Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Mr Stuart Ayres said "The Snowy Mountains is a remarkable region of mountains, lakes and rivers offering something for everyone during the cooler months. With brilliant terrain at the snowfields to suit all levels, and plenty of off the slope attractions and experiences, it's easy to see why the region attracted 645,000 domestic overnight visitors in the year ending December 2014."
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said "If you aren't a skier or snowboarder there's plenty to do off-piste. In the Snowy Mountains, you're surrounded by the Kosciuszko National Park, where trout can be caught in the lakes, trails on offer for biking or walking, horses for riding and restaurants and wines to be sampled.
With so many slopes and skis, boards and bars, choices can be daunting. If you need any inspiration, check out these ten suggestions for the 2015 snow season in the Snowy Mountains.
1. Rise above it all - The Kosciuszko Express Chairlift is an unforgettable way to enjoy the amazing alpine scenery. It operates from Thredbo 365 days a year and rises 560 metres to lift you to the closest access point on Mount Kosciuszko. The 2km scenic ride takes 15 minutes one way and the valley views are nothing short of spectacular
2. Celebrate Christmas in July – Is there a more appropriate place to celebrate Christmas in July than in the Snowies? And don't think the resorts haven't thought that too, with each one offering their take on a traditional European white Christmas. At Charlotte Pass, for example, the resort will be decorated with tinsel and Christmas trees; there will be a snowman-building competition; snow photos with Santa; and, of course, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Wherever you are in the Snowies, get into the Christmas spirit, belt out a few of your favourite carols and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Santa!
3. Make a night of it - Night skiing is for those skiers who are having way too much fun to stop when the sun goes down. Pop back to the lodge to refuel and then head out again for a unique alpine experience. Perisher floods the snowfields with light between 6pm and 9pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays; at Thredbo, they turn the lights on from 4.30pm until 7.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.
4. Watch the skies light up - Expect a cracker of a fireworks display on Tuesday nights at Perisher and Saturday nights at Thredbo. For the kids, weather permitting, there's a fireworks spectacular on Wednesday nights at Smiggin Holes
5. Be a torch bearer - Don't miss the flare run on Saturday nights at Thredbo. For more than 25 years, advanced skiers and snowboarders have taken to the slopes with flaming flares, creating a magical light show as they glide down the mountain.
6. Enjoy the truffle harvest – Fancy Alpine Way black truffle gnocchi with basil cream next to your wagyu beef steak? Better make a dinner reservation at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, 15 minutes from Thredbo and Perisher, which is offering a special truffle menu from June 21 to early August, running parallel to the regional harvest of the black perigord truffle. A three-course, truffle-infused menu, with matching wines is priced at $105. Doesn't take long to work up an appetite when you at the snow
7. Get into the snow tube – Slide down the slopes at speed, no skill required. Just point downhill and hold on. Snow Tubing is a fun thing to do with your mates, your kids and your friends. Perisher has Tube Town, Selwyn Snowfields has the Snowflake Tube Park, Thredbo has its Snow Play area and Charlotte Pass offers Free Tubin' Tuesday.
8. Get a master plan - The annual Masters Race is a long-held Thredbo tradition. In this ski event for the over-30s, masters racers from around the country line up for a giant slalom, held on the famous World Cup course. There are great prizes to be won as well as the ultimate prestige, for the winner, of being crowned the Thredbo Master. This year the event takes place on July 15
9. Just chill out - Leave the hill behind for a while and give your body a break. At Thredbo's Denman Day spa you could treat yourself to aromatherapy and/or remedial sports massages, indulgent spa packages and facials. Or maybe your idea of après-ski is just relaxing with a good red in front of an open fire in your favourite hotel, maybe on the super-comfortable leather lounges that you'll find at Adams Cocktail Lounge in The Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel. And there's nothing wrong with that. Other great places to try are the sophisticated Apres Bar, also in the Denman Hotel, and the Snow Gums bar in Perisher Valley Hotel.
10. Walk it off - For a change of temperature, take a walk along the banks of the Yarrangobilly River to see steam rising from the thermal pool. Year-round, the water is a toasty 27C, and there's something quite magical about paddling in deep midwinter when snow can lie around the edges of the pool. There are some great walks in the area and the beautifully restored Yarrangobilly Caves House, which dates back to 1901 is nearby
For more information on the Snowy Mountains and Regional NSW go to www.visitnsw.com
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