The Snowy Mountains has seen a large number of day-trippers, businesses report. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
Snowy Monaro businesses are celebrating after consistent snowfall so far this winter.
According to forecasting site SnowWatch, Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass resorts are all blanketed with more than 100 cm of natural snow.
Alicia Bolton, who owns Mainstreet Clothing with her husband, said a stronger snow season had brought more people to the Snowies – and to their business in Cooma.
She said that while loyal locals “are our bread and butter [and] how our business maintains itself”, the extra trade in a busy season was bringing something “extra to all regional businesses”.
It was a slow start to the season, with nearby resorts relying on artificial snow for coverage as May came and went without much snowfall.
But over the first six weeks of the season, things picked up in a series of cold fronts that brought the white stuff – all starting with 30 to 70 cm of snow dumped over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
It’s something that’s brought customers into Ms Bolton’s shop, in search of something warm.
“We do stock quality wool and warm clothing, so we have a lot of customers who come down and do their winter shopping with us … they get those quality winter garments that they don’t necessarily get from chain stores in the bigger cities.”
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Olivier Kapetanakos said the consistent snow meant businesses could kick into high gear by mid-July after the “disaster” of last year.
“We’re back to pre-COVID levels; I think [that] would be a fair thing to say,” he said.
“Last year, I was probably close to 40 per cent down on the year previous [of 2023]. This year, I’m probably back up to what it was like in 2023.
“When I have a look at the income that I’ll be making in July and August already, I’m up from last year.”
The road to the Snowy Mountains is often covered with snow and ice. Photo: Traffic NSW.
He said conversations with fellow Jindabyne business owners had revealed a sizeable number of day-trippers were heading to the snow.
Mr Kapetanakos encouraged people to make the trip to the Snowies in the back end of the season.
“When I talk to accommodation providers … there is availability in late July and August for people to come up and enjoy themselves.
“It can be done on a budget … coming down to Jindabyne and visiting the town, spending some of your holiday money in the area makes a huge difference to the success of the season.”
The number of people seeking a winter wonderland meant increased traffic on the roads, with Mr Kapetanakos pointing to one normally 40-minute trip being extended into “over an hour and a half” and resort carparks filling quickly.
“You can well imagine [how you would feel] if you’ve got a season pass, and then you get turned around because you decide to sleep in and venture out to the snow at 10 am, and you can’t … because it’s full,” he said.
Transport for NSW has urged motorists to take extra care when driving, with more than 100 people losing control of their cars in the snow and ice this winter.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.
