region that continues to enable our future.
"We are working side–by-side with communities across the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and beyond to support our local towns to thrive. Our success as a business is deeply intertwined with the prosperity of the Snowy Mountains.
"This report shows what is possible when we focus on working together, creating shared value and backing the things that matter locally.”
We’re dedicated to helping Snowy Mountains communities thrive socially and economically. We focus on open conversations and meaningful partnerships to deliver and support initiatives that genuinely benefit communities.
local suppliers on the sonwy 2.0 project
Through regional economic investment, the use of local suppliers, and creating local jobs and career pathways, we’re working to ensure our presence delivers real, lasting value.
By working side‑by‑side with community groups and First Nations peoples, we make sure we understand local priorities and culture. Through this constant engagement and targeted investment, we aim to leave a positive impact that supports communities for the long run.
Since the first blast on the construction of the Snowy Scheme, Snowy has been a part of the Mountains and we’re deeply committed to the region that continues to enable our future.
"We are working side–by side with communities across the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and beyond to support our local towns to thrive. Our success as a business is deeply intertwined with the prosperity of the Snowy Mountains.
were
$104M in salaries to Snowy Mountains based employees flowing through the local economy
Name: Jindabyne Landscaping
Location: Jindabyne
Jindabyne Landscaping first worked with Snowy Hydro in 2009 on a range of minor civil, revegetation and rehabilitation projects, including the Verandah Creek Aquaduct at Geehi Dam. More recently, its team carried out the Happy Jacks 11kV pole removal and revegetation works, which included the planting of 5,000 native plants. The business has also taken a lead in recent years in servicing increased non‑winter tourist visitation to the Snowy Mountains, as a leading builder of walking and mountain biking trails.
“The Jindabyne Landscaping team has lived and worked in Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains for more than 40 years. To see the evolution and growth of the region on the back of the skills and knowledge of local people and local businesses… that’s something we can all be incredibly proud of.”
Andrew Downing, business owner
Project: Cooma Public School
Whole-School Swimming Program
Location: Cooma
Grant received: $10,000 Community Grants Program – Round 1, 2025
Cooma Public School knew how important it was for all of its 230 students to develop water safety
skills essential for life in the Snowy Mountains, regardless of financial background. Snowy Hydro provided a $10,000 grant to help cover the cost of swimming lessons and pool entry. By partnering with the P&C and families to tackle these costs, we made sure that no child was left out.
”As a P&C, our role is to remove barriers so every child has the same opportunities to learn, grow and stay safe. Thanks to the support of Snowy Hydro and our wider school community, we were able to ensure every student at Cooma Public School could participate in this vital swimming program. Seeing the confidence our students gained, both in the pool and back in the classroom, reinforces just how powerful community partnerships like this can be.”
Alicia Bolton, President, Cooma Public School P&C
OUR SUPPLIERS
Name: Cooma Toyota
Location: Cooma
Toyota’s presence in Australia is inexorably linked with Snowy Hydro: the first Toyotas imported into our country arrived almost 70 years ago for use in construction of the original Snowy Scheme. A lot has changed
“When I moved to Cooma in 2024, I was struck by the diversity of the community, which of course is a legacy of the original Snowy Scheme. Cooma’s diverse spirit really sets it apart as a community with a rich history and a bright future.”
Mitch Newman, General Sales Manager
since those 12 LandCruisers arrived in the Snowy Mountains, but the connection between the two iconic brands endures. Cooma Toyota remains a valued supplier of Snowy Hydro vehicles, including fitting out site vehicles with electrical, navigational and safety equipment for use by our team.
PAGES 14-15
Winter Athletes Honoured Winter Olympic Games athletes honoured at Snow Australia Awards.
PAGES 16-17
Paralympic Athletes Honoured Winter Paralympic athletes honoured at Snow Australia Awards.
PAGES 22-23
Thredbo 2026 Season
The Thredbo season kicks off in fine style on the June long weekend.
PAGE 27
Jindabyne Welcome Josie Baff
Winter Olympic gold medallist Joise Baff welcomed home to Jindabyne.
PAGE 30
Perisher Beginner Bundle
Perisher launches its Epic Beginner Bundle to attract new visitors.
PAGE 32-33
Peak Music Festival
Kesha Neve headlines Perisher’s June long weekend free music festival.
COVER PHOTO
Letitia Murphy carving up the Thredbo slopes. .
Thredbo Resort / Boen Ferguson
PAGE 8
Snowy Hydro Community
Snowy Hydro release their region wide community benefits report.
PAGE 21
New Owners Dalgety Hotel
The Dalgety Hotel is under new local ownership and ready to serve you.
PAGE 24
Thredbo Value Season
June and September are great months to ski and snowboard at Thredbo.
PAGE 34
Second MT P 6 Season
The Mt P 6 will still have full attention of patrons at Perisher this season.
PAGE 37
Snow Summit Conference
Snow industry personnel attend the Snow Summit conference at Thredbo.
PAGE 41
Ski & Snowboard Giveaway
Sign up for a chance to win a pair of Dynastar Skis or a Drake Snowboard.
PAGES 42-47
Dining Guide
A guide to the best winter eateries and restaurants in the alpine region.
PAGE 50
Visit Yarrangobilly Caves
Explore the Yarrangobilly Caves precinct in beautiful Kosciuszko National Park.
MANAGING EDITOR
Steve Cuff
DESIGN & ARTWORK
NEM Creative team.
CONTRIBUTORS
Charles Davis, Boen Ferguson.
ADVERTISING SALES
Steve Cuff
Ph: 0418 620 651
E: stevecuff@snowymagazine.com.au
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Snowy Mountains Magazine is a free publication published 7 times per year and distributed to over 170 locations.
2026 Snow Holiday Edition
15,000 printed copies
3500 Sydney 2200 Canberra 9300 Snowy Mountains region and surrounding areas.
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Free E-Editions available online at www.snowymagazine.com.au.
PUBLISHER
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DISCLAIMER
No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher. Snowy Mountains Magazine takes care in compiling content but cannot accept responsibility for any errors. Every effort is made to confirm events and calendar dates however dates can often change and errors may occur.
NEXT EDITION
2026 July Edition
Advertising Booking Deadline Strictly May 25
THE most popular question for the start of any winter is what will this season look like? The answer can go many ways, including - Ask me in October - We always have snow.
So here we are at the start of winter 2026. We have had pre-winter-season snowfalls in April and May; Thredbo’s snow factory has been running since late April on Friday Flat making snow, and as soon as temperatures allow, snow guns will be blaring at all resorts.
I want the snow to arrive early and in abundance as much as the next person. But I never worry too much about the snow. One, it’s totally out of our control, and as I said above, it always snows. How much, how frequent and what quality the snow is are totally different questions. All of which I don’t know the answers to yet, but after the fact, and in October, I will. We must congratulate our Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes for further cementing Australia as a leading snow nation… Did I just say that…. Yes, we are a leading snow nation, especially in the freestyle type sports. Australia won a swag of medals at the Milano-Cortina February Games, which, every four years, give our industry
an added boost months before our winter season.
Starting with this Snow Holiday June edition, we highlight our most achieving athletes as they acquire accolades, and in future editions, we will find out what makes them tick, on and off the snow.
The opening weekend of the snow season is always an exciting time.
Music festivals, big après parties, champagne corks popping, and skiing and snowboarding will all take place.
This is the start of what is an annual $5.71 billion industry across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. This is the figure revealed from the Snow Summit conference in Thredbo. The Snow Industry is more than just the resorts; it’s the livelihood of regional towns, and the industry is inadvertently responsible for over 22,000 jobs.
We hope to see you visiting the Snowy Mountains this winter and help support the Australian snow industry.
Ripping into some quality Perisher snow last season.
Steve Cuff MANAGING EDITOR
By STEVE CUFF
THE Snowy 2.0 project reached a major milestone in May when tunnel boring machine (TBM) Lady Eileen Hudson completed excavation of a 6-kilometre tunnel and successfully broke through into the underground cavern complex deep in the Snowy Mountains.
Crucially, this breakthrough marks the completion of the massive 2,300-tonne machine’s tunnelling work on the project, TBM Lady Eileen Hudson having previously excavated a 2.85-kilometre access tunnel before the 6-kilometre tailrace tunnel, which will connect Snowy 2.0’s underground power station to the lower water reservoir, Talbingo Dam. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the breakthrough is symbolic of the momentum being achieved at what is
Australia’s largest renewable energy project.
“There’s nothing more exciting on a tunnelling project than a breakthrough. Even more so with Snowy 2.0 because the geology we’re working with is extremely challenging,” said Mr Barnes.
“The ground under the Snowy Mountains is making us work for every metre, but like the original Snowy Scheme, it’s inspiring to see what Australia can achieve when we take on the hardest tasks.”
To emphasise the scale of the underground power station alone, the machine hall where the TBM broke through is a huge 260m long, 30m wide x 60m high. The transformer hall will be 220m long, 21m wide x 46m high, all located over 800 metres underground.
Overall, there will be 40 kilometres of tunnelling during the entire project, 27km of which will be excavated by the tunnel boring machines. TBM Florence’s previous performance issues are now a distant memory as it approaches the halfway mark of its 15-kilometre journey. Snowy 2.0’s recently commissioned fourth tunnel boring machine, Monica, is excavating the opposite end of the same tunnel as Florence. The two machines
will meet in the middle before being disassembled deep underground.
Mr Barnes noted that the project has come under a bit of flak recently. “But we are making progress, this is evidence, this is proof, we are getting it done”.
The project, which is over 70 per cent complete, has undergone several cost reviews, with Mr Barnes commenting that they will not be able to finish the project on the current forecast of $12 billion.
Australia’s largest renewable energy project will now shift focus to building the power station. Major components will be transported from the deepwater navy port at Eden over the next 12 months. Materials
will be transported through Bombala, Dalgety, and Berridale on approved truck routes, with larger oversize loads transported overnight under pilot escort and at times with a police escort.
During winter and the annual snow season, oversize load deliveries will be avoided on peak travel days, the number of vehicles on the road will be reduced, and hours of operation for project vehicles will be restricted.
“Just like the original Snowy Scheme, the project is difficult and not without its setbacks. But when we’re done, we’ll have an incredible asset owned by every Australian to underpin energy reliability and security for generations,” said Mr Barnes.
By STEVE CUFF
ONE noticeable addition to prewinter talk is the huge mound of snow at Thredbo’s Friday Flat slope. Their new all-weather snowmaking unit, which arrived mid-season in 2025, is now demonstrating its full capability, producing snow even when temperatures are well above zero. Let’s say it gives the season a big head start.
Friday Flat will open for the June long weekend at Thredbo. The huge mound of snow will be distributed leading up to the opening, and a fresh layer of snowmaking from both the snow factory and the accompanying snow guns across the slope will top it up nicely.
This is a win for Thredbo visitors, especially beginners, as this slope is ideal for learning to ski and snowboard.
Everyone likes first tracks, right…? Well, Thredbo has taken it to a new level this winter, with news that they have revamped their sunrise sessions to their First Tracks Club by Range Rover, giving guests unprecedented early-morning access to the mountain before the lifts even begin to turn.
First Tracks Club invites skiers and snowboarders to start their day in extraordinary fashion - combining exclusive access, breathtaking alpine scenery and perfectly groomed runs at first light.
Guests will begin their experience with a snowcat transfer to Australia’s highest restaurant, Eagles Nest, arriving just in time for sunrise. With the alpine landscape bathed in early morning light, guests can enjoy a light breakfast while taking in uninterrupted views as the resort awakens below.
HIRE Ski and snowboard hire for all ages and abilities, including poles and snowboard bindings. We also rent helmets, jackets, pants, après boots, backcountry skis, avalanche safety equipment and snow chains.
SKIS Full Range of New Skis to suit all levels of skier.
KÄSTLE - Head - Elan - Völkl - Blizzard - ID One - Black Crows
BOOTS Dedicated Boot Fitting Area. Full Range of boots to suit all skier levels. Experienced boot fitting staff.
TUNING Renowned reputation with over 35 years’ experience. We offer full-service tuning, including waxing, edging, and base grinds. All skis and snowboards are hand-finished.
From there, the experience shifts from serene to exhilarating, with more than 30 minutes of private access to the Basin ski area. With no lift lines and untouched corduroy underfoot, First Tracks Club delivers a rare opportunity to carve pristine runs in complete tranquillity.
To finish, guests will have first tracks down the Supertrail, Thredbo’s longest and most iconic run, enjoying a top-tobottom descent before the mountain opens to the public.
“First Tracks Club is about creating those rare, unforgettable mountain
moments,” said Thredbo Events Manager Sam Noller.
“It’s the combination of exclusivity, natural beauty and perfectly prepared terrain that makes this experience so special - you’re quite literally ahead of everyone else on the mountain!”
The newest premium offering launched in late April. Sessions will run on select Tuesdays from 28 July to 25 August, with start times ranging from 5:45am to 6:20am to align with sunrise.
For all your Thredbo experiences, visit their website.
www.thredbo.com.au/activities/alpine-experiences/
By STEVE CUFF
AMBULANCE services play a big part in a community as wide as the Snowy Monaro, and the news that there will be 17 more permanent paramedics in Cooma, and a new ambulance station to be built in Jindabyne is welcome news.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said that Cooma is a key hub not only for ambulance services but also for patient transport, and the town will see the biggest uplift in ambulance services it has seen.
“We are going to more than double the number of Paramedics here in Cooma. That means better services for the people
of Cooma, and the region, linking out to districts Jindabyne and Bombala and transfers to Canberra,” said Mr Whan.
“We’re making long term investments into recruiting more staff to meet the growing health needs of regional communities and relieve the pressure on our health system.”
The Cooma uplift is part of an initiative by the Minns Labor Government to hire 500 additional paramedics across rural, regional and remote NSW.
In another recent announcement, Jindabyne will receive a new purposebuilt ambulance station. Planning and design are in the final stages, and the construction tender process is now underway for the new station, which will be located on Kosciuszko Road, west of the Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
“I’m so pleased to be able to present the artist’s impressions, and I look forward to construction commencing in the coming months.”
“Our paramedics deserve a purpose-built station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care when and where it’s needed,
and that’s exactly what they’ll have.”
Construction is expected to begin this year, following planning approval and the appointment of a builder.
Currently, in Jindabyne, there are four paramedics and one station officer. During winter, additional staff are seconded to cover the extra demand during the busy snow season, where the population can swell to over 20,000 in Jindabyne and the snow resorts on any given week or weekend.
The new Jindabyne station will house up to six vehicles and is due to be completed in late 2027.
The site was selected following a comprehensive planning process using best-practice modelling software to map Triple Zero calls. Its location will provide optimal access to the major road network, ensuring optimal emergency response times across the Snowy Mountains.
The new Jindabyne Ambulance Station is part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program, which already delivered 53 new, rebuilt or upgraded ambulance stations across rural and regional NSW to boost frontline emergency care.
MORE than 180 delegates representing over 75 organisations attended the 2026 Snow Summit in Thredbo in early May, the first national whole-of-industry gathering of the Australian snow sector in more than two decades.
Senior leaders from all Australian snow resorts, alongside representatives from sport, retail, chambers, lodges, ratepayers, tourism, regional communities and all levels of government, discussed the future of Australia’s alpine industry and the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.
High-level findings from Snow Resorts Australia’s new Consumer Insights & Economic Impact Study, undertaken by SGS Economics & Planning, reinforced the industry’s scale and significance for regional Australia.
Preliminary findings presented at the Summit showed Australia’s snow industry generates $5.71 billion in economic output, drives $2.13 billion in visitor expenditure and supports more than 22,000 jobs nationally. The full report will be publicly released over the June Long Weekend.
More than 30 speakers and panellists contributed across 16 sessions, presentations and industry discussions
◼
during the two-day Summit. The Summit featured an Industry Roundtable, giving delegates the opportunity to contribute directly to discussions on the future direction of the Australian snow industry.
Outcomes and areas of alignment identified during the Roundtable will be consolidated into a formal Outcomes Paper to be released following the event. Sessions explored the economic significance of Australia’s alpine regions and the broader contribution of the snow industry to regional communities. Plus, the importance of delivering value to guests, year-round activation,
snowmaking technology, participation growth, guest experience and the evolving role of Australia’s alpine sector within the broader visitor economy.
The program included detailed insights from futurist and social researcher Ashley Fell on changing consumer expectations and decision-making across different generations, alongside a thoughtprovoking call to the industry from Alterra Mountain Company Vice President Peter Brulisauer on the future opportunities and challenges facing the Australian snow sector. (see page 37)
The program also featured an update
from Snow Australia on Australia’s athlete pipeline, along with market insights from Snowsports Industries of Australia.
Several key Snow Resorts Australia initiatives were also announced during the Summit, including the launch of the updated Alpine Responsibility Code, progress toward a new national Toboggan Responsibility Code, and Snow Resorts Australia joining the Outdoor Council of Australia to strengthen advocacy for the alpine industry within the broader outdoor recreation sector.
“Bringing together senior leaders from across resorts, industry, tourism, sport, community and government demonstrated the willingness that exists across the Australian snow industry to come together around the shared opportunities and challenges facing the sector,” said Snow Resorts Australia CEO Josh Elliott.
“The Summit highlighted not only the economic contribution of the industry, but also the importance of stronger alignment around participation, guest experience, sustainability and long-term planning. The Snow Summit was intended to start those conversations at a national level and build momentum for greater collaboration across the industry into the future.”
ARE you one of those skiers or boarders who dream of the turns you are yet to make? You are not alone; many of us wonder how good the snow will be when we have our holiday.
It’s ok to dream of carving creamy corduroy, blasting big rooster tails in the powder and hitting the snow so hard it explodes in your face. Hopefully not from a face plant. So, while you are running those future scenarios through your mind, here are a few scenes from last season to wet your snow appetite.
Thank you to Thredbo and Perisher photographers, Boen Ferguson, Noah Regan and Lucas Wilkinson, and the respective models for their creative snow images.
By SNOW AUSTRALIA
THE 2026 Snow Australia Awards marked the official homecoming of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic team from the Milano-Cortina Games, with the snowsports community coming together to celebrate the achievements from the year in a gala Melbourne function in April.
Australia’s newly minted Olympic and Paralympic medallists were among those in attendance at the 2026 Awards, which saw athletes recognised for their performances on snow at every level, from Junior World Championships right through to the Milano-Cortina Games.
Outgoing Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said the Awards cap off a phenomenal year of performances by Australian athletes on the global stage.
“Tonight we celebrated an incredible 12 months of Australian performances internationally, highlighted by our best ever Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games earlier this year in Milano-Cortina.”
“Australians were hooked in watching our athletes not only perform but deliver in Milano-Cortina, with a record number of top 10 finishes across both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also right across the World Cup season.”
Amongst Australia’s six Winter
◼ Jakara Anthony and Josie Baff were joint winners of the Female Athlete of the Year for Olympic Disciplines.
Olympic Games medallists from MilanoCortina, Cooper Woods, who won gold in sensational fashion in a red-hot men’s moguls final, was rewarded with the Male Athlete of the Year for Olympic Disciplines.
The 25-year-old, who had only once been on the moguls World Cup podium,
PHOTOS: Jay Town
delivered a masterclass to come through the qualifiers and top the Olympic podium.
“To be up against the likes of Scotty James, Val (Guseli), Adam Lambert, Matty Graham and win an award of this honour is unbelievable, and I’m just so happy and so proud,” Woods said.
“I’m just trying to enjoy every little
moment that’s coming at me…and have fun. When this all settles, in a month or so, I’ll probably have some time to really sit down and reflect on what’s happened this year.”
“Nights like this are really important to reconnect, share the memories of the journey and celebrate with one another,” he said.
Two more Olympic gold medallists, Jakara Anthony and Josie Baff, could not
be split by the judges and jointly took home Female Athlete of the Year for Olympic Disciplines.
Anthony dominated the World Cup mogul circuit, winning three gold medals before arriving in Milan, where she became Australia’s first and only Winter Olympian to win two gold medals. Anthony won gold in the dual moguls.
“It’s so exciting - like everyone has said tonight we had such an incredible Games and to get to share this Award with Josie and to take home the (Olympic) gold together is unreal,” Anthony said.
“To get to share this Award with someone this time around just shows how far we’ve come, and it’s so exciting, and I couldn’t ask for a better athlete and person to share it with,” she said.
Jindabyne’s first Olympic gold medallist, Josie Baff, also had a sensational winter
with three World Cup podiums, finishing the season ranked fourth overall. Baff won Olympic gold in the women’s snowboard cross event.
“Every year the girls up on that stage
are taking it to a new level, so it takes something incredible to win this Award,” Baff said.
“To win Olympic gold medals is just insane, Indra’s season was so inspiring and of course Dani’s silver. So I’m really proud to be standing here with Jakara tonight as joint winners of this Award,” she said.
The prestigious Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Matt Graham, who had an incredible season, highlighted by an Olympic bronze medal, two World Cup gold medals, one silver, and seven topfive World Cup finishes in moguls - finishing the season ranked second overall.
The Junior Athlete of the Year award was taken out by teenage halfpipe ski sensation Indra Brown, who made history during the 2025/26 season, winning a medal in her World Cup debut, going on to win two more World Cup medals, including a maiden victory, all before the age of 16. She also won the Junior World Championships title and finished fifth at the Olympic Winter Games.
Peter McNeil won the Award for the Coach of the Year in a season in which his
◼
mogul athletes delivered three Winter Olympics Games medals, among a host of World Cup podiums.
Retiring athletes Belle Brockhoff, Phil Bellingham and Harry Laidlaw received their Snow Australia Medals, with Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin posthumously honoured, his dad Chris accepting the award on behalf of the Pullin family.
The Snow Australia Medal is presented to all athletes across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines who, during their career, represented Australia at the Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games or finished in the top three at a World Cup or World Championship level.
Continued on page 16.
By SNOW AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA’S Para Snowsport athletes’ 2026 International season delivered a defining campaign, combining Paralympic podium success with historic milestones and continued growth across all three Para disciplines.
The standout performance came from Ben Tudhope, who claimed two medals at Milano Cortina 2026, bringing his career tally to three Winter Paralympic medals. He now sits behind only Michael Milton
(11) and James Paterson (4) on Australia’s all-time list.
Milton also made history by becoming Australia’s oldest Winter Paralympian, returning to competition 20 years after his fifth Games in Torino. Taryn Dickens debuted as Australia’s oldest female Winter Paralympian, while Liana France became the nation’s youngest at just 16 years of age.
While Milton was already a dual Paralympian, having competed in Para cycling at Beijing 2008, Summer Games gold medallists Amanda Reid and Lauren Parker became the eighth and ninth athletes to join that unique dual club.
At the Snow Australia Awards in April, Ben Tudhope was rewarded for his season, winning the Male Athlete of the Year in Paralympic Disciplines for the eighth year in a row.
“I think this is number seven, or eight…I’ve lost count,” Tudhope joked about how many Snow Australia Awards he has received.
“But it’s incredible, and this night is always great to catch up and see the whole snow industry come together, and what a year it’s been for wintersport in Australia, so this one is definitely really special,” he said.
Georgia Gunew took out the Female Athlete of the Year in Paralympic Disciplines award for the third time, accepting the accolade with guide Ethan Jackson after a season that saw them achieve a season-best third-place result in a World Cup slalom, alongside three top-five finishes across their World Cup campaign.
“Receiving this award is so special, and I’m proud to represent everyone here,”
Gunew said.
They also made their Paralympic debut,
◼ Ben Tudhope won two medals at the 2026 Paralympic Games, pictured here with his silver medal. PHOTO: Jeff Crow / Paralympics Australia
recording impressive finishes of tenth and eleventh against the world’s best. “This season was just insanity - we’ve never done a Games before so being there for the first time is crazy and an experience I’ll never forget.”
PARA SNOWBOARD
Tudhope again led the way for Australia’s Para Snowboarders with another outstanding international campaign. Just days after carrying the Australian
flag at the Opening Ceremony, he claimed silver in the SB-LL2 Snowboard Cross, improving on his bronze from Beijing 2022. He added a second medal in Banked Slalom - his first in the discipline after seventh (2018) and ninth (2022) at the two previous Games.
Across the World Cup season, Tudhope extended his record tally of podiums with three silver medals, bringing his career total to an amazing 51.
He was joined in Milano Cortina by 2018 Paralympian Sean Pollard (SB-UL) and debutants Aaron McCarthy (SB-LL1) and Reid (SB-LL1).
Pollard, named Australian team captain, produced a consistent season highlighted by a fourth-place finish in Snowboard Cross at the World Cup in Big White (CAN). In Cortina at the Paralympics, he won his pre-heat before finishing ninth overall after exiting in the quarter-finals, and placed 12th in Banked Slalom. In just his second international season, Aaron McCarthy stepped up the pace and competed in his first World Cup events. He finished the season in 2nd place in the Europa Cup standings for SBX, despite missing some competitions due to injury.
Recovering in time to compete at the Games, Aaron qualified 14th in Snowboard Cross, finishing 12th overall, and placing 13th in Banked Slalom for LL1.
Reid, the 2023 LL1 Snowboard Cross
world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist in Para-Cycling, delivered a strong World Cup season. She became Australia’s first Indigenous Winter Paralympian in Italy, qualifying eighth in Snowboard Cross before a quarterfinal crash saw her finish ninth and ultimately ruled her out of Banked Slalom through injury.
PARA ALPINE
Five athletes were selected to represent Australia in Para-Alpine skiing at Milano
Cortina 2026 across four classifications.
Josh Hanlon (LW12-2 - sitting) entered the Paralympic Games in strong form, finishing 12th in Alpine Combined before recording top 10 results in Giant Slalom (10th) and Slalom (9th). He finished 3rd in the World Cup SL overall rankings, a huge accomplishment in a stacked field.
Michael Milton (LW2 - standing) returned to the Paralympic stage at 53, earning selection through strong domestic and international results, including a return to World Cup competition in St Moritz (SUI). His best result at his sixth Winter Games was 13th in Alpine Combined.
Liana France (LW6/8-2 - standing) completed a rapid rise to the Paralympic team, earning selection after podium performances in Austria and strong World Cup results in her debut World Cup season. She placed 14th in both Giant Slalom and Slalom on her Games debut.
Since the inaugural Winter Paralympics in 1976, just five athletes had represented Australia in para-cross-country skiing. That number doubled at Milano Cortina with five more athletes selected to compete in both cross-country and biathlon, including our first female athletes.
Lauren Parker (LW10 - sitting), a
Paralympic gold medallist in ParaTriathlon and Para-Cycling at Paris 2024, demonstrated her endurance credentials with a strong debut season. She recorded a pair of top 10 finishes at the Games, including eighth in the 10km interval start and 10th in the 20km.
David Miln (LW12 - sitting) progressed rapidly from classification in late 2024 to Paralympic selection, competing in his first Games and finishing 20th in the 10km interval start. Miln was joined by fellow Invictus Games alumnus Matt Brumby (LW10 - sitting), who competed in his second international season and finished 31st in the 10km.
Taryn Dickens (NS3 - VI), alongside guide Lynn Maree Cullen, made her Paralympic debut after consistent performances on the World Cup circuit, finishing 13th in the sprint.
Of the four large macropods that call the Snowy Mountains home, the hardest to see is the swamp wallaby. As creatures of shadow and thick brush, swamp wallabies do not gather in large groups like their fellow cold-climate kin; they are often seen alone or, at most, with a mother and joey.
Photographing a swampy in the snow had always been difficult for all these reasons. It was during an evening blizzard at the Thredbo Diggings campground that an opportunity finally presented itself. Walking alongside the Thredbo River, large poa tussock brushing against my shins, the sound of water rolling over rocks. Snow had already been falling for an hour, the ground was blanketed, and a soft silence settled across the landscape as only fresh snow can.
A movement out of the corner of my eye triggered my attention. At first, I thought it was a deer, but as the creature emerged from the scrub, there was a short hop instead of a step, followed by a beautiful striped face pushing through the leaves.
Finally, after so many years a swampy had appeared and it was actually in the snow. Immediately, my thoughts turned to “don’t stuff this up”. Fortune was with me though, being a regular campsite, the Diggings almost always have humans around it, a win for me because the wallaby did not seem startled by my presence at all.
There was another reason for the wallaby not to fear: an entire ice-cold river separated us. I had a long lens on the camera, but not long enough. Drastic measures would need to be taken, my dry, warm feet would have to take a shock.
I walked straight into the river. It wasn’t very deep-hip depth at worst-but it was cold, very cold. The wallaby continued downstream along the water’s edge until it found a bush to browse upon. Finally, I had my moment: the snow, the creature, the light and the behaviour to set the scene.
VISITORS at Charlotte Pass this winter will be excited as the much-awaited Guthries Double Chair gets ready to spin for snow season 2026.
The major infrastructure project has been a few years in the making, but as of late April, chairs were in place, and testing was underway before the resort awaits final approval.
The new chair will be welcomed by skiers and snowboarders, as it will provide access to exciting terrain, significantly enhance access to advanced terrain, and improve the overall efficiency of lift operations on the mountain.
Replacing the existing high-speed poma, the new double chair will move skiers above the snow in comfort and provide access to some previously hard to get to areas that will suit the intermediate and advanced levels. Situated on south-facing slopes with views back towards Charlotte Pass Village, the new chair will provide powder seekers with the opportunity to explore off-piste and offer groomed runs for all skill levels, including newer skiers and boarders.
This past summer has seen the final stages of construction, with towers being lifted by helicopter into position and then the all-important cable fitting process.
“We have had a busy summer as we prepare to open Guthries for Winter 2026,” said Lucy Blyton-Gray, General Manager of Charlotte Pass Snow Resort.
“Our team worked tirelessly alongside Doppelmayr to stay on track, and despite the usual vagaries of mountain weather, we are pleased to say that the finish line is in sight.”
“We know how excited our guests
6456 1551 Shop 1, Snowline Center, 6532 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne. Near the Thredbo turnoff. www.lakesidelures.com.au
or
◼ BOOST: The bottom station of the new Guthries Double Chair. PHOTOS: Courtesy of Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
◼ EXCITING: The new chair will access great terrain at Charlotte Pass.
and community are about this close to 4-million-dollar upgrade, and we share that excitement,” Blyton-Gray added.
“We thank everyone for their patience and support as we work through the final stages and look forward to unveiling the new chair for Winter 2026.
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort can only be accessed via oversnow transport in winter and is the perfect resort for day
trips or longer stays, with a cosy village atmosphere. The ride from Perisher Valley to Charlotte Pass is one of the highlights for most visitors.
Less crowded than other resorts, guests will feel like they have the whole place to themselves, and with stunning scenery of the Main Range and Mt Kosciuszko, it is a true winter wonderland.
For more details on visiting and news of when the new Guthries Chair will open, visit the website.
www.charlottepass.com.au
By STEVE CUFF
WHEN entrepreneurial couple Tegan Young and Scott Craig moved to Dalgety, Tegan had thoughts of one day buying the Dalgety Hotel. That thought became a reality earlier this year, and life has been fast paced ever since.
“I always wanted to buy it ever since we moved to Dalgety six years ago. It’s always been our local pub, I guess, even when we lived in Berridale and Jindabyne, we would come out and have a bit of a day,” said Tegan.
The couple live just up the road, where Tegan originally opened a popular coffee van at the old petrol pumps and where partner Scott operates his metal fabrication business from their shed.
It’s a classic case of a local family purchasing the local pub.
“It’s exactly 174 metres, I’ve counted,” said Tegan when asked about the commute to work.
It may be the most relaxing part of the day, as once that walk is over, life in the pub is nonstop busy. The pub opens at 12 noon, but Tegan said: “Pretty much from about 11:30 onwards, people are waiting outside the door.”
“It’s been better than I could have
imagined. The support of the locals has been insane. Obviously, I have mum in the kitchen and dad sort of comes and helps out too, but without them, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up. It’s just been absolutely insane, there has not been a day that hasn’t been busy.”
Tegan mentions she “was born into
hospitality.” Her father, Steve, ran the Eyre Kiosk at Perisher for years, and her mother, Jane, ran the Red Door café in Jindabyne, where Tegan worked. Jane is now ‘chef mum’ in the pub’s kitchen and cooking up delicious classic pub meals. (see dining guide page 44).
Dalgety has always been on the radar for tourist day trips, and it is a route to the south coast. Although a small town, it has a rich history and was once touted as Australia’s capital.
“We opened at Easter, so the majority of them were the tourist crowd looking for something new to do, which is really cool, but even just people driving through,” was how Tegan described her initial crowd.
“With the caravan park across the road, a lot of those grey nomads visit wanting to look at the history of the place and then having a chat. They will sit and have lunch, then come back for dinner.”
“The majority of what we’ve had so far has been the locals in town. Also, a lot of farmers, the shearers, truckies, tradies, that type of crew, which is a lot of people I had from the (coffee) caravan as well.”
She commented on how great the community have been, and she loves how people are getting involved in the pub raffles and badge draws, which support a different local team or charity each week.
“It’s very much feeling like a public house instead of just one of those pubs you go to grab a beer and then leave. It’s great to see the community come together at a place that is the heart of the town.”
One of the most Iconic hotels in the Snowy Mountains, The Dalgety Hotel is now under new local ownership and welcomes you to visit.
OPEN 7 DAYS
From 12 noon to Late 1 Brierly Street,
By STEVE CUFF
THREDBO’S 2026 snow season opens on Saturday, 6 June, and from the first turns and the first après drinks, life in Thredbo will only get better by the day.
The resort’s Better Get Down Here campaign is a call to action featuring Thredbo’s ambassador line-up of Australian winter athletes, including gold medallist Josie Baff, silver medallist Scotty James, and silver and bronze medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside Olympians Tess Coady, Jarryd Hughes and Michael Milton.
Thredbo’s loyal guests will vouch that Thredbo is better, including the five longest runs in Australia, a vibrant winter village full of atmosphere, and when you take off your ski and snowboard boots in the afternoon, the second phase of the day only gets better as après takes on a whole new meaning.
Thredbo has the whole package, hence why it has been crowned Australia’s Best Ski Resort for nine consecutive years at the World Ski Awards.
“This campaign is a natural continuation of our ‘Better’ story,” says Thredbo Brand & Marketing Manager, Richie Carroll. “It’s proud, but never over the top. There’s a humility that comes with consistently delivering a worldclass experience, and that’s what this creative taps into. From the mountain to the village, from first chair to final après, it’s all here - and it’s better. The message is simple… you just need to get down here.”
In late April, Thredbo turned on its all-weather snowmaking unit to ensure Friday Flat will have snow for the June opening weekend. When temperatures
drop for late autumn and early winter, the resort will fire up its snowmaking system on all your favourite runs to complement the natural snow.
ON THE MOUNTAIN Friday Flat’s 12-degree beginner slope is the perfect area to learn to ski and snowboard. It’s home to Thredboland for the kids, and the Easy Does It Chair lets you progress in the ideal environment.
The Cruiser Chair offers a great mix of green and blue runs, plus for those keen to explore the off-piste, the Powder Bowl is one of the most popular for experienced skiers.
Thredbo has a wide and long range of runs to cater to all levels, from the Sponars and Antons T-bars in the Central
Spur area, to the iconic Supertrail and World Cup runs.
From the top of the Kosciuszko Chair, the groomed Supertrail down to the village offers leg-burning runs and great vertical. When the fresh snow is falling, the Golf Course, Funnel Web and The Bluff are where you will find the powder hounds who relish these famous black runs.
◼ SWEET: Boen Ferguson relishing pristine Thredbo snow conditions.
Thredbo has launched a new partnership with FlixBus, offering direct transfers from Sydney and Canberra to Thredbo this winter. The bus has several stops along the route at key towns, Canberra locations and Sydney’s Central Station. Guests can book via www.flixbus.com.au.
Now is the time to plan your holiday for the best pricing, with Thredbo’s dynamic pricing model rewarding early planners.
Guests can save up to 50% on lift passes when booking 30 or more days in advance. Across key value periods in June and September, adult lift passes are available from $115 per day (save up to 35%), with kids’ 6-day passes from $50 per day (save up to 50%) when purchased ahead of time. All winter holiday details are on the Thredbo website. www.thredbo.com.au
THREDBO folk don’t need to look up the meaning of après; they live and breathe it every afternoon in Thredbo Village. From the quaint Denman Après Bar with live entertainment, to restaurants and private drinks, visitors gather to celebrate their day and enjoy the snow in more ways than one.
Here is a snippet of the bigger après events this season to give you a taste of what’s on at Thredbo.
Thredbo kicks off with the ultimate party starter, Shouse, headlining on Saturday, 6 June, as the electronic music duo continues to showcase their uncanny ability to create anthems that will resonate with the Thredbo crowd.
Poolclvb will play support in the Alpine Bar from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Shouse from 5.30pm until 7pm, before the music then moves inside. At the Lounge Bar, Dale-O
plays from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, and Sean and the H-Cee Family will belt out tunes at the Schuss Bar from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Buses run from Jindabyne to Thredbo for Saturday night.
The famous Thredbo fireworks light the sky on Saturday night from 6pm, an event the whole family loves. Just be sure you have a vantage point in the village with a view of the mountain.
The Long Lunch, presented by Pommery Champagne, is the place to be on Sunday, 7 June, where popping the champagne and celebrating alpine elegance is mandatory. Start in the Village Square with canapes and champagne courtesy of Pommery, then head into the Kosciuszko Room for a specially curated lunch crafted by Thredbo’s Executive Chef
JULY 25 - CUT COPY
Big nights to look out for are Cut Copy on July 25, who bring their iconic indie-
◼ BIG: The Alpine Bar will host several big-name music acts for the ultimate après party. PHOTOS: Thredbo Resort
dance sound and globally loved anthems to the Alpine Bar stage from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Known for infectious hooks and feel-good festival anthems, Cut Copy are the kind of act that turn a good night into an unforgettable one.
AUGUST 1 - THE PRESETS
Australia’s own electronic powerhouses, The Presets, are bringing their beats to Thredbo, and it’s set to be nothing short of unreal. Formed in Sydney in 2003 by duo Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes, The Presets have carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic electronic acts, fusing dance energy with rockinspired intensity and sonic flair.
Thredbo! With Alex Hayes in tow, this is sure to be one of the best nights of the season.
AUGUST 15 - POOF DOOF
The Poof Doof will be the finale to the colourful Rainbow Mountain Festival, where the crowd will send off a massive week with the best in show and drag. The Alpine Bar will feature Jaman from 3.30pm, Kimi The Kween at 5pm and Argonaut from 6.00pm.
After each main event, there will be an afterparty in The Keller Bar from 7.30pm until late.
AUGUST 8 - YOUNG FRANCO
Globally acclaimed for his diverse style that blends electronic, disco, indie, and hip-hop, Young Franco, the cutting-edge producer and DJ has taken his highenergy shows worldwide – next stop…
All après music events are all-ages, licensed, free concerts with limited capacity, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Buses will run from Jindabyne to Thredbo.
For the full Thredbo calendar of events, visit the website.
www.thredbo.com.au/events/
From cosy winter escapes to summer retreats, our curated collection of alpine rentals is designed to help you ski, explore, unwind, and make the most of every moment in Thredbo. With comfort, style, and breathtaking views, each stay is chosen to make your time in the mountains feel truly special.
LEARNING to ski and snowboard is often the starting point to future years of snow fun. Unless, of course, you are just seeking snow play.
The shoulder snow season in June and September is when Thredbo offers the best value, helping you get oriented to the snow and offering the best pricing. July and August are considered the peak season. Across key value periods in June and September, adult lift passes are available from $115 per day (save up to 35%), with kids’ 6-day passes from $50 per day (save up to 50%) when purchased ahead of time. The best deals, all season long, are also found when booking 30 or more days in advance.
The Thredbo beginner guide has a plethora of information to get you started, including travel tips and accommodation suggestions. The gear guide helps you decide what to bring and wear, plus provides rental information to get you set up for your first day on the snow. There is also the first-timer ski and
snowboard learners’ package at Friday Flat, Thredbo’s dedicated learning area, which is available all season long. This threehour first-timer lesson is the perfect introduction, allowing you to gradually improve your technique.
Take it slow and learn the basics in a safe, fun environment, with Thredbo’s world-class instructors helping you finesse those first turns. You can also add on your rental gear if you don’t have your own.
Once you have a few more lessons and have practised your turns, you will be schussing your way down the slope with newfound confidence.
You can find all Special Deals on the Thredbo website.
www.thredbo.com.au/special-deals/
mountain atmosphere and hospitality in the heart of Thredbo. Self-contained apartments with balcony and stunning mountain and valley views. Cosy communal guest lounge with wood fire. Finnish Sauna.
4 Banjo Drive, Thredbo Ph: 02 6457 6370 | 0499 576370
E: bookings@kasees.com.au W: www.kasees.com.au
By STEVE CUFF
Australian snow industry legend Tommy Tomasi, an immigrant from Italy with many fascinating tales, will celebrate his 100th year in July. From a competitive skier in his Italian homeland to being a partisan soldier in World War 2, tortured and then imprisoned in a German concentration camp, Tommy’s life has been a journey.
Arriving in Fremantle, he worked for a period before seeing a tourist bureau office advertising travel and a photo of The Chalet at Charlotte Pass. He made the journey driving across to NSW with two other Italians.
“Eventually, I get to Cooma, and I stay at the Alpine Hotel, and of course, as soon as I walk into the bar, there’s bloomin’ languages by the hundreds, different nationalities. I said, “ Gee, what are they?” That was the Snowy (Scheme) personnel.”
at the Denman Hotel Thredbo and discover all that Thredbo has to offer right on your doorstep. (02) 6457 6222 stay@thedenman.com.au www.thedenman.com.au
Tommy would ask for a job and started working for the Snowy Scheme.
He was one of the true pioneers of Thredbo and started the Thredbo Ski Patrol, only hanging up his ski patrol jacket in 2017 at the age of 91. Ski patrolling was more than a volunteer position; it was personal.
In 2015, Tommy was recognised as one of the Faces of Thredbo, along with a select few who have made a huge contribution not only to Thredbo Resort but also to the alpine and snow industry. He has seen a lifetime of Thredbo changes and said he had been in 17 books, so he is as much a part of Thredbo folklore as any of his generation.
He moved to Sydney to start a ski shop in the 60s, returned every Thursday for the patrol, and drove back on Sunday night. His way of keeping the best of both worlds in the evolving Australian ski industry.
He started the Fleets ski shop and later became the product manager for Spalding. “That was my best job I ever had, I used to take my ski tours for 36 years,” said Tommy, several years ago.
As a guest speaker at the 2023 Jindabyne Anzac Day luncheon at the Banjo Paterson Inn, Tommy spoke about life during
World War 2. It was a fascinating insight into detail and the perils of war, as he was a member of the partisans and blew up bridges.
Good friends Sara and Steve WardCollins recently visited Tommy in Forster, NSW, where he lives in a nursing home. He will make the Thredbo July journey with the assistance of a carer.
“He is in really good condition, really cognitive, and really excited about his upcoming birthday and working on his speech,” said Steve Ward-Collins.
On July 23, Tommy’s friends and former colleagues can attend his 100th birthday party at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. The event will be hosted by Kosciuszko Thredbo and Snowy Hydro, with memorabilia on the day and a cake cutting at 3pm.
Thursday 23 July. 1pm to 4pm
Thredbo Alpine Hotel Lounge Bar
On the steps between the Bakery and Thredbo Information Centre at the end of the bus line. Full of Thredbo, skiing and snowboarding history dating back to 1860. Volunteers in the Museum ready to help.
Milano Cortina Olympian Q&A With Jono Brauer Saturday 6th June (long weekend) Schuss Bar starting at 6pm - after fireworks.
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By STEVE CUFF
JINDABYNE’S Winter Olympic Gold Medallist, Josie Baff, was greeted with a hero’s welcome home on Easter Sunday, with a large crowd attending Banjo Paterson Park to acknowledge her achievement.
Baff won the snowboard cross gold medal in Italy in February, and due to other World Cup commitments, only arrived home in early April.
With sirens blazing, Baff arrived in style in the Jindabyne Fire & Rescue truck, then walked along the lake foreshore path to the Strzelecki monument, where the crowd were raucous with applause.
With the Lake Light Sculpture festival as the backdrop, two-time Olympian Manuela Berchtold introduced the town’s first Winter Olympic gold medallist. Baff was then interviewed by emcee Steve Cooper, who had the crowd thoroughly entertained with his deep dive into Josie Baff’s life.
“It’s very, very cool, I feel very welcomed home,” said Baff, answering a wide range of questions.
“Thank you for watching, thank you for cheering and keep on watching boardercross, please. We know everyone loves it and it’s very highly watched sport, particularly at the Olympics, because it’s so simple, first one to the bottom is the
Baff will be 27 and still has several games beyond the French games. When pressed on her future and a four-year cycle centred on the Winter Olympics, Baff said she would “take the learnings of the last four years and get even better”.
“The level of our sport is improving very quickly and rapidly, and I would like to be at the forefront of developing those skills. I think we are trending in that direction.”
winner. And the more people watching, the better it is for us, and it’s also way more fun to share this with everyone.”
“Thank you everyone for coming.”
Baff said when she tried boardercross, she knew it was for her to pursue a future. She made history as Australia’s first-ever Winter Youth Olympic Games Champion, winning gold in the snowboard cross at Lausanne 2020.
“At the Youth Olympics, I guess, I realised what’s possible. That’s when it became a realistic dream,” said Baff about her ambitions to win gold at the Winter Olympics.
“I think they are going to like their journey together,” she said, commenting on the two medals.
With a month off from training, she is
excited to participate in other activities she never had the energy for while training.
“I like to go rock climbing, been to pickleball, the local pickleball, very fun and addictive.”
“Just kind of enjoying the small things, we are playing a lot of golf. My boyfriend loves, loves, loves golf. We’ve been doing that the last few days we’ve been home too. Just a bunch of activities that I normally don’t have the energy and time to be doing.”
At the next Winter Olympics in France,
When asked what age she could still compete, she said that at 35 she wouldn’t be too old, noting that the American athlete Lindsey Jacobellis won gold at 36.
“So we’ll be seeing how long I can go for as long as I’m enjoying it, I will keep on going.”
Jindabyne has three other Winter Olympians, Adam Lambert and sisters Abbey and Charlotte Wilson, who were still overseas and unable to attend the April welcome home. Another Jindabyne event is expected in winter when they are all present.
As Snow Australia Interschools approaches its 39th year, the program continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s leading school-based snowsports pathway, fostering participation, community connection, and a lifelong passion for alpine sport.
Snow Australia National Events Manager Wendy Olsen said the enduring success of Interschools is driven by its commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and enjoyable experiences for students, families, and schools nationwide.
“Interschools continues to play a vital role in introducing young Australians to competitive snowsports, while building a strong sense of community both on and off the mountain,” Olsen said.
The 2025 season delivered another milestone year, recording more than 18,000 event entries across the national series. Over 600 schools participated in 35 days of competition, held across four major resorts-Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, and Mt Buller. Competitors from Kindergarten to Year 12 took part in nine ski and snowboard disciplines, representing their schools both individually and in team events. Looking ahead, the 2026 calendar will feature 37 championship competition days across regional, state, and national levels.
The SUBARU Regional Championships will take place in July at Perisher, Thredbo, and Falls Creek, bringing together schools from across Australia to compete in Alpine Giant Slalom, Ski Cross, Snowboard Giant Slalom, Snowboard Cross, and Moguls. The State Championships in August will expand the program to include Slopestyle and Cross Country events.
Inclusivity remains a key priority, with multiclass events offered at regional, state, and national levels. Students with intellectual or physical impairments are supported to compete in both Interschools divisions and open categories, with on-ground assistance provided through Disability Wintersport Australia and Snow Australia.
A key addition to the 2026 calendar is the Falls Creek Schools Events Carnival, a week-long festival of competition and participation supported by the Northern Interschools Event Management Team. The carnival will incorporate Southwest NSW Interschools Championships, Falls Creek Regional Schools Championships and the Amelia McGuiness Snowsports Development Foundation Time Trial, creating a unique, community-focused event experience.
Snow Australia National Interschools &
◼ Interschools will embark on its 39th year of kids racing.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Snow Australia
Sport Development Committee Chair Steve Cooper welcomes the initiative. “This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to grow participation in a team-based, accessible format, while strengthening the connection between schools and the broader snowsports community,” Cooper said.
The Amelia McGuiness Memorial events will again support emerging athletes, raising funds for the Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation, which provides financial assistance to developing competitors. An additional Time Trial on Friday, 28 August, will offer a valuable lead-in to the SUBARU Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships.
The season will culminate at Perisher from 1–6 September, with the SUBARU Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships expected to attract more than 1,500 competitors and their families to the Snowy Mountains.
Snow Australia Community Engagement Manager Rebecca Clark said the longterm impact of the Interschools pathway continues to be a source of pride for the Australian snowsports community.
“Interschools is where many athletes first discover competitive snowsports. It has become a foundation for future coaches, officials, volunteers, and elite athletes,” she said.
“106 Australian Olympians and Paralympians began their journey in Interschools, including 31 athletes selected for the 2025 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The Interschools Snowsport Championships invites every school-aged competitor and every school to come along, join the fun, and share in the excitement of Australia’s thriving snow community. There’s a place here for everyone, so grab your friends, hit the slopes, and be part of something truly special.
For more information, visit www.interschools.com.au
By STEVE CUFF
PERISHER has a fascinating history, not only in how the mountain was developed into the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest resort, but also in the people and lodges behind the scenes.
At the 2025 Perisher Historical Society annual lunch at Corroboree Lodge, author Donald Johnston launched his latest book, “Ski Club Lodge Pioneers”.
No stranger to accolades, Donald’s publication recently won the Skade Award from the International Skiing History Association and added to the legacy of the Perisher Historical Society.
This publication examines the early history of the pioneering ski club lodges of Perisher Valley, Guthega, Charlotte Pass and Thredbo Village in Australia during a 10-year period that predated ski resort commercialisation and the pioneering influence of notable architects.
“It represents the fourth ISHA Award bestowed upon our society since 2013,” said Donald.
Donald Johnston, a retired heritage architect and ski lodge historian, has, with fellow authors Peter Southwell-Keely and Jan Glover, gained notoriety for Perisher’s history on the world stage.
The previous awards were for 2013 Highway to Heaven by Peter SouthwellKeely, 2020 History of the Hotel Kosciusko by Donald Johnston, and the 2024 Cyber Award for the Perisher Historical Society’s website, curated by Peter Southwell-Keely and Jan Glover.
All these books, plus other great publications, are available for sale on the Society’s website. On the June long weekend, the Society will be selling books at the Skitube building in Perisher Valley.
The annual Perisher Historical Society
◼ Sam Tait at the Beijing Paralympic Games 2022.
PHOTO: OIS/Simon Bruty
lunch will be held at Corroboree Lodge in Perisher Valley on Sunday, 7 June, at 12 noon. Besides being a wonderful venue for lunch with great food, the event is a perfect way to learn more about Perisher’s history and meet people with a wealth of knowledge about the area.
Everyone is welcome to attend, with bookings direct to Corroboree Lodge up until 31 May. See advert on this page for details.
This year’s Perisher lunch will celebrate our Olympians, with guest speakers Sam Tait and David Hislop offering insights into their careers and competing at the highest level. Perisher has produced numerous Winter Olympians who have trained at the resort, including several who have excelled and won medals.
Alpine slalom bronze medallist Zali Steggal trained at Perisher for years. Matt Graham recently won his second Olympic medal in February. Both athletes have runs named after them at the resort, and both are part of Perisher’s more recent history.
By STEVE CUFF
VAIL RESORTS has announced a new Epic Beginner Bundle to attract new skiers and snowboarders, featuring a complete package to get started and great incentives for the future.
Valid at all three Australian resorts, Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek, the new bundled Pass combines three flexible days of beginner lift access, lessons and rentals for just $499. Following the launch of the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass in winter 2025, the company has furthered its commitment to make skiing and snowboarding more accessible with a new Pass designed to introduce adults to the sport.
Priced at just $167 per day, the Epic Beginner Bundle is available for adults, ages 18 and up and is the perfect introductory package to get you started on snow.
For each of the three days, guests receive access to an adult group lesson led by an expert instructor, rental gear and lift access to green runs. Intermediate and advanced terrain are not accessible on this Pass.
“We created the Epic Beginner Bundle to make it easy for adults to learn how to ski or snowboard and set them up for future success,” said Nathan Butterworth, General Manager of Perisher Resort.
“We’ve seen that three days on the slopes with expert instruction is often the moment it clicks - when guests build confidence and start to fall in love with the sport. By combining lift access, lessons and rentals into one bookable experience at an accessible price, our goal is to make it easier to say ‘yes’ to learning something new and provide benefits that make it easier to keep coming back for years to come.”
One of the great benefits is that the bundle offers flexibility to use the three days consecutively or spread them throughout the season and choose where to ski each day, allowing guests to learn
at their own pace and explore different mountains. This flexibility is ideal for a three-day visit to progress your skills, or two weekends to enjoy two visits to the snow.
The Epic Beginner Bundle also unlocks in–season benefits, including additional lift tickets at a discounted rate and 20% off lessons and rentals all winter longmaking it easier to return during the same season, progress skills and explore new terrain. Additional benefits include 15% off select dining, retail and lodging.
The Bundle has limited availability, so guests are encouraged to purchase now at epicaustraliapass.com.au and resort websites. Once purchased, guests log in to their account to reserve beginner lift access, group lessons, and equipment rentals at their chosen resort. Reservations are required for
each of the three days. While there are no blackout dates, availability may be limited on peak days, so planning ahead is recommended.
The Epic Beginner Bundle is designed for first-time experiences and as a pathway to building a lifelong love of the mountains. Guests who purchase the Epic Beginner Bundle receive 20% off the following season’s Epic Australia 4–Day Pass and Epic Australia Pass, which expands access beyond Australia’s top resorts to iconic international destinations, including Whistler Blackcomb in Canada. Terms and conditions apply.
The beginner package allows guests to ski and snowboard on green runs in
designated beginner-class areas. At Perisher, this includes the Front Valley area, Pretty Valley, Perisher Quad Express and Happy Valley T-bar. At Smiggin Holes the Pass covers the J-bar area, the conveyor carpets, Hume T-bar and the Kaaten Triple Chair. Visiting Blue Cow, guests can ride the Early Starter Chair, Terminal Quad Chair, the Rope Tow area and the Pleasant Valley Quad. The terrain choices included in the package are more than enough to keep beginners occupied, with a mix of options for their three days at three of the four areas at Perisher Resort.
After 3 days, most guests feel confident on beginner terrain - and love being out on the snow. Here’s a typical first timer progression:
Day 1
Learn to glide, stop and turn safely on beginner terrainbuilding confidence and control.
Day 2
Linking smoother turns on green runs, exploring more terrain at your own pace and enjoying the flow.
Day 3
Confidently choosing your own path down the slopes on green runs and feeling in control.
www.epicaustraliapass.com.au
PERISHER guests will notice a change at the Mid-Station restaurant this season, with Perisher Resort taking over operations from long-term lessees Lisa and Jeff Matthes.
During the summer, the company has made minor changes, with Perisher boss Nathan Butterworth saying it’s the first of two renovation phases.
“You will see some immediate fit-out that we’ve been able to achieve this
year with the introduction of an outlet of sugar and snow, to really drive and capitalise on the family environment and clientele that’s been built up there,” said Mr Butterworth.
“We will be working throughout the course of the season to engage with guests and understand what sort of food options that they would like to see there long term.”
Guests walking through the venue will be greeted with a vision of what it will look like when it is totally fitted out, and the opportunity to submit their views via QR codes and surveys. Mr Butterworth noted the resort will rely on feedback before proceeding with the next stage of any renovations.
◼ Mid Station restaurant at Perisher.
Australian Rural Medical Services (AusRMS) deliver expert medical care in Australia’s Alpine communities.
The well-known medical team that has long supported the Perisher skiing and snowboarding community has officially relocated off the mountain, marking a new chapter in its delivery of alpine healthcare.
Bringing with it decades of expertise in acute care and emergency treatment, the service will continue to play a vital role in supporting both visitors and the broader Snowy Mountains community.
Now based in Jindabyne, the clinic complements existing local practices by providing essential X-ray facilities and a dedicated after-hours service. Specialising in alpine injuries, the team’s approach to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management is underpinned by extensive experience within the snowsports industry.
This depth of expertise has also driven recent expansion, with services extended to Victoria’s major alpine resorts in 2025. ACCREDITED X-RAY FACILITIES
The 2026 Peak Festival will be one for the ages, with Australian Idol winner Kesha Neve and fellow finalist Kalani both confirmed, playing alongside seasoned entertainers in the snow season opening weekend.
BESIDES the snow, the free Peak Music Festival is the highlight of the June long weekend, where 22 artists play across seven venues in Perisher Valley. Stay at any of the hotels or lodges in Perisher, visit from Jindabyne, and simply follow the program, wandering from venue to venue after your morning skiing.
KESHA
Kesha Neve is no stranger to the Peak Festival, but this year will be different. Not only is the 21-year-old ‘singing skier’ performing in her home resort as the ‘Idol’
winner, but she has elevated her singing and performances to an elite level. The first female winner of Australian Idol in 19 years, Kesha’s Peak Festival bio describes her as a soulful, country-infused indie artist whose music comes straight from the heart. Blending expressive vocals with an authentic, heartfelt style, she moves seamlessly between original songs and carefully chosen covers. She has been in the studio recording since her Idol win and will be one of the festival’s popular highlights at Perisher.
KALANI
Kalani, the 23-year-old boy from Bensville on the Central Coast, wowed the judges and the Australian public on the Idol show, and will bring his unique and powerful voice to Perisher Valley. He was highly regarded for his emotional, heartfelt performances throughout the competition, making him a fan favourite.
FOOLS
Join the 8-piece musical family, FOOLS – one of Australia’s leading forces in the
◼ Australian Idol winner Kesha Neve will perform at Perisher.
contemporary roots genre, infused with blues, soul, Americana, and rock. FOOLS’ rise to prominence has been marked by electrifying performances across the country, a nomination for Best Live Blues and Roots Act at the 2023 National Live Music Awards, and multiple appearances at Bluesfest Byron Bay.
Tijuana Cartel are an electrifying Australian outfit blending electronic beats with flamenco, Latin rhythms and world music influences. Renowned for their highenergy live shows, they fuse live instrumentation with club-driven grooves to create a vibrant, dancefloor-ready sound. With international tours and festival acclaim, Tijuana Cartel deliver a dynamic, global sonic experience that captivates audiences everywhere.
Jarabi Band leads audiences on a dynamic journey from the ancient Manding Empire of West Africa to modern-day city life. Their music weaves the timeless musical traditions of Guinea with contemporary sounds of Melbourne’s music scene, creating a unique fusion of infectious grooves, intricate melodies and soul-stirring vocals.
HUSSY HICKS
Always a crowd favourite, Hussy Hicks straddle the line between folk, blues, country, rock and roots. Hussy Hicks have earned themselves a mighty reputation, growing from festival openers to festival favourites, and now appear at the biggest blues and roots festivals in Australia, the USA and across Europe.
MARSHALL & THE FRO
Marshall and the Fro are a high-energy three-piece roots and blues band touring their new album Hillbilly Disco. Blending gritty boogie, Aussie anthems and stories of double pluggers, good mates and wild nights, their foot-stomping live shows are built for dancing, laughing and celebrating the spirit of friends for life.
Northern Rivers–based Matty Rogers doesn’t just play music-he becomes possessed by it, a conduit for the muse. Drawing from the depths of his heart, he delivers a dynamic blend of Americana, blues-rock and soul. Renowned for his authenticity in songwriting and performance, this passionate singersongwriter works from a place of vulnerability that earns him deeply loyal fans.
Irie Man is a roots rock steady band that play classic Jamaican songs as well as one drop hits and lovers rock from the 70’s and then they’ll “Italize” other songs that you know and love from other genres, an idea of guitarist Illya Szwec’s he enlisted Pat Powell on vocals plus his Jamaican brother from another mother Winston Stephenson on bass and Ivan Jordan on drums, your inner groove meister will be busting to break free when you feel their riddims.
In addition to music, the Peak Festival Art Show in the Perisher Skitube building will have a selection of local artists displaying work with their unique alpine theme. Renowned alpine photographer Mike Edmondson, artists Danielle Devine, Pete ‘The Frog’ Taylor from Snowatch, and Terry Chalk will all display their works, which can be purchased.
3 Days of Free Music
22 Bands to suit all genres
7 Stages across multiple venues
Soul Defender truck stage on Front Valley (weather permitting)
Cool Kids Stuff – Yabadoo Youth Stage
3pm Daily – Take a Free 1-hour
Guided Village Walking Tour of Perisher’s history. Meet inside the Perisher Skitube.
By STEVE CUFF
THE big Perisher news from last year was the new Mt Perisher 6-seat highspeed Doppelmayr chairlift, but for those who may not have skied last winter, it will be your big news this year.
One thing is assured: this new stateof-the-art addition to the Perisher lift network will not suffer from second-year syndrome. It will be a winner for decades to come, and it nearly seems an eternity ago that the previous double and triple chairs were there.
High speed, 5.6 minutes to the top in comfortable seats, were the key takeaways from last year. Yes, those seats were fantastic, making the ride even more enjoyable. Not to mention the views you have from the higher elevated towers to the Main Range, and in case you had forgotten, it is the highest lifted point in Australia at 2042 metres above sea level. Everyone agrees the Mt Perisher 6 sure had a stellar 2025 debut, and we can’t wait to jump on again and access the
great terrain the chairlift offers across the entire Mt Perisher area.
“I think always with an investment of that magnitude, there’s a lot of hope and expectation that goes in, and this is one of those investments, I think, that have truly paid off,” said Nathan Butterworth, Perisher’s Vice President & General Manager, when asked about his thoughts on the chair prior to the 2026 season.
“We saw better distribution around the hill, we saw incredible feedback back from the guests in terms of the level of amenity and the expedience of getting up the hill, and the variety of the terrain they’re on. So super, super pleased.”
One of the data aspects the resort looks at is the distribution of people across the entire skiable terrain. And with such an iconic new chair, naturally, everyone wanted to be on Mt Perisher. But the terrain is not ideally suited for beginners.
“The big challenge, which is something that we expected and we need to get smarter at, is making sure the right people will get on that terrain, knowing the
terrain it services is intermediate, and ensuring that we provide a safe and comfortable experience for everyone that comes to Perisher.”
Reaching the top presents a plethora of options, and one beauty is being able to stay high, skier’s right along the ridgeline, and hit the off-piste terrain from the get-go above Boomerang. You can also head towards Sun Valley via Vista into Sun Bowl, and then keep going all the way back to the chair. And of course, just head straight down the Legends run and show your worth of turns to the audience above. The choices are plentiful, and you sure do rack up plenty of extra vertical quickly, with such a short turnaround lap time.
This is a bonus for those with lessons, with instructors noting that during a twohour private lesson, you can complete an additional two runs. That’s a win for everyone.
Once the entire resort is open this year, it will be interesting to see how people move around during the day and throughout the week. Will the novelty have worn off, or will there still be that faithful Mt Perisher crowd who are not interested in any other area?
Time will tell on that question. But everyone loves the Mt Perisher 6.
Australia’s highest mass timber building heralds a new era of sustainable luxury ski architecture.
Perched at 1,740 metres above sea level in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park, the newly completed Carruthers Chalet has quietly made history — not by scraping the sky, but by sitting closer to it than any mass timber building in Australia. Nestled into the snowfields of Perisher Valley, this landmark chalet is the country’s highest mass timber structure, a distinction earned not by floors but by altitude.
The chalet is the work of local construction firm Brother Nature, whose philosophy of building in harmony with the environment found its ultimate expression on the slopes of the Snowy Mountains. Designed in a classic European alpine tradition, Carruthers Chalet evokes the grand ski lodges of the Swiss Alps and Austrian Tyrol — all pitched rooflines, exposed timber beams, and stone fireplaces — while being unmistakably, proudly Australian.
True to the European ski-in, ski-out tradition, Carruthers Chalet opens directly onto Front Valley, with boot rooms, heated lockers, and ski storage seamlessly integrated into the lodge’s lower level. After a day on the runs, skiers step straight from the snow into warm timber-lined interiors appointed with bespoke furnishings, radiant floor heating, and sweeping panoramas across Perisher Valley.
The choice of mass timber — specifically cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glulam structural columns — was both philosophical and practical. The prefabricated components were manufactured in Austria by mass timber specialist Binderholz and rapidly assembled on the mountain. Owner Steven House said the speed of the build surprised even those involved in the project.
‘In January we had little more than a basement slab, by the end of February we had a stunning 3-storey building.’
Beyond speed, the use of mass timber brings significant environmental advantages. Engineered timber stores carbon rather than emitting it, dramatically reducing the building’s embodied carbon compared with conventional steel or concrete construction. The lightweight material also reduced the number of heavy vehicle movements required in the sensitive alpine environment.
Longer term, the thermal performance of mass timber significantly outperforms traditional construction techniques. Constructed to be significantly more airtight than traditional building methods, heat exchangers are installed to bring fresh air into the building and passively transfer heat from the outgoing air. This results in a massive reduction in heating costs.
Carruthers Chalet is open to guests this coming winter season, offering a limited number of luxury suites and a guest-only dining room, bar and indoor spa. If the architecture is any guide, this stunning chalet is sure to be in high demand.
By STEVE CUFF
SNOWMAKING was the hot topic at the 2026 Snow Summit Conference in Thredbo in May, with industry veteran Peter Brulisauer labelling it significant to the snow industry’s future.
Brulisauer’s knowledge of snow is second to none; he was at the helm of Perisher and oversaw Vail Resorts’ Australian business. He is now Vice President, International Business Development for Alterra Mountain Company.
His personal insight as a keynote speaker at the event was stirring, highlighting the realities, challenges and opportunities ahead.
“There’s only one reality and set of associated challenges and opportunities that I think are worth discussing,” said Mr Brulisauer.
He presented a series of charts and information showing the effects of the poor 2024 snow season, which not only affected all resorts’ revenue but also impacted the wider region’s economy through reduced visitation. Skier days were down 370 thousand in 2024.
“When you attribute the greater value added, the cost to the economy of the bad season in 24 from the average is about $500 million. It’s a significant impact.”
He reflected on 2004, when then NSW Member for Monaro Steve Whan noted the impact of climate change on the Australian ski industry, particularly in NSW, would be devastating for the economy and for local regions. “The alpine resorts in the Monaro electorate are the key economic drivers of the region,” said Mr Whan in 2004.
Brulisauer said, as of 2025, Australia is tracking toward a high-impact zone identified in the 2008 CSIRO report outlining the effects of climate change on snow conditions. That report examined past climate trends (1957-2002) at four alpine sites in southeastern Australia, projected future snow conditions for
2020 and 2050, and assessed the level of snowmaking required to adapt to those projected changes.
In recent years, the NSW Government has invested about $50 million in the Snowy Mountains, and the Victorian government $32 million in hiking and mountain biking for summer-season growth. Brulisauer questioned that investment.
“Is investing in walking / MTB trails the most effective way for Government to minimise the impacts of climate change on regional mountain economies and jobs? Are these trail investments benefitting the local tourism economy as forecast?”
The 2026 season in the Northern Hemisphere saw record visitation, despite unfavourable snow conditions in certain areas. Globally, there are 399 million skier visits.
Comparing Australia and the world’s snow resorts, he noted Australia’s snow visitation is not growing, even though our population is. We have not passed precovid 5-year average visitation numbers.
Snowmaking is more prominent in most overseas resorts. Italian resorts have 90 per cent of their groomed trails covered in snowmaking, Austria 75 per cent and Switzerland 53 per cent. Citing an industry report, resorts covered with more modern snowmaking were able to continue providing a similar level of skier visits and economic resilience.
Australian resorts describe their snowmaking as a percentage of their skiable terrain, which is not ideal for comparison against the European percentage of groomed trails.
Alois Schopf, one of Austria’s longestserving columnists, said, “This winter in South Tyrol was surprisingly good for ski tourism: little snow, but plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and perfect slopes thanks to artificial snowmaking. The 2025/26 season will likely go down as one of the most successful ski seasons in Austrian tourism history.”
Snowmaking has become essential, indispensable and impossible to imagine skiing without it.
“It’s the difference between open and closed,” said Mr Brulisauer.
Snowmaking is publicly funded or co-funded in many countries around the world. It’s recognised as being core public infrastructure, enabling climate resilience and regional development.
In 2024, Italy’s Ministry of Tourism allocated 230 million Euros to support cable car renovation, modernisation and artificial snowmaking systems. France, Switzerland, and China provide government assistance to the snow industry.
Brulisauer stated that despite investments in snowmaking automation, water cooling, gun and pipe replacement, and all-weather snowmaking, the area covered by snowmaking at most major Australian resorts has not increased significantly over the last 10-15 years.
Snowmaking equipment is state-ofthe-art. However, the entire project of purchasing and installing the equipment, with kilometres of piping, is very expensive.
For Australian resorts to keep up with and adapt to the low and high impact climate change scenarios in the 2008 CSIRO report, they need further substantial investment. But should resorts be responsible for the wider region’s economy?
Peter Brulisauer said, “Given the generally strong ROI from snowmaking investments, but lack of major expansion in recent years, do the Australian resorts need government help to make investments in snowmaking to minimise the effects of climate change to protect regional economies, jobs and communities and the sport? Would that be appropriate?”
FOR many families, the Snowy Mountains are a place of escape, weekends away, school holidays, time to reconnect. But for those who call the region home, or those beginning to imagine something different, the Snowy Mountains offer something more, a place where education and lifestyle come together in a way that is increasingly rare.
At Snowy Mountains Grammar School, learning is shaped by where students live and what surrounds them. Here, the environment is not just a backdrop to education, but an active part of it. From the classroom to the mountains, students experience a breadth of learning that extends well beyond traditional expectations.
This is reflected in the School’s distinctive academies and programs. The Snowsports Academy, developed in partnership with Thredbo and Perisher, supports student athletes to train and compete at a national level. Mountain biking, one of the fastest growing sports among young people, is a key focus, supported by a robust academy and co-curricular program designed to build skill, confidence and performance. Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s recent title as Overall Champions at the Australian MTB Interschools Championships reflects this sustained investment and commitment.
In Aviation, students can work towards flying solo by the end of Year 10, an experience that builds not only technical capability, but confidence, independence and ambition. The Equestrian program offers another pathway, with students developing discipline, responsibility and connection through structured training and competition, supported by the unique access to facilities and environment within the region.
These experiences sit alongside a strong academic foundation. The School
◼ RISE: Learning is shaped by where students live, with the Snowy Mountains forming part of the everyday experience.
continues to demonstrate consistent HSC results, with 82% of students achieving in the top two bands, alongside Band 6 performances across a broad range of subjects. It is this balance, between academic rigour and realworld experience, that defines the School’s approach.
Just as importantly, there is a grounded
energy to the School, one shaped by its environment and its people. Teachers are committed to knowing every student as an individual, creating a learning environment where students feel supported, understood and encouraged to grow with confidence.
For local families, Snowy Mountains Grammar School offers high quality learning and experiences that enable families to live and work in this unique mountain setting, combining strong academic outcomes with a breadth of pathways, while allowing students to remain connected to their community. With day and boarding options, and transport from Cooma and surrounding areas, it is an education that is both
◼ SPACE: Students engage directly with their environment, building curiosity and understanding beyond the classroom.
accessible and grounded.
An education shaped by place, opportunity and community, Snowy Mountains Grammar School in Jindabyne offers a distinctive K–12 pathway for local, regional and boarding families.
For families beyond the region, particularly those in Sydney and Canberra who already feel a connection to the Snowy Mountains, the School offers a compelling alternative. It presents the chance to consider an education that combines strong outcomes with a lifestyle grounded in wellbeing, growth and belonging. What becomes clear is that Snowy Mountains Grammar School is not defined by a single program or pathway, but by how it brings everything together. It is a school where students are challenged and supported, where experiences are real and meaningful, and where community is something lived every day. The best way to understand this is to experience it firsthand. A personal tour offers families the chance to see the School in action, walking through the campus, meeting staff and students, and gaining a genuine sense of what life at Snowy Mountains Grammar School looks and feels like.
For those exploring what a different kind of education might look like, it is an invitation to step inside and see how it all comes together.
Drake Men's League Snowboard
Drake Women's Charm Snowboard
Men’s Ski Dynastar M Cross 78 with Xpress 10 Binding
Women’s Ski Dynastar Womens M Cross 78 with Xpress 10 Binding
Pret Effect Photochromic Goggle
Pret Women’s Lyric Helmet – Purple Pop
Pret Men’s Cynic Helmet – Blue
Shop 14 Upstairs Town Centre Jindabyne Ph 0438 427 680
Balcony lunches with lake views, dinner, après sessions, plus great dining choices are all available upstairs at Jindabyne Emporium. Their succulent burgers accompany the best comfort food in the mountains, the tender, juicy, mouth-watering meats are slow-cooked in-house and pulled apart daily. Choose from cauliflower popcorn, the secret menu of chipotle corn ribs, pork belly nuggets and the salt and pepper squid tacos are ideal share plates. The farmyard burger will appease the hungry, with a local beef patty, JFC fillet, pulled pork and double rasher bacon in one burger. The pig mac pulled pork burger is a favourite, or the vegan jackfruit burger, plus a side of fries. Perfect, relaxed family venue. Check the
in-house secret QR code specials, the kitchen open all day from 12 noon, and kids’ munchkin meals. Plus, a great selection of Australia’s best beers.
OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar
From 12 noon (closed Wednesday)
STACKS PIZZA
1 Kosciuszko Road
Town Centre Jindabyne Ph 6456 2439
Winter needs no introduction to pizza, and Stacks Pizza is your home for dine-in or takeaway in Jindabyne. Purchase by the slice for a casual bite or share delicious full-size pizzas with friends and
family. Select from the spicy chorizo with caramelised onion, roast red peppers, feta and rocket, or pepperoni, and who doesn’t love a supreme with multiple tasty toppings. The specialty boscaiola with forest mushrooms, scamorza, and leg ham is a favourite. Their signature cesarino has a decadent blend of flavours, the chicken pizza with poached chicken and
green sauce is delicious, and the veggie ortolana is a favourite. Great desserts, including tams tiramisu. Their secret base recipe ensures all pizzas will be stacks hot, stacks good.
OPEN Dinner
JUNE Wed-Sun 5pm to late Then 7 days 5pm to late Town Centre Jindabyne
Mountains
Town Club
74 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale Ph 6456 3321
Berridale residents know where to find great feed, and this winter, so can you. The Town Club restaurant serves wholesome food in a country-town atmosphere. The salt-and-pepper calamari or BBQ chicken wings are ideal starters and share plates. The 280g scotch fillet steak, chicken parmigiana and fish and chips are all
great choices, and you can’t beat the chicken schnitzel. Main meals are all served with your choice of delicious salad or vegetable sides, sauces and chips. The vegetarian ramen with mushrooms, bok choy, noodles and the works burger are tasty options. The kids have their own menu and check the blackboard menu for dessert and daily specials. Located in the heart of Berridale, the bar is open daily.
OPEN Bar + Dinner
Bar 3pm daily – 1pm Friday
Restaurant 5.30pm – 8.30pm Wednesday to Saturday
https://www.coolamatonggolfclub.com.au/cms/town-club/
31 Kosciuszko Road Town Centre Jindabyne
The Cafe with the best lake views, Jindabyne’s Neat Bar & Cafe, is all about great coffee, good food and a genuinely welcoming space. Enjoy delicious paninis or treat yourself to a muffin or a slice of banana bread with your coffee. As afternoon fades into evening, Neat evolves. The café transitions into a laid-back bar atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day in the mountains. It’s this dual identity that sets it apart, a place
where mornings begin with coffee and evenings wind down with a drink in hand. Handcrafted cocktails, a local craft beer on tap, or a top-shelf whisky poured just the way you like it. And for something to eat? Grab a slice from neighbouring Stacks Pizza and enjoy it from the cosy bar or courtyard overlooking the lake. Conveniently located in the first shop when you enter Jindabyne Town Centre. Poured Neat. Served Easy.
OPEN B’fast + Lunch + Dinner + Bar 7am to 1pm 7 Days 5pm to Late Wednesday - Saturday
https://www.instagram.com/neat.barcafe/
BACCO
Shop 10 Nuggets Crossing
Restaurant 6456 1420
Pizzeria 6457 1080
A favourite Jindabyne à la carte restaurant, Bacco is the perfect venue for in-house dining or takeaway pizza and pasta. The beef and mozzarella arancini is a delicious entrée, followed by the spaghetti tutto mare with Moreton Bay bug, king prawn, mussels, and squid. The pan-seared barramundi or the pollo bocco with prosciutto are main favourites, and the lamb shanks
with mash and chianti jus is a big contender for the patron’s favourite dish. The Bacco flavoursome pizzas are renowned, the capricciossa with basil, ham, and mushroom, or the procidana, both delightful. For takeaway pizza, choose from the gourmet ischia porto or traditional options, the pepperoni with Spanish onions and kalamata olives a great choice. An extensive wine list and great atmosphere.
OPEN 6 Days - Lunch – Dinner (Closed Monday)
Lunch 12pm – 2pm
Dinner 5.30pm – 9pm
www.baccojindabyne.com
BIRCHWOOD CAFÉ
3/3 Gippsland Street
Jindabyne
Ph 6456 1880
Foodies love Birchwood; it’s one of their favourite venues to start the day, for coffee and cake or dine in for lunch. This trendy venue has a vibrant atmosphere and great food to match. Dive into popular soft-boiled dippy eggs with rich, golden-yolk goodness, made with pasture-raised eggs from Eagles Range, paired with our truffle polenta soldiers. Want to take it up
a notch? Add crispy bacon or locally baked sourdough toast for the ultimate indulgence. Build your own burger from 11.30 am for the ultimate lunch or try the delicious Bulgogi bibimbap bowl. Specialty coffee by Single O is very popular and perfect with the tasty house-made muffins or scrumptious chocolate croissant. Birchwood is known for great cocktails, and it has a sister venue, Birchy Kiosk, at Leesville Estate.
OPEN Breakfast + Lunch 7am to 2pm Daily www.facebook.com/birchwoodjindabyne
www.banjopatersoninn.com.au
1 Kosciuszko Road
Jindabyne Ph 6456 2372
There is a reason the Banjo Paterson Inn is Jindabyne’s favourite dining venue: it offers the complete package for dining, with multiple eateries and superb food, all perfect for your winter holiday dining with family and friends. Downstairs in Clancy’s Brasserie, the sesame tuna tataki or pork belly bites are great starters or try the
Thai pork and vermicelli noodle salad. The pub classics of crumbed schnitzel, parmi, and pot pie of the day are fan favourites. The slow-cooked lamb shanks in beef broth are one of the hero dishes, only rivalled by the succulent tender steaks. The Overflow bar serves up good times with great burgers and pizzas. The carnivore pizza or squealing pig are perfect for the meat lovers, or the vegetarian. The cider & chipotle
braised pulled pork burger rates highly. Kids’ meals are available in both venues. The best winter après venue for boutique beers and signature cocktails, music, and the Banjo is home to Snowy Way craft beer straight from vat to tap.
OPEN lunch + Dinner + Bar From 10am
https://jindabynebowlingclub.com.au
Bay St Jindabyne Ph 6456 2133
The stylish, refurbished ‘Bowlo’ venue serves great food, and with a new revised Lakeside Dining menu, diners are the winners. The lemon pepper and garlic prawn skewers with slaw, aioli and lemon wedges are tasty, or the fried fish tacos are perfect for starters. The
popular panko crumbed chicken schnitzel can be upgraded to a parmi, or prawn and avocado with either topper, or the linguine boscaiola is ideal for the pasta lovers. Crunchy battered whiting fillets, salt and pepper squid, or pan-seared barramundi are great choices for seafood. The traditional butter chicken, marinated tandoor chicken thigh fillet with steamed rice, naan and papadum, or the garlic prawns in creamy napolitana
sauce with steamed rice, are all delicious. From the grill, the 320-gram angus rump or the 320-gram angus porterhouse are tender and juicy, plus served with your choice of sides. Families will love the kids’ menu and the kids’ play zone. Join as a member to receive discounts on food and beverages.
DALGETY HOTEL 1
Classic pub meals and a great country pub atmosphere are what set The Dalgety Hotel apart. Open for lunch and dinner, dine in the beer garden on warm days or cosy up to one of four fireplaces and feast on country-style cuisine. The delicious homemade, handcrumbed chicken schnitzel with salad, chips,
and gravy is one of the most popular dishes, and the tender, juicy Riverina scotch fillet, cooked to your liking, with mash and vegetables and your choice of gravy, is perfect for steak lovers. The bangers and mash with peas and onion gravy is popular or be sure to look at the revolving specials board. Chef Jane offers different specials every day to add variety to the menu, such as Atlantic salmon
with asparagus and pea risotto. Plus, soup of the day and pie of the day. Leave room for dessert, the sticky date pudding is a favourite of the farmers. Take the drive today to this iconic venue.
OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar
7 Days from 12 noon
CUISINE RESTAURANT
Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort
Ph 6448 8244
Take your dining to another level this winter at Cuisine at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort. There will be new cosy winter dishes to warm you up after a day on the slopes, and special après ski cocktails that will make you feel like you’ve been
transported to the French Alps.
The Thai-style crab with green mango salad, the yellow fin tuna ceviche with avocado, coriander, cherry tomato, and crisp white corn tortilla, or the sticky pork ribs with American slaw will all tempt you for starters. For mains, the lamb backstrap with roasted vine tomato, layered baked lemon thyme potato and chimichurri sauce will be a huge
At Lake Crackenback Resort
Ph 0408 536 191
Delicious Italian flavours emanate from Perrotta’s, a must-visit restaurant this winter at Lake Crackenback Resort. Renowned for their casual modern Italian cuisine, visit every day for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try the roasted WA octopus, or the arancini quattro formaggi, both perfect share plate starters. The Wagyu meatballs in red sauce with old-school garlic bread, and the fregola al frutti di mare with
Moreton Bay bug, vongole, mussels, prawns, and calamari are delicious. Their pizza bases are next-level light, the Mt Gambero with marinated prawns, spicy vodka sauce, Calabrian chilli, fior di latte, shallots, pecorino and prosciutto bucatini is a fantastic choice. For dessert, the panna cotta with prosecco-poached strawberries and candied pistachios will be in demand. An extensive cocktail list, beers and Italian wine.
www.facebook.com/Perrottas.SnowyMountains
Alpine Way, Crackenback Ph 6457 1447
Winter dining and Wildbrumby go hand in hand, the iconic venue a mustvisit for every snow traveller, where delicious food is accompanied by a great atmosphere. The Austrian slowcooked beef gulasch with mash and vegetables warms the winter soul, and the spinach and ricotta dumplings are delicious. The ever-popular pan-fried crumbed veal schnitzel with sautéed kipfler potatoes is perfect with your
draught beer, and the smoked pork sausages on sauerkraut and mash are highly recommended. Soup of the day with Snowy Mill Bakery sourdough is popular. The sticky date pudding or Austrian apple strudel is well suited with an afternoon wine or schnapps. The gift shop is your last stop to purchase award-winning gin, vodka, or schnapps to take home. Free schnapps tastings every day.
OPEN Brunch + Lunch + Bar Thur – Mon 10am to 5pm
Bottle Shop Tues – Wed 10am to 5pm
winter favourite. Steak lovers will welcome the 300-gram beef sirloin and the 400-gram wagyu rump, both served with béarnaise sauce and jus. The apple and boysenberry crumble for dessert, paired with a fine wine, will complete your evening.
OPEN Bar + B’Fast + Dinner
Breakfast Daily - 7.30am to 10am
Dinner Wed to Sat 5.30pm to 9pm
Mountains
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6 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne
Looking for winter après vibes, great food, and Jindy’s favourite beer garden? Then Holly’s is the perfect venue for your eats and drinks. Swing in for a beer, vino or one of their amazing cocktails such as the signature Hollys Mai tai, French martini, or classic range of margaritas! The menu is full of crowd favourites, the crispy Korean chicken wings or the loaded fries with chipotle pulled pork, and crispy chicken strips
in sticky honey glaze will be just what you need after a big day on the hill. The burger selection caters to all tastes, the BBC with beef, bacon and cheddar and the Brat burger, with a coiled bratwurst sausage, caramelised onion, sauerkraut and mustard, will leave you licking your lips. Craft beer on tap, plus a selection of great brews and an extensive cocktail menu, make Holly’s a favourite with the locals.
OPEN Bar + Dinner
June hours
3-10pm Wed, Thur, Sun
3-11pm Friday + Saturday
www.instagram.com/hollygolightly_jindabyne/
7-9 Baggs Street, Leesville Estate Ph 6456 1880
Start your day at the popular Birchy’s Kiosk café in Leesville, which shares the same philosophy as sister café Birchwood: simple, fresh, and fast. All food is made from scratch and baked freshly every day, including fresh cookies, muffins, chocolate croissants, and Danishes. The delicious meat pies are a hearty lunch, and the Portuguese
tarts have become one of the big favourites. Try the gourmet chicken and salad wrap, tuna poke bowl, or the triple cheese toasty. The cold-pressed juices are created daily with three tasty options, morning glow, energiser, and ABC. The venue is stylish and spacious with a pleasant environment, perfect for breakfast, lunch, meetings on the go, or just for their favourite Simple O coffee.
OPEN Breakfast + Lunch
Monday to Friday 6.30am – 2pm
www.facebook.com/birchys.kiosk
JINDABYNE BREWING
5 Nettin Circuit
Jindabyne
After a day on the slopes, be rewarded with a superb Jindabyne Brewing craft beer and delicious casual food. The brewery ticks all the boxes with the best food, a family-friendly venue and housemade gelato for the kids (and adults). Guests will find a great atmosphere for kicking back and relaxing, with a core menu of tasty skewers and share plates. The lamb skewer dressed in salsa verde, served
www.jindabynebrewing.com.au
with house chips and salad, the chermoula chicken skewer, and the calamari in Thai style marinade will satisfy your taste buds. The housecrumbed veal schnitzel with house salad, sauerkraut, and chips goes well with an Alpine Red X beer. The wings, mini pulled pork tacos, and pork Kassler are all fantastic share plates. Be sure to check for weekend blackboard specials. The brewery is one of the most popular Jindabyne venues, where guests dine beside the large brewing
vats. Their beers are legendary: Island Bend Pilzner, Porcupine Rocks XPA, and the Black Diamond add to the appeal and refer to local towns, places, and the snowfields. No bookings, walk-ins only.
OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar
5 Days Wed - Fri 3pm-9pm Sat - Sun 12pm to 9pm
www.brumbybarandgrill.com
Cnr Kosciuszko Rd + Kalkite St Jindabyne Ph 6456 2526
The Brumby Bar is everyone’s favourite snow venue, and once you have dined and tasted their food, you will be a regular visitor. Perfect for family and friends, enjoy a welcome beverage downstairs while you peruse the menu. Try the signature
buttermilk popcorn chicken or the tasty calamari to start your evening, and any dish from the grill is highly recommended as a main course. The 250-gram Tasmanian grass-fed hanger angus steak and the tender pork ribs that melt off the bone are two favourites. The house BBQ pork fillet with slaw and chips is delicious, and the house-made lasagne with salad is a great choice. Pub classics include the ever-popular chicken schnitzel
with your choice of gravy sauces, and seafood lovers will delight in the superbly cooked beerbattered fish and chips. Leave room for dessert, the sticky date pudding is always a favourite. A range of draught tap beer, an extensive wine list, and the cocktail menu complement your dining experience.
OPEN DINNER + BAR
7 days from 4pm Dinner from 5pm
www.marritzsalzburg.com.au
Perisher Valley Ph 6457 5220
One of the most sought-after restaurants for lunch and dinner among those in the know, the Marritz is modelled on classic, stylish European hotels that offer more than just great food and service. A short stroll from the slopes, where escaping the crowds for lunch is your first reward. The new winter menu will debut in June, with previous years offering dishes
such as smoked trout served on a crispy potato rosit, or the panseared scallops served with crisp smokey for entrees. The rack of lamb, coated in Dijon and fresh herb crumb, roasted medium rare and served with ratatouille and a rosemary scented red wine jus was a favourite. The tender sous vide eye fillet with gratin dauphinois, garlic green beans, herb roasted mushrooms & jus was divine. Warm
sticky date pudding covered with a luscious caramel toffee sauce and served with ice cream would tempt you. The bar has an extensive wine list, a great selection of schnapps, beers, and a cosmopolitan list of cocktails.
OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner Call for bookings
Guthega
Ph 6457 5383
The view says it all, but the food is by far the hero. One of the most popular on-mountain dining venues at Perisher Resort, on sunny days, be sure to book an outside table and absorb the full alpine atmosphere. For lunch, dine on the juicy steak burger, herbcrumbed chicken, or veal schnitzel (superb), and the house-made beef pie with mash, mushy peas, and gravy. For a lighter lunch, the salmon caesar salad is a great choice. An obliging
cold beer or wine is recommended for the occasion. For dinner, find a relaxing venue with an exquisite menu to match. The seafood marinara or the tender juicy fillet mignon served on a bed of mashed potato with seasonal greens is highly recommended. The Westholme wagyu tomahawk steaks are perfect for sharing, ranging from 1.1kg to 2.0kg, and are a sight to behold. Book a table in advance. Open from Wednesday 17 June.
5.00pm to 9.00pm
www.guthegainn.au
www.themanfromsnowyriver.com.au
Perisher Valley Ph 6457 5234
Snow enthusiasts have long known that the best place for lunch and dinner is the most popular bar in Perisher, “The Man Hotel”. This iconic venue has atmosphere in spades, and food to match. You can’t beat a tasty pizza, steak sandwich,
or one of their famous burgers. All matched with an appropriate ale to soothe the snow aches.
The pub bar is open for lunch, dinner, and drinks, and caters to takeaway orders. On sunny days, the outside setting is in high demand as guests absorb the views and atmosphere. In the dining room, start the evening with a cocktail as you settle into the surrounds of the open stone fireplace. The Cowra
lamb rump with burnt eggplant or the Riverina eye fillet of beef with pomme anna, mushroom and green pepper or seared duck breast are all delicious choices. A perfect location away from the slopes.
OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner
Bar Lunch 12noon to 3pm
Bar Dinner 6pm to 9pm Restaurant bookings essential
Perisher Valley Hotel Ph 6459 4755
Perisher Valley Hotel’s signature restaurant offers fabulous food with exceptional views of the Front Valley slopes. Cosy up to the fireplace for an exotic cocktail bar après beverage while you peruse the dinner menu. The crispy soft shell crab, the grilled lamb lollipops, and
panfried gnocchi are all great starters. For mains, you can’t go past the twice-cooked pork belly with potato rouille and broccolini, or the risotto with pumpkin, baby spinach, and mushroom compote. The O.P rib-eye steak with grilled prosciutto, mustard, onions, gherkins, and roasted chats is delicious. Great location with cosy atmosphere, call for bookings.
OPEN Bar + Lunch + Dinner See website for open times
www.perisher.com.au/perisher-valley-hotel/
Top of Merritts Gondola
You will love the Merritts Gondola ride, and one of the rewards at the top is unwinding on the Merritts deck for lunch, snacks, or just a celebratory beverage and admiring the alpine scenery. The Merritts Mountain House has treats for everyone, including their famous deluxe hot chocolate. Always a winner with the kids. At
1660 metres above sea level, the restaurant has a traditional European feel, whether dining inside or alfresco. Choose from a variety of delicious burgers, wings and dipping sauce, fries, hearty meat pies, and much more. Coffee and cake, you can’t beat the location, and for a more substantial beverage, the deck is perfect for après beers and cocktails.
OPEN Breakfast + Lunch + Bar
7 days
Lower Thredbo Village
Snow holidays and Alpine Pizza are the perfect Thredbo combination for lunch or dinner. The menu is full of great choices, including the margy with tomato, bocconcini and basil, or something with a dose of kick, choose from the spicy pepperoni with salami and jalapeno or the tasty chilli prawn. Garlic bread, and garlic flatbread plus salads add variety to the evening, all
www.thredbo.com.au
perfect with a bucket of Balter cerveza beers. The peri peri chicken with red onion, capsicum, jalapeno and peri mayo or the supreme with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, ham and pineapple is always a house favourite. Fully licenced, and look for weekly specials and takeaway available.
OPEN Lunch + Dinner
12pm – 9pm Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm Friday & Saturday www.thredbo.com.au/restaurants-bars/alpine-pizzeria/
www.thredbo.com.au/restaurants-bars/the-local-pub/
Enjoy sunny days on the deck as you absorb Thredbo’s alpine vistas with cold ales, cocktails, tasty Australian pub dishes and fresh salads. Serving hearty meals and daily specials to please the whole family, The Local Pub offers great food and atmosphere. For snacks or starters, the arancini porcini (crispy risotto balls),
the beer-battered flathead fish tacos with slaw, or the salt and pepper squid with Asian salad are divine. The nasi lemak fried chicken, the chicken parmigiana or classic chicken schnitzel are family favourites. The Riverina 250g porterhouse steak, with your choice of sauce, chips and salad, or mashed potato and veg, will suit steak aficionados. The kids have their own menu, and the venue is
very family friendly. Check out the weekly pub specials and sip your favourite drink with the locals on Thredbo’s biggest balcony.
OPEN Lunch + Dinner + Bar Bar from 11.30am Food from 12pm
THE DENMAN
21 Diggings Terrace
Thredbo Village
Ph 6457 6222
The Après Bar at The Denman needs no introduction; it’s the home of après, where winter afternoons evolve into evenings, the bar a perfect entrée before venturing to the upstairs Terrace Restaurant. At the Terrace, the new winter will debut in June.
Last year there were ocean trout crudo, crab ravioli or the baked camembert for entrée. The pork cutlet with rhubarb mustard, charred radicchio and muscat glaze was delicious. The lamb shoulder served with green tahini and house pickles was certainly a winter favourite. The beef cheek ragu fettuccini with olive tapenade, or the prawn tagliatelle with cherry tomato, were great pasta options. The
https://thedenman.com.au/
black angus flank tagliata with red wine jus and salsa verde was accompanied by great side dishes, including sautéed broccolini. The appleshmarrn is perfect for dessert and one of the restaurant’s favourites. One of Thredbo’s best restaurants. OPEN
Rainbow Pines Tourist Park Accommodation on the shores of Lake Eucumbene
• Cabins + Pine Lodge
• En-Suite Camping Sites
• Powered & Unpowered Campsites
• 40 minutes to Selwyn Snowfields
• Lake Eucumbene Fishing At Your Doorstep
Phone: (02) 6454 2317 Email: info@rainbowpines.com.au www.rainbowpines.com.au Lucas Rd, Old Adaminaby
• Commercial • Residential
• Solar • EV Chargers
• Test and Tag
• Maintenance
Lic No. 291859C
Based in Jindabyne
Servicing the Snowy Mountains
Phone: (02) 6290 2292
Email: service@mckennaelectrical.com.au www.mckennaelectrical.com.au
Anglers Reach Lakeside Village On Lake Eucumbene
• 20 fully equipped self-contained cabins.
• Ideal location to stay all year round.
• Perfect for Selwyn Resort, trout fishing, mt biking, cycling, hiking.
• 4WDriving, bushwalking, wild brumbies spotting.
• Also suited for large groups, team building, school or family reunions. Contact Michael & Sal | Ph : 02 6454 2276 info@anglersreachcabins.com.au www.anglersreachcabins.com.au
• Supplying the Snowy Mountains region with the Highest Quality custom built kitchens.
• Individual 3D computer aided kitchen design.
• Kitchens, Bathrooms, Stone benchtops, Farmers kitchens, Wardrobes, Vanities.
• Follow on Facebook & Instagram: Tumut Valley Kitchens
Ph: (02) 6947 3004 • 1/180 Adelong Road Tumut Email: tvk05@bigpond.net.au tumutvalleykitchens.com Lic. 232913C
Highest Quality Kitchens and Joinery based in Jindabyne
• Custom Design & Built Kitchens, Wardrobes & Bathroom Vanities
• Solid Timber Woodwork
• Utilising World’s Number 1 Design Software and Computer-Controlled Machinery
• Fully Licensed all Work Guaranteed LIC 222989C Phone: Dean Linton (02) 6456 1536 • Email:
Ice Baths ✓ Traditional Saunas
✓ Recovery Room ✓ Float Tanks Ph: 0411 702 164 Email: info@revivejindabyne.com.au Location: 1/1 Sturgeon Street, Jindabyne www.revivejindabyne.com.au
WE Specialise IN WATERPROOFING NEW HOMES, BATHROOMS, MUD-ROOMS, RENOVATIONS IN OLD HOUSES, PLUS: WATERPROOFING
DECKS, RETAINING WALLS, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE WATERPROOFING, AND CAN SUPPLY WATERPROOFING CERTIFICATES.
WE Specialise IN WATERPROOFING NEW HOMES, BATHROOMS, MUD-ROOMS, RENOVATIONS IN OLD HOUSES,PLUS: WATERPROOFING DECKS, RETAINING WALLS, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE WATERPROOFING, AND CAN SUPPLY WATERPROOFING CERTIFICATES.
Play Golf Winter + Summer Coolamatong Golf Club
• Open 7 Days (social golf after 1pm on Wed & Sun) • 18 Hole Course – Grass Greens – New Spacious Deck • Clubs + Motorised Carts For Hire • Open Competitions Wednesday + Sunday • 2km Berridale – 27km Jindabyne – 34km Cooma
Waterproofing Decks & Retaining Walls
• Negative and Positive Waterproofing
• Can Supply Waterproofing Certificates
• Servicing Jindabyne, Berridale, Thredbo and Perisher
Ph: 0493 880 129 (preferred) or (02) 6456 3518 3583 Kosciuszko Road Berridale www.coolamatonggolfclub.com.au coolamatonggolf
Breathe into the power of the breath. Release stress, gain clarity, focus and melt away anxiety.
Private 1:1 Sessions Group classes Events
We supply and install quality, custom-made window coverings across the Snowy Mountains.
• Roller Blinds
• Plantation Shutters
• Curtains
• Awnings
• Romans, Verticals,
• Venetians, Honeycomb
Jindabyne Medical Practice – 6457 1221
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Peak Physio Plus
Bruce Wilson
M.Hlth.Sci.Spo.Phty
• Highly experienced Physiotherapist
• 20+ years in the Snowies
• New fully equipped premises in Berridale
• HICAPS instant health fund rebates
Free measure and quotes
Meagan Cutcliffe 0477 047 331 Email: jindabyneblindlady@gmail.com www.jindabyneblindlady.com.au
Provides a comprehensive range of medical services from experienced GPs and Registered Nurses
• Injury management
• Occupational and sports medicine
Wednesday Classes at 6.30pm Centred Health Studio, Leesville, Jindabyne Register with Karin 0432 844 075 • Mental health • Chronic complex care
• Pregnancy care, child and baby health
• Women’s and Men’s Health
Immunisations
Open Monday to Saturday + Sundays in snow season Online bookings via HotDoc or by calling our reception on 6457 1221. For urgent or unexpected problems please call for an appointment 5 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne
0493 359 216 OPEN: Monday to Saturday 9am - 7pm 97A Gippsland St, Jindabyne Email: benajuly@gmail.com RETREAT
A space to pause, reset and rediscover your direction ph: 0419 419 149 www.snowyretreats.com.au
An authentic Thai massage experience in a calm, welcoming setting.
Each treatment is personalised to support recovery from skiing, running, mountain biking and travel - easing tension, restoring balance and helping you feel refreshed & re-energised.
❄ Friendly Service ❄ Affordable Price ❄ Convenient Location
OPEN EVERY DAY during snow season
• Prescriptions
• Sports Injury Management
• Supports and Braces
• Cough & Cold
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses
• Toiletries & Cosmetics
• Hand Sanitiser, Hand Wash + Masks
Located Upstairs in Skitube Centre Next to Perisher Valley Medical Centre Phone: 02 6457 5652 www.perisherpharmacy.com.au
• No referral necessary
Opening hours to Monday-Thursday 9:00am -5:30pm
Phone: 02 6456 3993
1/72 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale
TO JUNE 26TH OPENING HOURS EVERY DAY 8AM TO 6PM
• All ePrescriptions Welcome!
• Full Service Compounding Pharmacy
• Support Braces: Knees, Wrists, Ankles
• PRE-ORDER OUR FAMOUS ALPINE PAIN GEL
• Nutraceuticals & Vitamins
• HARD TO FIND MEDICINES
• Largest range of LEGO in the Southern Hemisphere
Conveniently located Upstairs at Nuggets Crossing MOBILE/SMS 0426 829 530 Email your script to: jindabynerx@gmail.com Phone: 6456 2977 Fax 6456 1095 OPEN EVERY
& ACCESSORIES
LOCALLY OWNED PRODUCTS + SO MUCH MORE!
Local next business day delivery & Australia wide shipping.
Local delivery hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday Phone: 0498 393 666 Email: info@snowymountainsnutrition.com.au
WWW.SNOWYMOUNTAINSNUTRITION.COM.AU ALL YEAR-ROUND
CODE:
Jindabyne (Super Clinic) Address: 5 Thredbo Terrace | Phone: 6457 2627
Centre
General Practice Service including: • In house X-ray facility • Acute injury management
• In house pathology collection
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
• Immunisations, Travel medicine
• Skin checks, minor surgical procedures
• Wound care
• Diabetes management
PH: 6456 2545 | Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne (Upstairs opposite the Pharmacy)
168 Sharp St | Phone: 6452 4203
6 Days (7 days Winter) • Book online www.snowymountainsphysio.com
VISITING Kosciuszko National Park is more than just experiencing the alpine region; its collection of interesting nearby towns and the history of the whole Snowy Mountains region encapsulate more than your average holiday.
It’s no surprise to hear that Kosciuszko was the fifth most visited NSW national park in the 2024-25 financial year with
2.35 million visits, including 18.7 per cent made up of interstate travellers.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said the NSW State Government has invested $32.7 million to support growing visitation and protect this iconic destination, including opening the new Snowies Alpine Walk and upgrading the thermal pool and accommodation at Yarrangobilly Caves.
“Kosciuszko National Park is at the heart of our region, and it’s great to see more people than ever experiencing our alpine landscapes and high-country towns. This area is something locals are incredibly proud of,” said Mr Whan.
“The opening of the Snowies Alpine Walk was a huge boost, giving visitors a new way to experience the beauty of the mountains, while upgrades at Yarrangobilly Caves are helping people stay longer and explore more of what the region has to offer.”
“At the same time, continued investment in pest control and park management is protecting these fragile environments, making sure Kosciuszko remains a special place for people to enjoy now and into the future.”
The 56km Snowies Alpine Walk is a
Explore with a professional guide
Backcountry Adventure Guides has extensive experience in guiding guests to
multi-day self-guided alpine walk across the roof of Australia, including the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. With scenic locations such as Blue Lake, Porcupine Rocks, and Guthega Dam, it is fast becoming an attraction of its own standing.
The smallest but also the most accessible, your guide will showcase the outcome of 2 million years of creation as you view this 73-metre-long cave. Be astounded by the up close and personal displays of impressive straws, shawls, cave coral, and helictites.
One of the most exciting places to visit in Kosciuszko is Yarrangobilly Caves. Here you can spend the whole day exploring beneath the ground in millionyear-old caves, plus hiking scenic trails and swimming in the Thermal Pool. The Caves are open year-round, and in winter, visitors love to soothe in the Thermal Pool, even if the weather is cold or snowing. The 27-degree waters from the in-ground thermal spring are a winter delight. The pool area is also ideal for a BBQ or picnic.
Located in the northern section of the national park, there are several caves to explore, either through guided tours, where guides explain the intricacies of each cave, or self-guided tours with interpretive signage.
Boasting cave formations 1.5 million years in the making, the four-metre column of Cleopatra’s Needle is one of the standout features, plus witness rare displays of black and grey flowstones and forests of stalactites and stalagmites.
The magnificent Glory Arch is your entrance to this spectacular self-guided cave. Venture along at your own pace as you explore the biggest cave at Yarrangobilly. Europeans first explored here in 1834, and you will witness the same magnificent views. Self-activated sensor lights allow for easy viewing and the information signage of the cave’s history with impressive features such as the “lamb’s fleece” and “Judges Wig”.
The caves are cool inside, between 10-13 degrees, so pack a fleece or jacket, plus sturdy shoes are recommended. There are limited supplies at Yarrangobilly, so it’s best to pack all food and drinks.
Yarrangobilly is not close to any major town, the picturesque Talbingo being the nearest in the north, and Adaminaby in the south, so treat your visit like a fullday adventure from the outset and leave early from your current residence.
Talbingo - 35 min
Adaminaby - 55 min
Tumut - 60 min
Cooma - 1hr 30 min
Tumbarumba - 1hr 40 min
Khancoban - 1hr 50 min
Jindabyne - 2hr 5 min
• South Glory Cave self guided tours
• Jersey Cave guided tours
• Jillabenan Cave guided tours
For caves and tours visit nswparks.info/toursyarrangobilly
• Yarrangobilly Caves House
• Lyrebird Cottage
For accommodation visit nswparks.info/yarrangobillystay
For more information visit nswparks.info/yarrangobilly
• Thermal pools
• Lookouts
• BBQs
• Visitor Centre
