With a strong skate and surf culture on the Central Coast, it’s no surprise many of us also spend much of our winter hitting the Hume Highway to head to the NSW Snowy Mountains. We have strong connections to Jindabyne, and the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, having worked seasons or enjoyed snow holidays staying with mates or in membership ski lodges. From six hours’ away, we closely watch new businesses open, chairlifts replaced and resort products launched. Here are some of the changes you’ll see this winter.
Thredbo
The biggest development skiers and snowboarders will find at Thredbo this season is the addition of the Alpine Coaster. The year-round, all-weather ride is 1.5 kilometres long and passengers zip down a track that weaves through snow gums at speeds of up to 40km/h. If that sounds too fast for little snow bunnies, don’t worry; passengers can control how fast they travel as they make their way along uphill sections, through a tunnel and over bridges.
Thredbo has also launched new benefit-loaded season passes, which include discounts on Coaster rides, private ski and board lessons, food and drinks, rental equipment, retail gear and backcountry tours.
There will also be three new snowmaking fan guns near Kosciuszko Chairlift, plus new additions to the grooming and terrain park building snowcat fleets.
Perisher
Fans of the Mt. Perisher Double Chair may feel nostalgic about the fact the chair has now been retired. But it will be replaced by a high-speed six-seat lift, which is expected to be installed in time for the 2025 season. For now, skiers and snowboarders will be able to access Mt. P via the Triple Chair. The Triple will also open earlier on peak days, while there will be alternative access tracks from the chair’s base to Leichhardt. If you’re riding that part of the resort, you can stay there for lunch, too, with temporary food and beverage options for the season.
Other Perisher improvements include digital message signs with live lift wait times to help skiers figure out what areas of the resort they want to play on, and give them the option to ski to other lift stations. That’s in addition to real-time updates on the Perisher app.
Jindabyne
As the only town that services the ski resorts, Jindabyne is the heart of the Snowy Mountains but its booming winter population does lead to plenty of shop and restaurant doors opening and closing. One of our favourites – The Market Jindabyne – a wholefoods cafe and grocer, has new owners, so be sure to pop in and introduce yourself.
A very welcome development in the community this season is the completion of the redesigned skate park. Overlooking Lake Jindabyne, the skate park is great for days when you need a break from the slopes, or the kids need to burn more energy. The $1.5 million upgrade includes a new half pipe, a mini ramp and a refurbished bowl.
The 2024 snow season runs from June 8 until approximately October 7.
WORDS JENNIFER ENNION
