The Snow Gauge: what’s new on the slopes
Your weekly ski and snowboard roundup.
FIRST TRACKS
Three words: snow, snow and snow. It’s coming in time for the weekend and is enough to take the focus off the Kiwis for once this year!
There are conflicting reports about how much and just how long it will last but “plenty” and “days” seem to be safe enough answers. Using chains is likely a must in the NSW and Victoria fields, and perhaps quite a distance out from the resorts themselves, with the snow expected to fall to low levels as the weekend progresses.
Know how to fit them, leave plenty of time and be careful on the roads.
UNDER THE GUNS
There’s been the unwanted record this season – the worst start to a season for natural snow since figures were logged – but there’s also been another more positive one in regards to snowmaking.
Thredbo reports that it has had its biggest June on record for creating the white stuff, and The Snow Gauge can attest to that having ridden it earlier in the week. Being able to make turns all the way down the 3km High Noon Supertrail on almost entirely man-made snow is quite the feat.
And it wasn’t just a goat track but cover side to side as well as top to bottom. Similarly, Perisher managed to get 29 runs going for punters over the past week. It wasn’t always pretty – some long lines with school holidays, coupled with various school races did test the patience at times and if you hadn’t booked it wasn’t the time to make a snap decision to head to the slopes.
But the snowmakers, like the old Meadow Lee ad said, oughta be congratulated.
TOP GEAR
Tuning in: Good gear deserves good treatment and one of the big things skiers tend to forget about is getting their skis tuned, or at least often enough. Getting edges sharpened, having the skis waxed and getting a base-grind to smooth out the surface can make a huge difference, particularly in Australia where conditions can be so variable.
“It amazes me what people will ski on,” says Shane Burdett from The Racer’s Edge in Jindabyne.
“But if you get your skis tuned regularly, you will have a better day’s skiing, it’s as simple as that.”
Unless you are skiing fluffy powder and corduroy groomers Shane recommends waxing for every trip and a full tune every other time. While that is mostly left for the pros, carrying a diamond stone file to run over your ski edge to get rid of burrs, is a cheap and easy thing anyone can do.
And make sure to store your planks properly between uses. “Always have a storage wax on the skis – it keeps the base hydrated and the edges clean,” Shane says. Web: www.theracersedge.com.au
DEALING WITH IT
Methven, about 90km from Christchurch is greatly underestimated as a base, and given you can fairly readily get cheap airfares from Australia’s east coast to the South Island capital, you can access the likes of Mt Hutt (30 minutes’ drive) and then move onto Porters and the clubfields.
We reckon it’s worth a visit, particularly in current conditions. The Snow Gauge can solidly vouch for Ski Time, which has a great bar and restaurant and can sneak two people in from as little as $120 a night with a light breakfast.
If only Jindabyne could come up with something as good and cheap! Web: www.skitime.co.nz.
CONDITIONS APPLY – WITH WEATHER GURU PETE `THE FROG’ TAYLOR
It’s a case of Friday on their minds for Aussie skiers and snowboarders as a long-overdue snow-bearing system looks set to deliver.
The last day of the working week is set to be a teaser, according to The Frog with up to 8cm falling before a second front moves through on Saturday. From there about 20cm over each of the next three days looks possible.
“Some resorts will get more than others,” says The Frog, who feels the southerly Victorian resorts such as Mt Baw Baw might do particularly well. Given forecasters are a conservative lot, he won’t rule out the prospect of bigger falls then predicted.
A small word of caution is the potential return of the dreaded blocking high for a week or two after that. At this stage the jury is still out on whether they will come to fruition and push any storms underneath Australia.
You probably guessed the flipside already though – if it plays out, New Zealand will likely get some more love. Already enjoying a sensational season start, the land of the long white ski resorts gets a rest over the next few days as the Australian alps get pounded but should be hit again if we miss out. At least there’ll be fresh snow somewhere.
LAST RESORT – A LOOK AT AUSTRALASIA’S FORGOTTEN ALPINE AREAS
Mt Baw Baw: The closest ski resort to Melbourne, Baw Baw can be reached in a little over two hours from the city’s east. There are 35 hectares of terrain, seven lifts, 17 runs and two snow play areas.
The vertical drop is only 104 metres, with a longest run of 750m meaning a week would be a stretch for anyone other than beginners – the snow, too, is an issue given the peak is at just 1564 metres.
But with on-snow accommodation and the gamut of services available it makes a nice stepping stone to the likes of Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham. The prices are also far friendlier (adult day passes from $50 midweek) and there’s a strong emphasis on alternative snow activities such as sled dog tours and snow shoeing.
Now relying on man-made snow, like the other Australian resorts, Baw Baw should pick up markedly conditions-wise by mid next week. Web: www.mountbawbaw.com.au
Facebook.com/thesnowgauge.net
Twitter: @thesnowgauge
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
@australia 2015 Snow Season glenn cullen mt bawbaw new zealand perisher snow season snow wrap up the snow gaugeLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.