I know I keep on writing that it is so cold here and I hate winter. The only perk during winter is that we can drive a few hours (5 hours) out of Sydney and have some fun in the white snowy wonderland. I had been to the Snowy Mountains two years ago and it was great fun so it was time to do it again.
This time we went with another couple. It was a long drive after work on Friday but it was worth the trip when we were on the mountain to snowboard early next morning. First we went to the ski hire shop to pick our boots and snowboards and headed to the mountain.
Selwyn Snowfields is a small, family-friendly snow resort located in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park; just west of Kiandra. The scenery as you drive towards the Mountain snowfields is spectacular. Trees, rivers and lakes give way to snow covered mountains and the whole incredible scene is punctuated only by the winding sable coloured road on which you drive.
We were there by 9am but the place was already full with excited families and kids enjoying the sunny day and lots of snowfall. After parking in the nearby car park, we went to buy the lesson and lift pass and it was time for the real deal. I have skied before but never snowboard so both AS, me and my friend was getting a two-hour lesson first then we were on our own for the weekend :).
I was slightly nervous because I remember falling so many times when I tried to ski the last time. I was sure snowboarding was not goona be any easier. But looking at small kids easily going around in snowboards gave me some hope.
The lesson is supposed to teach us the basics, and that was essential. The class started in the flat surface with the instructor teaching us how to slide using only one foot. It looked easy but it was seriously hard and in 30 minutes I was so tired and exhausted, I was ready to give up. AS was constantly encouraging me but I was so hot and tired by then that I was thinking why I was punishing myself.
I had serious troubles skating i.e. moving with one foot detached. That is tricky to learn, and because I was tired, I started to get annoyed but was not giving up just yet.
After the initial practice, we were taken to the slope where we strapped both the feet. I struggle to stand for a while with both feet strapped but finally learned to do it and then I struggled to learn how to shift my weight properly in order to steer.
Finally, I could stand and slide on the slope but I had no control of stopping. I was falling down every time I wanted to stop. Lucky no bones were hurt during the process. I was so happy when I could snowboard even for short distance as it made me feel excited to try more.
By then two hours of the lesson was over so the instructor asked us to keep practicing, and he left.
As all of us were tired by then we decided to have a break. We had our lunch at the cafe besides the main slope. We were starving by that time and two hours of snowboarding was really a great workout. We settled for chicken sandwiches and a big box of wedges.
Then we headed onto the slopes again.
This time I was happy going on the slope even though steering ability was not good and it was tricky at times trying to avoid collisions with other adults and kids. I fell hundreds of time during the whole process but still both AS and I thoroughly enjoyed our snowboarding experience.
The afternoon sun was melting the snow and it was slightly windy by the end of the day so we decided to call it a day and head towards our hotel for a bit of rest. I felt really good when I took out my snow boots and relaxed in the car.
For the next few days, every muscle in my body ached but I highly recommend the experience and we will be doing it again when we go to snow next time.
Do you snowboard? Do share your tips and tricks for novice snowboarders.
Take care everyone ,
M from nepaliaustralian
XOXO
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