Introduction
Mount Kosciuszko
Few people in Australia, let alone other countries, realize you can go skiing in Australia in October in Australia. After the official end of the ski season there can be weeks of cross country skiing high on the Australian Alps.
Getting There
After the end of the ski season you can easily drive into the mountains. During the season it is still possible but more difficult. Also there is the Skitube, a railway from below the snow line to the ski fields.
Accommodation
Pygmy Possum Lodge
Pygmy Possum Lodge at Charlotte Pass is one of the few open after the ski season. While the road may be closed due to snow (and you have to ski in) it is usually open after the season is over and you can simply drive to the front door. Members get priority but late in the season you may find you are the only one there.
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass (Elev. 1,760m) is a location and ski resort in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Charlotte Pass is the place where the Kosciuszko Road crosses Kangaroo Ridge. The Road now terminates at the pass, because the last 10 kilometers leading to Mount Kosciuszko have been closed for environmental reasons.
The village is named after Charlotte Adams who, in 1881, was the first European woman to climb Mount Kosciuszko.
The pretty Charlotte Pass village lies on the eastern side of the pass. It is the oldest and highest ski resort, and village in Australia. The Kosciuszko Chalet is a hotel originally built about 1900. In winter, the village is isolated and can only be accessed by snowmobile from the Perisher Blue terminal in Perisher Valley, which lies about 8 kilometers to the east.
From: "Charlotte Pass, New South Wales", Wikipedia, 6 January 2006
Snow at Lodge kitchen door
Keep in mind that you will have to take everything you want to eat and drink with you (no shops open). Just have a look at the snow piled up against the kitchen door of the lodge! ;-)
Getting Around
Snowy River
The hard part is the hill up to Charlotte Pass, the village being in the valley. On the other side of the pass is a magnificent view of the snowy river and Australia's highest mountain: Mount Kosciuszko (2228 m). Keep in mind the weather can change quickly, so do not go out without being prepared.
What to Do
Ski of course! You can rent cross country skis at Paddy Pallin's Jindabyne store.