Sydney Ski & Snowboard Group

Intro

Welcome to the Sydney Ski and Snowboard (SSS) group!  We’re delighted that you share our passion for riding - we are an inclusive group and welcome all riders, regardless of their age, race, ability, etc.

We’re also quite a big group, and as you can imagine, receive a huge number of questions so we’ve put together this handy FAQ which (hopefully) answers all your questions.

Remember that members of SSS are not travel agents, tour guides, bus drivers, or hotel concierges. While carpooling and accommodation sharing you are encouraged to reduce costs, please see each event for specific details. RSVPing or Waitlisting for an event on Meetup does not guarantee any accommodation reservations or travel arrangements - these must be actively pursued by you, by liaising with event hosts/other attendees. Please remain active in the event and communicate frequently!

Communications

Slack

We use the 'Slack' app to keep in touch on and off the snow, go ahead and set it up following the Group chat - #Slack guide

There are lots of #channels, simply start typing in the Jump to... search bar. Here are some key channels to join:

• #aav chanel is where all room-based discussions occur if you're staying at Adventist Adventure Village (AAV).

• #thredbo_on_snow for all Thredbo on-snow shenanigans like where we’re meeting for lunch, where the massive lines are, etc.

• #perisher_on_snow for all Perisher on-snow shenanigans like where we’re meeting for lunch, where the massive lines are, etc.

• #social-chatter for general chatter, sharing of interesting snow/non-snow articles, anything that's not already talked about in the other channels.

• #transport-planning for organising travel to/from the snow.

Glympse

We also use the 'Glympse' app for the drive to the snow and back: https://glympse.com/!sss.

This is useful if a car breaks down or has a close encounter with a kangaroo, and the following cars can quickly locate and assist.

COVIDSafe

The COVIDSafe app is part of our work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Having confidence we can find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe.

The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians. The more Australians connect to the COVIDSafe app, the quicker we can find the virus.

Download the COVIDSafe app today.

On snow

Where does SSS ski/snowboard (ride)?

We mainly ride Perisher, though some members ride Thredbo - both resorts are located in the Snowy Mountains. 

Lift passes

Perisher and Thredbo lift prices vary depending on whether it's for: multiple days, lift plus a lesson, lift, gear and lesson. Prices also vary depending on the date during the season and the snow conditions.  

• Driving up to and parking at Perisher is discourage as there isn't much parking AND a Park pass is required - it's best to purchase a pass and ride the Ski tube instead.

• If you're planning on riding for more than 5 days in a season, its generally cheaper to purchase a season pass.

It’s my first time skiing or snowboarding, what should I do?

Learning to ski or board is an exciting experience, it can also be quite a steep learning curve.  Best thing to do is to book a lesson and have the professionals show you. Lessons are surprisingly cheap and are a fantastic way to fast-track your abilities and confidence. Why not bring a friend and you can learn together, its much more fun!

If you would like to find other SSS'ers to ride with, we meet at the back in Aldos (skitube building), for breakfast on Saturday from 8am.

What is First Tracks?

First Tracks mornings are a special Perisher experience, offering the chance to access a selected area in beautiful Blue Cow riding the Ridge Quad chairlift before anyone else. Sunday morning First Tracks is a one of a kind experience available for the first 500 intermediate and advanced standard skiers and snowboarders with a valid First Tracks ticket. 

If you don't have a season pass, purchase your First Tracks ticket online or from any Perisher Ticket Office by 5:00pm on the Saturday prior to First Tracks.. A First Tracks morning at Perisher provides unbeatable skiing and boarding on untouched corduroy; often in fresh powder, while you watch the sun come up and enjoy the brisk mountain air. Enjoy this truly unique experience, there’s really no better way to start your day! First Tracks runs from July to September, depending on weather conditions.

If you do have a season pass First Tracks is free! However, you must book in for each Sunday session via your Perisher Dashboard.

Accommodation

Where does SSS stay?

There are many accommodation options in Jindabyne, it just depends on your price range. 

Staying at Adventist Alpine Village

We have been lucky to secure accommodation for the winter season at Adventist Alpine Village (AAV).  The AAV is only five kilometres from the Jindabyne township and approximately half an hour from Perisher and Thredbo.

AAV is a drug, smoke and alcohol free environment - please respect their rules and don't bring any alcohol onto the premises.

Accommodation consists of Chalets (8 beds) and dorm rooms (10 beds) with en-suite.

Where is the Adventist Alpine Village located?

122 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne, NSW

Chalet layout: 

How far is it to the Skitube?

The Skitube is 25kms from AVV, about a 20 minute drive in good weather conditions.

How much does AAV cost?

Cost depends on which rooms are available 8-bed chalet or 10-bed dorm, either way it secures you a bed for a Friday and Saturday night stay. There are some other room sizes at varying rates which we sometimes have access to. AVV supplies a comforter, pillow and electric blanket for each bed, please bring your own towel, sheets and pillow case.  Some people choose to bring a sleeping bag and pillow instead of just sheets. Note there is a $45 cleaning fee if linen is not used - don't be that person. Linen includes sheets or sleeping bag, pillows or pillow case.

How do I secure a bed?

Beds are secured, based on whomever pays first. Simply select ‘Going’ in the MeetUp event will add you on the event Waitlist.  

Transfer the required funds once the Organiser sends you their bank details > the Organiser will transfer you to ‘Going’ once the payment arrives in their account – this can take up to three days. When making your payment use this format: (YYMMDD) of the trip and your name or username: e.g. "160701 Ralph".

All accommodation must be paid in full, prior to the event weekend, to secure the accommodation.  With the high demand for cheap accommodation in Jindabyne, the option to pay cash on arrival is not available.  

What is the refund policy?

Once you have paid, if you can't go, it's up to you to organise a replacement. Try contacting the people on the Meetup wait list or posting in the #perisher-on-snow Slack channel to get someone to fill your spot. Have that person transfer their payment for the spot direct to you and notify the event Organiser when the transfer has occurred.

Is there a restaurant at the Adventist Alpine Village?

Unfortunately there are no restaurants at AAV, the closest restaurants are in Jindabyne.

The AAV does have three large industrial kitchens featuring; gas cook top, full-size fridge with freezer section, microwave, toaster, kettle, electric frypan, stainless steel saucepans, cooking and eating utensils, and detergent and dishcloths.  There is a Woolworths in Jindabyne - you are responsible for your own food.

How do I know what room I am in, when I get to AAV on Friday night?

Prior to the weekend, ensure you have added the Slack #AAV channel. Room allocations are in the details section of the event-specific meetup.

Check the event-specific meetup - the first person to AAV will collect the room keys. Please be considerate when you arrive late as others may already be asleep in the room. 

• Room can be accessed from 3pm on the Friday. Check out is by 10am on Sunday morning.

• If you are the first to arrive for your room, the key can be picked up from the reception office. If closed for the day, they will put the keys in envelopes on the pinboard outside reception

• If you are the first to pick up the key for your room, please let the others know by posting in the #AAV channel.  Please also leave the room unlocked and some light source on for those arriving later.

• AAV have advised that the key for the communal kitchen can be picked up with the room key on Friday's so you don’t have to pick it up every time someone wants to use it.  Each chalet has its own kitchen.

• Leave the dorms nice and clean, and make sure you have everything with you. This means no cutlery in the sink, floor vacuumed, etc.

• Any property left behind should be left at AAV reception on Sunday morning.

• The last person out of each room/chalet is responsible for locking up and dropping the key back at reception (returns slot).

• Note the laminated room tidy sheets in each room and make sure that the rooms are left tidy when you leave on Sunday.

• Don’t forget to bring your bedding and a towel. AAV provides a pillow and comforter but you will need to bring pillow case and sheets/sleeping bag. You can hire a set of sheets and towel from reception if you arrive during business hours.

• Also in case you snore, consider bringing ear plugs for those around you.... and some have found an eye mask beneficial.

Staying at the Station

Snow lovers can enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodation options with bars, restaurants and entertainment right on your doorstep, all just minutes from the local town of Jindabyne. With onsite Ski & Snowboard hire, free wifi and nightly entertainment throughout the winter season, The Station is a great place to stay.

Where is the Station located?

The Station is located at 8228 The Snowy River Way, Jindabyne NSW. To get there, head into Jindabyne from Cooma, turn left at the second roundabout onto Barry Way. Follow this road for 6 kms and turn left onto Snowy River Way. The Station is located 300 metres on the left.

How far is it to the Skitube?

The Skitube is 25kms from The Station, about a 20 minute drive in good weather conditions

Do the rooms have bunk beds?

None of the rooms have bunk beds - they are either double and/or single beds depending on the room configuration

What's in the rooms?

Motel rooms have an ensuite bathroom, bar fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and a television.

Do I need to bring my own linen?

No, the Station provides all bed linen including sheets, doonas, pillows and towels in rooms.

How many guests can sleep in a room?

Rooms vary and can sleep from two to six guests.

What time can I check in? 

Check in time is after 4.00pm and check out time is before 10.00am.

How much are rooms?

Room price varies, booking earlier than later will get you a better rate. If you are a Epic pass holder, make sure when you book, on the first page put the word "EPIC" in the promo code box. Then later when you finalise payment there is another place you have to put your Epic pass ticket id#. Generally a Epic pass holder will book a room, and post it to the MeetUp - coordinate bed payment with whomever booked the room directly.

How do I know what room I am in, when I get to The Station on Friday night?

Check the event-specific meetup - the first person to the Station will collect the room key. Please be considerate when you arrive, as others may already be asleep in the room.

Is there any food/bars at the Station?

There are three options - Stockwhip Chargrill & Bistro which features a nightly buffet dinner, On The Run offers pizza and and snacks from 6:00pm daily, you can dine inside the café or take away, and Happy Jacks Tavern where you can enjoy a drink at the bar.

If you are an Epic Australia Pass holder then you will receive a 15% discount on all food and beverages when dining at The Station! 

Transport

How far is it to Jindabyne from Sydney?

It is approx. 470km, and takes approx. 6hrs to drive to Jindabyne – most SSS’ers leave around 3 or 4pm and get into AAV around 11-12pm on the Friday night.

How do I get to Perisher?

Drive from Jindabyne to the Skitube (approx. 30mins) then the Skitube to Perisher (approx. 20mins).  

Tickets for the Skitube are available from the Perisher website. Both ski-lift and Skitube tickets are considerably cheaper if purchased online 7 or more days in advance.

I don’t have a car, how do I get to Jindabyne/Perisher?

Car

Due to COVID, unfortunately SSS no longer facilitates ride-sharing.

Bus

From Sydney or Canberra to Jindabyne and Thredbo via Bullocks Flat

Greyhound
Operate daily services and extra on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sydney central to Thredbo (winter only)
Phone 131 499
Visit website

Snow Alliance (winter only)
Operate a service from Canberra to Thredbo on Fridays and Sundays
Phone 1800 280 121
Visit website

SnoExpress (winter only)
Canberra to Thredbo via Skitube
Phone 1800 642 112
Visit website

Murrays Coaches
Operate a daily service from Canberra to Thredbo
Phone 132 251
Visit website

I do have a car, how do I share the driving to Jindabyne/Perisher?

Due to COVID, unfortunately SSS no longer facilitates ride-sharing.

Do I need chains?

This is entirely weather dependant. Generally you won’t need chains to drive to Jindabyne. If you choose to drive directly to Perisher, you will need to carry chains.  Check the Perisher website for up-to-date information.

Ski/snowboard rental

If you don't already have your own gear, your best option is to rent and then buy a few of the more personal items. 

It depends on who you are driving down with as to where you hire your gear from. It could be in Sydney, or on the way to the snow in Cooma, Jindabyne or at the snow. Ask the people you are travelling with what they are doing for gear to reduce the waiting times and space in the car. Most people are happy to share a lift but do not want to stop because it reduces their sleep or on snow time.

Personal items – hat or helmet, goggles, silk scarf or balaclava etc for your neck, socks, thermals if you feel the cold, gloves & sun screen. Read up on other protective gear for boarding such as wrist guards, padded pants and knee pads etc, and decide if they are for you. Wallet pain is better than physical pain.

Rental – board & boots or skis, boots and poles.  Sometimes a helmet can be rented. Snow jacket and snow pants can be rented of you don't own them.  It's cheaper the longer you rent it for and cheaper off the snow – try to package it up.  Roughly in Sydney it's about $120 for 2 days, on the snow a bit more (add 50%).

Some Examples:  Perisher, Rhythm Cooma, BP Jindabyne 

Gear Loans

Due to COVID, unfortunately SSS no longer facilitates gear loans.

SSS Merchandise

Fancy some sweet, sweet SSS branded threads?

Awesome SSS branded neck snuggies/warmers are a great way to not only keep your neck/face warm as you're gliding around the hill, but they help to identify other SSSers in the lift line. Just let your friendly Organiser or Host know you'd like one, slip them $5, then decide whether you want one in blue or black... or one of each!

Want more than a neck warmer?

1. Go here http://sydneyskisnowboarders.thetshirtmill.com.au/

2. Design your own t-shirt/cap/backpack/etc with the SSS logo on it

3. Strut your stuff on the slopes

Packing Suggestions

Ski/board equipment (if not renting)

• Skis & ski poles/snowboard

• ski/board boots

• board leash

• wax and iron if you want to DIY

• ski/board lock

• boot/hand warmers

Skiing/boarding clothing

• face mask

• hood or hooded top

• neck warmer (neck gaiter)

• thermal pants (not cotton as it captures the moisture), Skins or equivalent

• thermal top or other under‐layer (not cotton as it captures the moisture)

• fleece/s – vest and long‐sleeve

• helmet

• goggles & cleaner cloth

• beanie

• ski/board jacket

• ski/board pants

• ski/snowboard gloves  

• silk or merino wool glove inners – particularly useful if taking photos or video footage

• ski/snowboard socks  

Other clothing

• “going out” clothes

• “going out” gloves

• non slip shoes +/‐ shoe chains for extra grip

• slippers

• pajamas

• underwear

• socks

 Other things for the ski/board jacket

• sunglasses

• sunscreen

• lip balm

• tissues

• goggle-wiper

 Toiletries

• Ibuprofen (Nurofen) or other anti‐inflammatory drugs, other painkillers

• band aids, sports tape or water‐proof dressings

• medications (and prescriptions)

• face moisturiser

• hair shampoo/conditioner  

• deodorant  

• toothpaste and toothbrush

Electronics

• mobile phone and charger

• iPod, charger cord and radio adapter for car (if not on your phone)

Bedding

• towel

• pillowcase

• sheets or sleeping bag

Food

• Snacks (to keep your energy up on-snow)

Not covered here

If you can think of some useful information we could add to make this guide more helpful, please add a comment with details below and we will add it.