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Snow Gums
Eucalyptus pauciflora, commonly known as snow gums, twist and turn on the hillside, shaped by countless seasons of cold and windy Australian alpine conditions. (31August2016)
It is currently winter in Australia. I’m wrapped up in a blanket and wearing my sheep-skin ugg boots. It is so cold in my house that the olive oil has solidified!
Given the country’s (warranted) reputation for sunshine and glorious beaches, it might be hard to believe that winter is a real thing. But, even though the lowest average temperature in the winter months of June, July, and August is a moderate 5°C (41°F), it is a big country with plenty of variation.
Many years ago while travelling up a gondola to Whistler Mountain in Canada, I met an Australian who proudly informed us all that Australia gets more snow than Austria. I can’t verify that, but it is true that we get more snow than Switzerland! (See: Fun Facts about Australia). Australia is the lowest continent in the world – so although the alpine regions are not high in altitude when compared with the mountains on other land masses, they rise up from a very low base. The aptly named Snowy Mountains in southeastern New South Wales are only a short distance from the coast, and therefore attract a lot of precipitation which falls as snow most winters. For a short – albeit enthusiastic – season between mid-June and late-September, a number of resorts in these mountains play host to a range of winter sports. The natural snowpack is not usually deep, but modern snow-making equipment supplements it when the weather permits.
I’ve often shared pictures from summer walks in those areas (eg: Ursula’s Weekly Wanders = Kosciuszko) and from early autumn drives (see: The Snowy). On winter visits, however, I’m usually on skis and not carrying my cameras around. But, as I freeze here on the coast, waiting for my turn at the mountain slopes in a few days, I thought I’d revisit old iPhone pictures and share some Aussie snow with you.
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Snowboarders on the Hill
From the top of the Front Valley, you can look down over the Perisher Ski Resort complex and the lodges behind. (04September2014)
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Afternoon Sun
By early afternoon the sun is lowering over Back Perisher Mountain – the days are not much longer than the snow season. (04September2014)
Iced-Up Snow Gums
Some years are colder than others, … (05September2014)
Frozen Snow Gums
… and the boughs of the white sally (snow gums) bend under the weight of the ice on their evergreen leaves. (05September2014)
Mountain Top
These mountains might be low, but they are still above the treeline – which is about 1800 metres or 5900 feet. Here, the wind sweeps across the bare, rocky landscape. (05September2014 )
Perisher Creek and Rock Creek
The waters under the banked-up snow flow all year at the edge of the resort. (06September2014)
Goggle Selfie
Every year I try to catch my reflection in someone’s goggles. (06September2014)
Top of the Range
Some days you can see forever: to the end of the snow fields, towards Lake Jindabyne, and over the Dividing Range beyond. (06September2014)
Snowboarders on the Chair
The skies are blue … (06September2014)
Skiers on the Chair
… and people are smiling. (06September2014)
Eucalyptus Pauciflora
The snow gum thrives on cold slopes above 700 m (2,300 ft). The colours of the bark can change dramatically with the weather conditions. (14September2015)
On Perisher
In seasons when the snow is light, granitic rocks and alpine heath remain visible. (14September2015)
Sunburst on the Chairlift
We normally ride the Kosciuszko Chairlift in summertime – towards some wonderful alpine walks. (28August2016)
Kosciuszko Chairlift
The chair rises 560 vertical metres (1837 ft) from the Thredbo Valley to the top of the Ramshead Range. (28August2016)
Kosciuszko Express
From the Eagles Nest Restaurant (1937 m – 6354 ft), on the Ramshead, we can watch people getting on and off the chair. (28August2016)
Almost Abstract : Raindrops
The light snow falls as rain when it hits the warm restaurant windows. (28August2016)
Almost Abstract : Icicles
As a child, I loved finding icicles and watching them slow-drip; turns out I’m just as fascinated as an adult! (28August2016)
Chairlift over Thredbo
Thredbo is at the edge of the snow fields; the snow hasn’t reached the hills across the road from us. (28August2016)
On the Slopes
The chair offers beautiful views down the alpine slopes and into the village. (28August2016)
Like an Impressionistic Painting : New Gum Leaves
The blur of bluish green leaves against slim red stems and white snow and frost remind me of an impressionistic painting. (28August2016)
Shiny Crust on Back Perisher
Temperature variations and a sunny afternoon can lead to a blinding brightness. (29August2016)
Skiers at the Top of the Hill
By contrast, the next morning the light is muted and the colours are pastel. (30August2016)
Blue Cow Expressway
Perisher Ski Resort is four separate historical ski areas linked together by a series of lifts and trails. (30August2016)
Early Melt
Every season is different: this one was determined to end early. The snowpack at the base of the resort is melting. (31August2016)
Pleasant Valley Chair
On a foggy morning, I have half the mountain to myself. (01September2016)
Whiteout
Fortunately, Pleasant Valley is mostly wide and rolling green runs, so the lack of visibility is less of a problem! (02September2016)
Snow Fences
(03September2016)
That frozen fence is further proof that Australia really does have winter.
After two years of Covid closures, we are pretty excited by this year’s abundant falls, which led to resorts opening a week early and to accommodation being largely sold out for much of the season.
I’m just hoping the snow lasts until I get my chance to get out of my frozen house and onto the slopes!
Till next time,
Stay Warm!
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