Winter wonderland

> The Snowy Mountains in Australia’s New South Wales offer plenty of exciting sports activities for daring adventurers

THE Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa – located on the border of the Kosciuszko National Park – is a natural outdoorsman’s playground in the Thredbo Valley, surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountains in New South Wales.

The resort offers visitors complimentary, seasonal sporting and adventure programmes, and and we were just in time to enjoy the winter activities.

After a hearty breakfast at the resort’s Terrace Restaurant, with the stunning Snowy Mountains as a backdrop, we proceeded to the Valley Terminal at the Thredbo ski resort to meet up with Peter Cocker from K7 Adventures for a half-day snowshoe trip to Kosciuszko Lookout.

The weather was gloomy, with ominous dark skies, but we were told the weather would improve when we moved higher up.

Peter and his partner Sara, together with our alpine guide Mike Edmondson, helped the nine members of our group to gear up for the trip, which included hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof jackets, and snowshoes.

Once everyone was ready and armed with ski poles, we took the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift from the Thredbo ski resort to our destination, the Eagles Nest Restaurant, sitting 1,937m above Threadbo.

Despite earlier assurances otherwise, the wind got stronger and colder as we ascended, and the temperature dropped drastically to -5°C. We were surrounded by thick white fog.

Once we arrived at Eagles Nest, Mike and Sara led the group towards the Kosciuszko Lookout, about 30 minutes away.

The trek was tedious, as most of us were walking in showshoes for the first time. It was snowing heavily, and the strong wind howled

around us. The biting cold, now -9°C, was slowing some of us down. At one point, the snow was almost knee deep.

In the distance, we could see Mt Kosciuszko, and the main mountain range, covered in snow.

Mike, who is also a professional photographer and cross-country skier, has been guiding people around the Snowy Mountains for over 35 years. He stopped occasionally to allow us to catch our breath, as well as to take pictures of the group before carrying on.

We tried our best to catch up with him. At 62 years old, he was in remarkably good shape.

After the snowshoe walk, we gladly returned to the heated interior of the Eagles Nest Restaurant for a cup of hot chocolate, and lunch.

THRILLS ON THE TRAIL

Another activity that visitors can enjoy is tobogganing, at Tube Town in Perisher Valley, which has the biggest toboggan area in Australia.

Here, you can slide down the hill, or even build a snowman. The place also offers trails for skiing. Nearby, there are cafes and shops that offer light refreshments.

Back at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, we were booked for the Segway Eco Tour.

After a short introductory briefing on how to operate the machine, we hopped onto our Segways and followed our guide.

The experience on the Segway was fun and thrilling, as the guide took us over different terrain, such as over mud and rocks, and taking us uphill and downhill, as well as along gravel paths.

We managed to experience some awesome sights, as we went across some of the scenic trails that encompassed the lake, and the nearby Thredbo River with the Snowy Mountains looming above it.

A FIERY SPIRIT

One way to keep warm before engaging in snow-based activities is to visit the award-winning Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery Door and Cafe, situated between Thredbo and the town of Jindabyne.

Wildbrumby produces pure Australian schnapps (a flavoured liqueur) from locally-sourced fruit.

The 20-acre property features a cellar door, and fully licensed cafe and working raspberry farm. It is open all year round.

The relaxing distillery and cafe are surrounded by an expensive sculpture garden. The cosy interior offers visitors a chance to enjoy schnapps of various flavours, including pink lady apple, pear William, peach, and butterscotch schnapps.

One, the aptly-named Devil’s Tongue, posseses an unforgettable chilli-hot aftertaste, and is perfect for the cold weather.

Set in beautiful surroundings, Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery makes a perfect stopover when travelling to or from the mountains.