Skiing
In winter, however, it has 30 interconnecting ski lifts, over 100 ski instructors, extensive snow making facilities, and a wide range of accommodation options.
The settlement boasts the two highest churches in Australia and a ski lift which rises to 2054 metres (only 174 metres below Mount Kosciusko).
The Skitube
Of greatest interest to non-skiers is the remarkable Skitube which runs from below the snowline at Bullocks Flat, across the Thredbo River Bridge and through the mountains to Perisher Valley and Mount Blue Cow. Claiming to be Australia's highest rack railway system it is an 8.5 km journey through the longest railway tunnel (a total of 6.3 km) in the country. Bullocks Flat terminal is 1120 metres above sea level and the terminal at Mount Blue Cow is at 1875 metres - a total climb of 755 metres. It operates all year round and, for visitors in summer, offers an interesting journey as well as an ideal start on the climb up Mount Kosciusko.
There is a bus service which runs from Perisher Valley to Charlottes Pass from where it is an easy 8 km walk to the top of Mount Kosciusko.
In spring and summer the walks in the area are exhilarating. The alpine flowers are dramatic and the views are often spectacular.
Smiggin Holes
Smiggin Holes (not Smiggins Holes) was named after the pools which were formed in the rocks in the area by cattle. The name apparently is Scottish in origin.
Now a popular ski resort it claims the best beginners ski run in Australia as well as excellent facilities for more advanced skiers.
Guthega
Located only 40 km from Jindabyne Guthega was one of the first camps in the Snowy Mountains. As early as 1955 power was being generated by the Guthega Power Station. The area was originally called Munyang after the Reverend William Branwhite Clarke (an early explorer in the region whose expertise in geology led to hist discovery of gold in the Bathurst area long before the first gold rushes) had named it after an Aboriginal word which he spelt 'Muniong' and claimed meant 'big white mountain' in the language of the locals.
Guthega is primarily a day ski resort. Accommodation is restricted to the Guthega Lodge and Restaurant (02 6457 5383) with most skiers staying at Jindabyne or Berridale. In comparison to Perisher and Thredbo it is a small ski resort with limited facilities.
Mount Blue Cow
Mount Blue Cow boasts that it is the newest ski resort in New South Wales. It is a unique experiment in cooperation being a joint venture between the Mount Blue Cow Ski Bowl company and NSW National Parks and Wildlife. Located between Perisher Valley and Guthega it is 1875 metres above sea level and is only accessible by the remarkable Skitube which runs from Bullocks Flat near Jindabyne. It has no overnight accommodation and is designed to cater for day skiers in the winter and walkers in the summer months. NPWS are proud of the fact that Blue Cow is an area where 150 year old snow gums still exist (in other parts of the Snowy Mountains they have been cut down or burnt by bushfires) and where the alpine water skink and the rare mountain pygmy possum have their home. NPWS have produced a free brochure on the area.
Charlottes Pass
In recent times Charlottes Pass has become both a popular ski resort and a favourite departure point for the leisurely 8 km walk to the top of Mount Kosciusko. Philip Francis Adams, the District Surveyor at Cooma, brought a group to the area in 1881. He named the area after his daughter Charlotte who accompanied the group.
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