10 Ways You Know You're Riding on Australian Snow

By James Richardson

Snowboarding in Australia is a downright unique thing to do. When you compare riding in places like Europe, North America and Japan, it is easy to find differences and the Aussie culture really stands out.

So, for no particular reason other than a bit of fun, here are Ten Ways You Know You Are Riding Snow in Oz.

1. You Are Broke Before You Ride The First Chair

Ok we all love to complain about it and yes we do have some of the highest priced lift tickets in the world, but gee don’t you think you get your monies worth? Well, most days at least!

2. You Have To Dodge Rocks On Piste In Peak Season

Season snowfalls like the US? Powder like Japan? Maybe not, but we do get some consistent falls and a heap of man-made but sometimes this isn’t enough. Rest assured though, the lifties will let you know if there are some exposed rock down a run – just think of them as added obstacles of fun!

Ok, so this may have been late season but the run was definitely open!

3. The Time In Lift Lines is Longer Than Time Riding

Weekends during peak season are killers, but hey it is when most of us are finally free of work. If you are spending time waiting at the bottom of a chair, you are most likely in Oz!

4. You Eat Poutine For Lunch

Ok this could be in Canada too – but I am sure a lot of you can relate to this, especially Buller riders. Poon, as it is commonly known, is probably the cheapest meal on the mountain – but if you ask me it is also the best! Must be the Canadian influence is us Aussies.

If you ask me, Kooroora at Mt Buller do it best - with bacon bits!

5. There Are More Snowboarders Than Skiers

Sure to raise debate, but snowboarding has been the popular choice of many newbies in recent years and now thanks to Torah Bright we could see a little more this coming season.

6. You Are Soaking Wet By The End Of The Day

Let's not kid ourselves, our snow isn't as dry as others.

7. You Are Jibbing A Wombat

Hell, if a wombat was cruising down a run, I would try jib it.

8. You Always Carry Chains But Have No Idea How To Use Them Because You Never Have

Tell the truth, how many times have you actually had to fit chains? You get the demo each time you hire but never listen – because you know you will never have to use them!

9. Getting The Gondola Is a Luxury

Ah, the gondola! I can admit letting a few chairs pass for the upcoming gondola on those windy wet days. Little do we realise almost every chair in Europe is a gondola.

10. Every Single Person On The Hill Is Smiling

Despite the little imperfections we all find in riding in Australia, we are all a bunch of optimistic, highly enthused, super socialable and stoked Aussie riders. We simply love the shit. We don't have the best of conditions but we always have the best vibe, the best parties, the best crews and the best of times!

I am sure there are many of you reading this and are thinking of all the little things that remind you of a typical Aussie day at the snow, the above are simply mine! If you think about it, there are actually heaps of them – and we would love to hear them!

James Richardson is a Melbourne writer who writes for snowlife.com.au - a privately run snow culture website based in Melbourne, Australia. If you have any suggestions, enquiries or issues please feel free to visit www.snowlife.com.au for more information.