Posts Tagged ‘winter’
Go on, Shoe! Explore the Snowys by Snowshoe
Whatever the season, Jindabyne is a great base for you to explore the Snowy Mountains. While most people visit in winter to ski or snowboard, snowshoeing is another great way to explore around and beyond the resort areas. In this article, we’ll give you some handy tips and resources to get you started on your first, or next, snowshoeing adventure.
Where to go
A great place to get started is the Rock Creek Snowshoe Trail at Perisher Valley. It’s a well signposted gentle 3km snowshoe walk that starts opposite the The Man from Snowy River Hotel. It’s a winter-only walk and only available when there is sufficient snow cover, due to the sensitive landscape underneath.
Rock Creek Snowshoe Trail Map. Image: NPWS
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has a handy guide you can view and download, which includes that map you see here.
Also, this great article from bushwalk.com provides a detailed description of the trail, along with a map and images to help you familiarise yourself before you set off.
Getting Started
In Bushwalking Australia Magazine, Bruce Easton published the guide Snowshoeing – Getting Started. It provides a thorough overview of the gear you’ll need and the places you’ll want to go, including a heap of places all accessible from Jindabyne: Perisher, Guthega, Thredbo, and Mount Selwyn, plus Cabramurra and Victoria.
He also published Ten Tips for Backcountry Snowshoeing and Winter. We recommend you check them out for all the details, but here is a snapshot of things you need to consider:
- Planning is everything
- Hone your skills
- The right gear
- Food and eating
- Wild camping or huts
- Tech gear
- Light is right
- Sound information
- Be inspired
- Remember to have fun
So what are you waiting for? Whether you want go for an extended backcountry hike, or just want to break up your snow season holiday with a day off the skis, take a look through this info head into Wilderness Sports in Jindabyne for a chat with one of their experienced staff.
Thanks to bushwalk.com and NPWS for this info. Go ahead and explore their sites for more useful info.
Discover beautiful scenery like this when you snowshoe in the backcountry. Kosciuszko National Park. Image: Lisa Hogben
Jindabyne Night Bus Timetable
The Jindabyne night bus service has started for 2017, operating all winter until 9 September.
Now in its 19th year, the evening service runs each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during the ski season. The buses pick up and drop off passengers at key bus stops and local venues throughout Jindabyne, and buses have on-board security.
The Member for Monaro John Barilaro said last year that the Jindabyne night bus provides a safe late night transport option for the large population during the snow season.
“Roads and Maritime Services has provided support via the Community Road Safety fund to operate the Jindabyne night bus service for the past two decades,” he said.
“Jindabyne population balloons during winter and the service aims to improve road safety by reducing drink driving, drink walking and alcohol related safety issues.
“Two 21-seat buses have been operating on Wednesday and Saturday nights to provide a safe and reliable way for people to get home from restaurants and bars in the Jindabyne snow village, while one bus operates on Friday nights.
“Historically, the buses have moved about 5,500 patrons during the three month snow season but, this year, the figures have swelled owing to an influx of visitors due to the great snow season.
“The night bus has contributed to a reduction in drink driving and pedestrian injuries as patrons have a Plan B to make it home safely.”
Jindabyne Night Bus Key Information
- 2 buses will operate on Wednesday & Saturday Nights from 9:45 PM – 2:04 AM
- 1 bus will operate on Friday night from 9:45 PM – 1:44 AM
- Buses to East Jindabyne on Wednesday only. Leaves Banjo Patterson Inn at 10:20 PM and 12:40 AM
- Operates from 28 June to 9 September 2017
- On-board security guard on each bus for your safety
- $2 gold coin requested for travel
View and download the PDF timetable here or visit www.nightbus.com.au/jindabyne.
Local Charity Helps Men “Explore. Cast. Discover. Recover.”
~ by Matt Tripet of The Fly Program
‘He had been sitting there with his legs shaking in the cold water, eyes wide open looking blankly through tears into a blue sky but nothing registered internally. His senses were numb.
That moment on that mountain stream turned from minutes into hours as he continued to be attacked with feelings of insecurity, guilt and brokenness; feelings that were once sporadic after ‘those events’ but had now become a part of his everyday life.
Many of those close to him tried to reach out but were only hurt as he continued to shut them out of his life. He hated the idea that something was wrong and any reference to the word ‘depression’ just seemed a total cop-out to his character.’
We have grown up with the idea that Australian men are an open book, and are pretty easily understood. However, even our mainstream health services struggle to understand and know how to engage successfully with our male counterparts. The most telling evidence of this is reflected in male suicide rates, with males accounting for nearly 78% of all suicides in Australia. A very real and staggering statistic that has not declined in the last 20 years.
Like many others, I learnt first-hand the impact mental illness can have on an individual and our community. I was that guy in the opening paragraphs, someone who had recently wrestled with the ‘black dog’ and was now digesting the news that a brother was gone because of suicide.
The heart-break and the pain of losing a family member is always difficult to grasp but losing a family member in these circumstances is impossible to comprehend. The weeks and months would pass and we would slowly learn to deal with the raw nature of the pain but the questions would never end.
Although we couldn’t always find the answers there was an enormous motivation to change the outcome for others, hence The Fly Program was founded.
The Fly Program is a registered Health Awareness Charity endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office entitled to receive income tax deductible gifts and deductible contributions seeking to raise the awareness and combat the impacts of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide in the Australian adult male community.
Our programs are aimed at facilitating environments where Australian men can find a release and increase their quality of life, whether directly, or indirectly touched by the threads of mental illness, instituting a new outlet – participation in the natural world through recreational fishing and mountain biking as a reprieve from the day-to-day challenges too many face in our community.
We are very proud to be located in the Jindabyne region and share our magical backyard with Australian men.
The restorative benefits of walking one of our trout streams, or riding one of the many mountain bike trails has the means to provide respite and support for those impacted by mental illness.
Community donations and fundraising initiatives are essential to help us continue the work we have started, facilitating world-class programs that are saving and improving the lives of Australian men.
For more information on our work in the community, or to make a tax deductible donation please visit our website www.flyprogram.org.au
To sponsor a man into a program, or to host a fund raising event from your outlet please email info@flyprogram.org.au
Matt Tripet – CEO and Founder
The Fly Program
New bars open in time for Winter
Ski season holiday makers and Jindy locals alike get to enjoy a couple of new watering holes this winter, following the opening of the Jindabyne Brewing Company, and the re-opening of the legendary Brumby Bar.
Jindabyne Brewing Company has established a new home in Jindabyne, moving from its roots in Kalkite. The micro brewery launched its new premises at the start of the ski season, with Karl, Max and the team serving their impressive ales from equally impressive taps. Here you can enjoy the full selection of their locally famous Golden Ale, Pilzner, Red X and Veiss Beir plus a couple of seasonal specials.
If you can’t get there to try their full range, you can find some of their beers on tap at a growing number of venues throughout the town and region, including long-time supporters Lake Jindabyne Hotel and CBD.
Jindabyne Brewery Winter
Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 4pm-9pm; Friday-Sunday: 11am to late
Closed: Tuesday
Address: 5 Nettin Circuit Jindabyne 2627
Phone: 0412 224 103
Website: http://www.jindabynebrewing.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jindabynebrewing/
A great selection of locally brewed ales on tap. Credit: Jindabyne Brewing
Arguably Jindabyne’s best known pub, the Brumby Bar & Bistro, sold in May 2017 and its new owners Chris & “Poss” promptly gave it a facelift, renaming it Brumby Bar & Grill in the process. Now you’ll find a new interior design, new menu and new range of beverages, but an equally warm and inviting atmosphere. So whether you’re heading there for an early dinner after a day up the slopes, or planning to hit the d-floor with some live music later in the night, get there and check it out this winter!
Address: Cnr Kosciuszko Rd & Kalkite St, Jindabyne 2627
Phone: (02) 6456 2526
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brumbybarandgrill/
The Team at Brumby Bar and Grill Jindabyne. Credit: Matt De Ward, MJD Photography
Skiiing is Not the Only Winter Sport in Jindabyne
Whilst skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly the most popular sports in Jindabyne throughout Winter, traditional winter sporting codes such as Rugby Union and Football thrive in the town.
The Jindabyne Bushpigs rugby union club has a rich history, since it was founded in 1983 over a beer between mates at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel. In their first full season in 1984 they won the ACT sub-districts grand final! The club now fields 8 teams across junior and senior competitions throughout the Monaro and South Coast region, including the Under 10s Piglets, two junior girls’ teams known as the Miss Piglets, to the senior women’s Miss Piggies and senior men’s Bushpigs.
The Bushpigs’ home ground at John Connors Oval is arguably one of the most picturesque in Australia, overlooking Lake Jindabyne and the mountain vista.
Jindabyne Bushpigs rugby union club’s home ground would have to be one of the most picturesque in Australia
Joining a local sporting club is one of the best ways for new residents to meet people and make instant best mates, and the Bushpigs are no exception. The club mainly comprises year-round residents, but welcomes seasonal workers and long-term holiday makers alike. Basically anyone that is keen to brave the conditions and long bus trips to away games is welcome to have a run!
If you just want to watch a game, come along to the oval, sit on the grand stand or hill and enjoy a frosty beer and hot sausage sanga as you cheer the Bushpigs to a win!
The season usually starts April and runs through to July or August. Training is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:45pm for Juniors and 6:00pm for Seniors. Saturday is Rugby Day!
For more information visit https://bushpigs.com.au/
For those who prefer “The World Game” Jindabyne Junior Soccer Club (JJSC) is a Junior Club of Cooma Football Club.
JJSC welcomes boys & girls aged 5 to 11 years to participate in the Local CFC Winter Junior Soccer Competition.
NB: Boys & Girls U/12’s+ participate in the Capital Football Competition, representing our Parent Club as a Cooma Tigers Player.
Junior soccer is FFA approved & based on small-sided football guidelines, specifically & expertly designed for each age group, ensuring more touches of the ball, fast skill development & maximum fun.
Training: JJSC Training is held each Wednesday during the Winter soccer season from 3:30pm at John Connors Oval, Jindabyne.
Registration:
Registration includes Competition, Player Insurance (however, not Ambulance Cover), End-of-Season CFC Gala Day, BBQ, Trophy & Gift Presentation (for all financially registered Players).
Form more information visit the Jindabyne Junior Soccer Club Facebook page.
So go ahead and get along to one of the town’s local sporting clubs to play team sport in Jindabyne!
Shop for Ski Gear Deals Round the Clock
When it comes to buying or renting your ski & snowboard gear for your upcoming holiday or last minute getaway, your shopping options are endless in Jindabyne. Whether you’ve planned ahead, or your plan is “there is no plan”, you’ll be able to grab a great deal on anything you’ll need up the mountain.
On your way into Jindabyne, stop into either of the two main shopping hubs – Old Town Centre or Nuggets Crossing – and you’ll find that virtually every second store provides ski gear. Or take a wander behind Nuggets Crossing along Snowy River Avenue and Gippsland Street to find ESS Boardstore.
Nuggets Crossing is a hub for finding all your gear for your next holiday.
If you’re staying in Nettin Circuit, The Shed Ski Hire is really handy. On the way out to the Station Resort along the Barry Way, Monster Ski Hire is at Leesville industrial estate on your right, and they’re open 7am til midnight Thursday and Friday, or 7am-7pm other days. You can hire snow gear practically anywhere…even the local Caltex and BP petrol stations! So you’re sure to get a great deal near your accommodation, wherever you’re staying in Jindy. Savings tip: some shops offer up to 20% discount if you book online.
If you’re arriving late on a Friday night for that weekend trip don’t worry, as many ski hire places are open til midnight, and BP is open 24 hours, meaning you can get ski gear sorted at night and avoid delays in starting your day on the slopes.
Finally, when organising your rental gear remember that it is compulsory to carry properly fitting snow chains when heading to the ski fields in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Full details on where and when you need snow chains.
Find out more on shopping in Jindabyne including our business directory of retail stores throughout town.
Download this handy guide What to Pack on your ski holiday so you know what to bring with you or grab when you arrive.