SNOWY MOUNTAINS NEWS

27/12/06 Snowy Mountains Scheme Running Dry – Great For Tourism & Not So Good For The Farmers...

Unless rainfall patterns change quickly, 2007 could become the year the Snowy Mountains Scheme ran out of water. In the first half of 2006 we saw volume of Lake Eucumbene, the largest dam in the Snowies, drop by almost the volume of Sydney Harbour and Lake Jindabyne combined, and the remaining water is now significantly less than that volume used. Tourists now have the opportunity to view the foundations of the original town of Adaminaby, moved in 1956 to make way for Lake Eucumbene and flooded soon after. Keen photographers have captured the spooky “ghost trees” many now out of the water for the first time since they were drowned. Fishermen are gloating over their trout catches. One fisherman said “It’s easier to catch a fish when you take most of the water from its bowl” Lake Jindabyne will finish the year a little over 50% full. Both locals and tourists alike can now enjoy the many expanding beaches around the lakes.

The boat "Snow Dancer" on Lake Eucumbene.

The decrease in the volume of water stored inthe Snowies will also reduce the latent heat stored in the bodies of water. This heat is slowly released into the atmosphere when cold systems move over the mountains, raising the snow levels. Many people around the lakes witnessed snowfalls on Christmas day this year, down to around 1000m, almost 400m lower than the predictions of the bureau. There really is something special about snow falling on Christmas day. Whilst the Snowies dry up, the tourists have more reason to visit. To book your idyllic Snowy Mountains holiday, call 1800 020 622.

30/08/06 Spring is in the air...

Fair weather skiers, the time has come for you to dust off your snow riding equipment and visit the Snowies. The warmer weather makes for a more comfortable days riding and the softer spring snow is fun to carve and more forgiving for beginners.

Man V'S Machine - HUGE Tug-O-War At Selwyn Snowfields

What a fantastic start to the official 40th Birthday weekend at Selwyn Snowfields. On Saturday the 5th of August, Ten lifts were spinning accessing across the mountain accessing100% of the rideable terrain, the sun was shining and the entertainment was sensational.

Comedian and magician, Adam Dean toured the mountain stopping at various locations to entertain the guests. The "Go Seek" girls put on a fantastic show for the kids and the crazy hat competition was a blast. The man V'S machine Tug-O-War grabbed the crowds attention, with a sensational display of human strength.

Entertainer Adam Dean rallied the crowd to roll up their sleeves and take on the might of the mighty Bombardier Jumbo snow grooming machine. To the delight of the spectators, the men (and some mighty strong women) dug in their heels and achieved the impossible, pulling the mighty Bombardier Jumbo over the line.

The season has really kicked off at Selwyn Snowfields. We are expecting an awesome August and September for snow riding and family fun. To book your magical Selwyn Snowfields winter holiday call the Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre on 1800 641 064. There are some great deals available for winter and early spring riding. Selwyn Snowfields, it's your winter playground.

17/7/06 Selwyn Snowfields Is Australia's 1st Ski Area To Open 100%

What a great birthday present. On the 1st of August 2006 Selwyn Snowfields became the 1st ski area in Australia to open 100% of its rideable terrain.

A timely snow dump the week before Selwyn’s official 40th birthday party, (5th & 6th August) has allowed Selwyn Snowfields the opportunity to open every trail on the mountain plus the sensational Selwyn tube park. Many are now hopeful that this season will echo the winter of 1966, Selwyn’s very first season of operation, the snow came late and heavy, resulting in an above average season for snow falls.

With all this fresh snow on the ground, there’s no better time to book your sensational Selwyn Snowfields winter holiday. Call Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre now on 1800 641 064. Selwyn Snowfields, It’s Your Winter Playground.

17/7/06 Happy Birthday Selwyn Snowfields

On the 5th and 6th of August Selwyn Snowfields will celebrate their 40th Birthday. And what an awesome weekend we have planned. 40 years ago Col and Marnie Myers moved the first ski lift from Kiandra, where Australian skiing began, up the hill to the Selwyn quarry. Nowadays Selwyn Snowfields have 11 lifts (12 if you count both sides of the Ski School tow) and modern facilities and shops for your convenience.

The celebrations will include face painting and games on Saturday and “GO SEEK” shows for the kids, a giant tug of war, man v’s machine (ha ha were gonna beat the snow cat). There will also be a giant treasure hunt. We’ll have prizes for the best crazy hats all weekend and there’s a crazy hat race on Sunday, and yes you have to wear your crazy hat. There’s a special birthday cake cutting as well, and there’s a Sunday dress theme… “Skiing in the sixties”, Skins and knitted jumpers, there’ll be prizes for the best outfits. All weekend you’ll be entertained by a magician and comedian, both inside and out on the snow. I tell you its all happening at Selwyn Snowfields on the 5th and 6th of August. A big fat happy birthday to Selwyn Snowfields and everyone’s invited.

For accommodation bookings call Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre on 1800 641 064. Selwyn Snowfields, It’s your winter playground.
 

17/7/06 Whipping Up A Snow Storm

Over the past couple of years Selwyn Snowfields have doubled the size of their snowmaking system and most recently have begun testing the Southern Hemispheres first Lenko Orion snow guns. The man made snow is more resilient to adverse weather conditions and has lasted extremely well over the 2006 July school holidays.

In a season with relatively low natural snow falls early in the season it is remarkable that a snow sports resort has up to 6 lifts open entirely on man made snow. And the snow quality has been superb for riding. Snowmakers have the ability to create a dense snow base with a dry top layer. Then in adverse conditions when the natural snow melts the man made snow will stick around for a whole lot longer.

On cold dry nights Selwyn Snowfields has been able to create up to five thousand cubic metres of snow. When snow enthusiasts arrive in the mornings it looks as though the mountain has weathered the mightiest snow storm, with the runs, the trees and the buildings covered in a blanket of white.

Over the past ten years snow sports enthusiasts have been able to rely more and more on having a quality ride able snow cover during the winter months even during periods of low natural snow falls. To book your magical winter snow holiday call snowy mountains holiday centre on 1800 641 064 today.

17/6/06 Ski School Training

Selwyn Snowfields ski instructors undergo rigorous ski training exercises before lessons.  It is imperative that instructors can go back to basics and teach the most basic and most important exercises to their guests.

For ski school bookings please call (02) 6454 9488.

2/6/06 SNOW SNOW SNOW

This could just be the storm that kicks off the 2006 season. Everyone on the Mountain is prepared and all systems are go.

Have you booked your magical Selwyn Snowfields holiday yet? Don't miss out, Call Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre on 1800 641 064 today.

23/5/06 The Snow Is Back

Early snowfalls have returned again to Selwyn Snowfields, ensuring the ground will be nice and cold for the start of the season.

19/5/06 Grooming Fleet Expanded

In addition to the expansion of Selwyn Snowfields already impressive snow making system we have also expanded our grooming fleet to make the most of all the extra snow. Selwyn Snowfields have purchased a Pisten Bully 300 Winch Cat.

The new grooming machine will make light work of pushing snow back up the hill. Although the laborious task of preparing the runs happens mostly at night, snow revelers will certainly notice the benefits both on and above some of the mountains steeper slopes.

A winch cat can be anchored to another snow cat to more easily and safely perform difficult tasks resulting in better snow coverage and a superior surface to slide on. The winch is a hydraulic driven gear box mounted on the rear of the snow cat. It works under pressure so that when the cat is going down hill it is releasing the cable. When the machine turns to return uphill, more pressure is applied so the winch pulls the machine back up.

17/5/06 Online Bookings Easy @ Selwyn Snowfields

You can now book your magical Selwyn Snowfields holiday online. Selwyn Snowfields booking agents, namely Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre have recently upgraded their website www.smhc.com.au , to enable you a fast and easy way to reserve and pay for your accommodation over the internet. Search all accommodation by availability date or browse through a particular property’s booking calendar. Or if you prefer the personal touch simply call 1800 641 064 and one of Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre’s friendly agents will be only too happy to assist you.

8/5/06 Become A Ski Instructor

Selwyn Snowfields are on the look out for positive, energetic and motivated individuals to join ski school... Applicants must be great communicators.

Our team of qualified, professional instructors will take your skiing back to basics, & teach you a proven and successful system designed to simply educate and assist guests.  Apply HERE

8/5/06 It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas...

...At Santa's Place

Recent snowfalls have turned Selwyn Snowfields into a white wonderland, and the elves (mountain staff) are working hard to ensure that everyone one will enjoy the season to come. The lifts are ready, the snow mobiles are ready, there’s even a snowman waiting for the first child to befriend.

With so much attention on early snowfalls, vacancies are filling quickly. Book your magical white winter holiday today and avoid missing out. Call 1800 641 064.

Staff training??? 8th May 06

4/5/06 Happy Birthday Selwyn

2006 marks the 40th anniversary since Col & Marnie Myers moved the first ski lift from Kiandra to Selwyn Snowfields.

Selwyn has grown from a single rope tow for skiers only, where refreshments were sold from the car boot, to a modern ski area with 12 lifts, shops, an industry leading snowmaking system and a huge choice of fun activities. 

Birthday celebrations are planned for the first weekend in August. More details coming soon...

3/5/06 Where Skiing Began

Just below the Northern side of Mount Selwyn lies Kiandra. Now a skeleton of the once booming gold rush town harboring a population of over ten thousand people. Kiandra was where skiing began in Australia and arguably fostered the worlds first ski club. Where would the winter Olympics be now, or the world cup if the Kiandra locals hadn’t made a competition out of snow shoe (ski) racing.

Kiandra has been frequented by many famous Australian personalities. Infamous bushrangers Frank Gardiner and Ben Hall first met in Kiandra. Over the following few decades Banjo Patterson visited Kiandra so often that he became a member of the Kiandra Snow Shoe (ski) Club, and in those days the Eucumbene River was known as the Snowy River.

The road trip to Australia’s first ski fields was made easier when two public houses were built at Yarrangobilly caves in the 1860’s. Ever since, snow revelers have been able to swim in the thermal pools or tour the caves on their way too or from the snow. Better roads and high tech automobiles have reduced travel time to the Kiandra snowfields dramatically. It is now an easy day trip to Selwyn Snowfields from Canberra and Wagga and a popular weekend destination for revelers from Sydney.

In 1966 the first ski lift, a rope tow, was moved from Kiandra up the hill to Selwyn Snowfields. In subsequent years all of the lifts were moved from Kiandra to Selwyn where snow riders can still experience a piece of history on Australia’s first T Bar. 2006 marks the 40^th anniversary of Selwyn Snowfields and 125 years since the worlds first ski club was formed on the slopes below. There are now 12 lifts and modern facilities located at Selwyn Snowfields and there are huge plans for this years historic birthday party.

ABOVE: A racer in a more recent Snow Shoe race. Celebrating the historical races of yesteryear.

1/5/06 Whats New For 2006

It has been a busy Summer at Selwyn Snowfields. There have been significant changes from the ground to the sky and everything in-between.

• New Fun Parks. Selwyn Snowfields will have no less than two new Fun Parks installed for the coming ski season. The first is the Coca Cola Fun Park, located near the entrance to the resort which will include the “Bouncing Bogong” jumping castle and the toboggan park. The second Fun Park will be located adjacent to Township run and will include numerous ski and board rider features, box’s, mini jumps, berms,  ski-through features and race gates.

• Snowmaking Upgrade. New features on the snowmaking front include tower installations, Australia’s first Lenko Orion snow gun and the associated infrastructure to assist in the creation of more of that awesome white stuff we all long for. Selwyn Snowfields season has been extended by almost 20 days since the inception of snowmaking and it just keeps getting better.

• Summer slope grooming. To improve snow retention and reduce erosion the mountain management team have upgraded and created more efficient drainage, installed ag-pipe and cleared rubble and obstacles from the slopes. More often Selwyn Snowfields are fortunate to be able to open 100% of the resort earlier in the season than most of their competitors due to the immaculate slope grooming. Very little snow is required to create an obstacle free surface over most of the resort resulting in safe and fun riding conditions.

• Gentle Annie. A kids favorite, the Gentle Annie Magic Carpet has been moved into a new position to take advantage of additional snowmaking and to create a wider, safer and easier ski area for beginners to enjoy.

• Restaurant Upgrade. In anticipation of an awesome snow season Selwyn Snowfields have upgraded the restaurant. Storage and food preparation areas have been expanded and the guest service area has been rearranged to facilitate a simpler and speedier service.

• Snow Cams. Selwyn Snowfields have installed more snow cams for the information and enjoyment of their guests.

• Other improvements to the Selwyn Snowfields IT infrastructure will assist management in the implementation of new and improved management systems and a simpler and more effective booking system.

   

   

  17/4/06 Better For Beginners...

  Things just keep getting better at Selwyn Snowfields for learner riders. Selwyn Snowfields youngest lift has recently been realigned and snowmaking has been installed. Gentle Annie, the children’s area magic carpet has been moved for the benefit of all beginner kids, with a wider gentle slope and a simple loading area. Snowmaking has also been installed to ensure the best surface and is expected to extend the ski able days in this area dramatically.

   

  A huge 40% of Selwyn Snowfields is dedicated to easier beginner runs with the Gentle Annie learner’s area only a small portion of it. Another 48% of the terrain is regarded as intermediate terrain enforcing Selwyn Snowfields title as Australia’s Favorite Family Winter Playground. Call now for the best choice in accommodation and take advantage of some awesome value season packages, PH: 1800 641 064.

   

  12/4/06 History On Show

  

  Selwyn Snowfields have represented the Northern Kosciuszko area and surrounds at numerous trade, snow and travel shows during 2006. Shows in Adelaide, Wollongong, Sydney, the Gold Coast & Brisbane have all been huge successes.

   

  Increasingly potential visitors are learning of Australia's first ski area and looking forward to experiencing a piece of Australian history. Since skiing began in Australia in the 1860's, the ski area has moved to higher ground on the ridge above Kiandra, namely Mt Selwyn where guests can experience a modern family ski area with 12 lifts, shops and amenities.

   

  Many agree that the Man From Snowy River came from this area. Banjo Patterson, a member of the Kiandra Snow Shoe club frequented the area back in the days when the Eucumbene River was called the Snowy River. And local legend Charlie McKeahnie is touted to be "The Man".

   

  To book your winter snow getaway, call 1800 641 064

   

  16/3/06 More Snow

  The long range snow forecast looks awesome and Selwyn has again improved its snowmaking capacity and slope grooming. Leaders in the utilization of snowmaking technology, Selwyn Snowfields have further expanded their snow making system with new towers and new snow guns. These recent additions will ensure a more reliable and superior quality snow cover.

   

  The first Lenko Orion gun in Australia, will be installed in the next few weeks reinforcing Selwyns leading position in snowmaking. Selwyn Snowfields are fortunate to be able to open 100% of their mountain before most of their competitors because of the immaculate slope grooming and snow making system. The huge snow guns used by Selwyn Snowfields create fine nucleated water droplets which freeze in our significantly gelid atmosphere and fall back to the ground as real snow.

   

  The long range weather forecasts for 2006 also look awesome for a change. One particular positive forecast for the coming season is from “Moore’s Long Range Forecasting PTY/LTD You can subscribe to their forecast by emailing moores@dragnet.com.au or web surfing to  http://www.mooreslrweather.com.au/ . Selwyn Snowfields have used Moore’s long range forecasts for years and found them to be much more accurate than most.” Often a good season in the Northern Hemisphere equates to a good season in Australia as well.

   

  To book a magical winter holiday in the snow this season call 1800 641 064. Book early for the best choice and best prices.

   

  

   

  7/3/06 Spend A Season In The Snow

  Spend a season in the spectacular Snowy Mountains. Selwyn Snowfields are currently accepting applications for all types of seasonal jobs.

   

  If you are a fun communicator who can ski or snowboard, try the hiring clinic to learn heaps about riding & instructing. Many  participants will be invited to join our highly sought after ski school.

   

  If your always happy & interested in keeping fit and having a "Snow Ball", apply for a liftie position or one of many other awesome positions we have to offer.

   

  For more information CLICK HERE

   

  

   

   

  8/2/06 Cool News

   

  Have you seen the latest copy of "Selwyn Snowfields Cool News" download a PDF of our newsletter here.

   

  If you wish to join the "Cool News" mailing list please send us an email and type "Cool News" into the subject line.

   

   

  7/2/06 The Spectacular Snowies

   

  The area around Selwyn Snowfields has been a hive of activity over the last few weeks. Toyota has filmed a new Prado ad on those sporty bends on the Snowy Mountains Highway over the Eucumbene River. And a large group of historians are conducting an archeological dig at the Gold Commissioners Camp in Kiandra.

   

  Toyota aren't the first people to film the magical backdrop of the Kiandra Valley. During Summer the colours are always changing and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. And in winter the scene changes to an almost lunar landscape with that Magical white stuff, SNOW, blanketing the horison.

21/4/06 More snow at Selwyn Snowfields...

6/4/06 Its Snowing big time at Selwyn...

Will this be a huge season?

20/2/06 Fires started by fierce electrical storms last week continue to burn in the Kosciuszko National Park. Helicopters have been a boon to fire fighting authorities dousing the flames with cold water from local streams.  The huge choppers lower themselves precariously between the trees in the valley to dunk their giant buckets into rock pools.

Visiting trout fishermen replaced their fishing rods with digital cameras to capture the pilots exceptional skills. 

18/2/06 Sure winter is the most exciting season... but in summer we have the Cooma rodeo. It was thrills and spills all round, with almost as many Akubras as heads.

7/10/05 Terrain parks are the future.

What will they have instore for us next season? Even the snow cat box affectionately known as the "Bus" is being packed away for summer. The parks were a huge success this year, and with growing popularity world wide who knows the shape of parks to come? Just imagine Smiggins as one huge park???

30/9/05 New snow like cornflakes on porridge.

The fresh snow is welcome, but after 20cm of wet snow falling on wet ground (70mm rain) the snow is soaking up the water like cornflakes on porridge. Only expect a few days grace from this storm.

22/8/05

7/8/05 Red Bull Rails Goes Off

Jindabyne town is still buzzing from last nights Red Bull Rails final, one of the hugest events to be held in Jindabyne. The 2005 Red Bull Rails event saw some of the country’s most talented skiers and snowboarders take on one of Australia’s most technically difficult rail-sliding courses; Mt Red Bull behind the old shopping centre in Thredbo Terrace car park Jindy. DJ Rare kept the tunes kicking on throughout the evening.

A huge snow covered Mt was erected on scaffolding in the car park and thousands of excited and cheering fans amped the competitors who pulled off some amazing stunts.

5/8/05 Red Bull Rails

The Red Bull Rails event is due to climax Saturday night the 6th of August. Where? Directly in front of our Jindy cam... Thats right, the scaffolding has been erected right in front of our cam and pics will be available soon after the final.

17/7/05 North Perisher opens with epic powder.

Today I was fortunate to share the opening few turns on North P with about 16 local instructors in what was touted the best day of the season so far. The snow was both dry and deep enough to carve some deep S's and soft enough to tackle a few adrenalin rushing drops. Its days like this that cause normal everyday people to quit their day jobs and become wandering, skiing nomads with the strongest possible passion for life and powder snow.

9/7/05 Heavy Snow In Jindabyne

Curiosity Rocks

Jindy Fire Crew Taking Photos

8/7/05

Snow In Front Of The Old Jindy Shops

Looking toward the lake, from the Police Station.

Driving into Jindy.

Bullocks Flat.

Smiggins Car Park

02/07/05

Fresh snow has fallen across NSW resorts just in time for the NSW school holidays. The snow is now is superb shape for snow riders to enjoy. With the weather systems predicted over the next few weeks the snow will only get better.

01/07/05

Whilst fairing much better than other local resorts, Perisher & Smiggins have some dirty spots coming through. Heavy fog and showers have thinned the cover a little creating great snow to carve into but stopping the groomers from being able to work to capacity and fill the gaps. Colder temperatures in the next 48 hours will alleviate any problems.

25/6/05 Double Last Seasons Snow?

107cm Base at Spencer's Creek. Almost double the base of this time last season. What a great start to the season, if you haven't been out for a slide yet wax your stix and come on down, Australia's winter playground is swinging.

25/6/05 Thredbo -No Go Down Low-

Skiing at Thredbo today was a chore, whilst there was ample snow right up high, the snow had mostly melted down low. The Crackenback supertrail was closed below half way station. There were closed signs on most of the run outs and the half way station was closed??? We had to poach a closed run fearing that someone had been over zealous with the closed signs. The walk was a pain. And the bottom of High Noon, whilst open, was also a walk out if you wanted to avoid the mud and grass.

21/6/05 Sweet Sweet Snow at Perisher.

You can expect around 37 lifts to be open at Perisher this weekend. Last night the groomers were out in force grooming areas all over the mountain including Mt Perisher. Then we were dumped on again, with winds blowing in from a different direction filling many of the holes missed over the last week or so with the predominate westerly winds.