Kosciuszko National Park Alpine Resorts Winter Access © 2013 State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage

With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required for the reproduction of photographs.

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Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, general environmental enquiries, and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677 then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978-1-74359-136-9 OEH 2013/0391 May 2013

Printed on environmentally sustainable paper

Kosciuszko National Park Alpine Resorts Winter Access

May 2013 - Version 6

Contents

1. Introduction...... 2 2. Vehicle access to Kosciuszko National Park ski resorts ...... 2 Road closures ...... 2 In-resort roads ...... 2 Overnight parking in the resorts...... 3 3. Allocation of resort management vehicle and Lodge Parking Permits ...... 3 Resort management vehicle ...... 3 Winter overnight parking allocation ...... 4 Temporary vehicle parking ...... 4 4. Oversnow vehicles ...... 5 Definition of oversnow vehicle...... 5 Use of oversnow vehicles...... 6 Oversnow vehicle operator’s licences...... 6 Oversnow vehicle safety ...... 7 Oversnow vehicle registration ...... 7 Conditions of use of oversnow vehicles ...... 8 Approved areas of operation ...... 8 Acceptable routes and snowmobile parking...... 9 Speed limits ...... 9 Fees ...... 9 5. Further Information ...... 10 Roads and Maritime Services...... 10 National Parks and Wildlife Service...... 10

Appendices A. Perisher Valley Oversnow Routes B. Smiggin Holes Oversnow Routes C. Guthega Oversnow Routes D. Perisher Valley & Smiggin Holes Oversnow & Parking E. Winter Road Status Signage

1 1. Introduction The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the care, control and management of access, parking and oversnow vehicle use within Kosciuszko National Park.

The following procedures on the use of parking areas and oversnow vehicles have been adopted to assist with the smooth operation of the ski resorts.

2. Vehicle access to Kosciuszko National Park ski resorts All vehicles entering the resort areas within Kosciuszko National Park must display a valid pass.

Road closures The closure of the following roads from the beginning of the June long weekend to the close of the October long weekend (‘the winter period’), will be subject to conditions and arrangements made between the RMS, NPWS and ski resort operators. • (from Perisher Valley to Charlotte Pass) • The Link Road (between Smiggin Holes and the Guthega Road). Both road closures are put in place by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) road occupancy licences, which prevent access by the general public but allow controlled access for key stakeholders. The following roads will be closed to all vehicles other than oversnow vehicles as road conditions require: • Kings Cross Road, between Mt Selwyn and Cabramurra • Cabramurra Road (KNP 5), between Cabramurra and Khancoban turn-off.

Should snow conditions require, these closures may be extended or removed.

In-resort roads Perisher Range resorts Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes (except Plum Pine Road) and Guthega in-resort roads will be regarded as closed to all traffic other than oversnow vehicles from the start of the June long weekend to the close of the October long weekend.

Thredbo Village Village roads will be cleared of snow as required. Public access to the resort and parking in designated lodge car parks is allowed, provided it is in accordance with all signage and/or instructions.

2 Charlotte Pass Village As Charlotte Pass Village is snowbound in winter, only authorised oversnow vehicles will be permitted to access and park at Charlotte Pass Village. Access to this village for the general public using conventional wheeled vehicles (including 4WDs) during the winter period is at the discretion of Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd, in consultation with the RMS.

Public car parks Resort staff direct the parking of vehicles within car parks in accordance with parking arrangements agreed between the ski resorts and NPWS. Vehicles found obstructing traffic or parked in any way contrary to instructions or signage may be issued with an infringement notice.

Overnight parking in the resorts Vehicle overnight parking is not permitted in daytime public car parks at Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Thredbo, Guthega or during the winter period, between midnight and 7am unless authorised. This is to allow for unhindered snow clearing operations in the car parks and on roads and to minimise vehicles being snowbound. There are no overnight public car parks at Perisher Valley or Smiggin Holes.

Perisher Range resorts The only vehicles permitted to park overnight will be authorised by NPWS according to the procedures set out in Section 3 of this guide. Authorised vehicles are permitted to park only in authorised overnight parking zones or in designated lodge parking areas.

Thredbo Village, Guthega and Selwyn Snowfields overnight car parks Overnight parking is permitted in the designated overnight car parks in Thredbo, Guthega and Selwyn Snowfields. No vehicle-based camping is permitted in overnight car parks.

3. Resort Management Vehicles and Lodge Parking Permits Resort Management Vehicles During marginal snow conditions, when there is insufficient snow to operate an oversnow vehicle, seasonal authority may be given to lodge management providing guest services, for conventional vehicles to be used to access lodges, for business management purposes. The issuing of Resort Management Vehicle permits recognises the needs of some lessees who do not have an authorised overnight parking space.

3 However, the issuing of resort management vehicle permits not automatically allow for a long term winter overnight parking space. NPWS will authorise Resort Management Vehicles through the issue of a permit following approval of an application and payment of a fee. Allocation will be according to the criteria for long term overnight parking (listed below). Permits must be prominently displayed inside the vehicle. Lodge Parking Permits Parking Permits will be issued to lodge managers according to the number of car spaces available at the premise. These parking permits will be available to lodge guests for overnight parking when conditions allow and the Road Status D is in place. The number of parking spaces available (& Lodge Parking Permits issued) at each premise has been determined by NPWS based on the available hardstand area and the Australian Standard for car parking. Winter overnight parking allocation Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes A limited number of spaces for long term winter overnight parking are available in the authorised parking bays at Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes, to lessees and operators. Parking allocations are reviewed each year.

Priority for allocation of winter overnight parking at Perisher Valley & Smiggin Holes

NPWS will lock each parking bay until the allocated occupier has completed the application process and paid all fees. Occupiers of authorised parking spaces are responsible for security of their allocations.

Temporary vehicle parking Authorised vehicle parking for temporary periods, including overnight, may be made available on an extremely limited basis. Applications will be assessed on merit and are subject to availability of space. These may include disabled vehicle parking, tradespersons undertaking emergency repairs and visiting performers. If an application is approved, a temporary vehicle parking permit will be issued and must be clearly displayed inside the nominated vehicle.

4 Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes & Guthega Contact NPWS Perisher office on (02) 6457 4444

Selwyn Snowfields For temporary parking requirements contact Selwyn Snowfields ski resort on (02) 6454 9488

Thredbo For temporary parking requirements contact Thredbo ski resort on (02) 6459 4100

4. Oversnow vehicles Definition of oversnow vehicle An oversnow vehicle is defined as ‘a vehicle specifically designed to be driven over snow and/or capable of driving over snow’. This includes snowmobiles, snowcats, all- terrain vehicles (Argos, quad bikes, vehicles fitted with rubber track system) and machinery, defined as follows:

Snowmobiles Oversnow vehicles driven by continuous single or double rubber drive track(s), with ski/s for steering or equivalent system.

Quad bikes Multi-purpose four (4) or six (6) wheeled motor bikes capable of being driven over snow.

All-terrain vehicles Oversnow vehicles driven by six (6) or eight (8) low-pressured tyred wheels, with steerage by mechanical or hydraulic brake or equivalent system.

Snowcats / snow grooming machines Oversnow vehicles driven by two separate full-length continuous tracks, with steerage by mechanical brake, hydraulic drive or skis, or equivalent system.

Vehicles fitted with Rubber Track System Conventional 4WD vehicles with all wheels fitted with a rubber track system, capable of being driven oversnow.

5 Four-wheel drive vehicles Conventional four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles are not regarded as oversnow vehicles and will not be permitted on oversnow vehicle routes unless granted authorisation during marginal snow conditions. The carrying of passengers must comply with machine specifications.

Trailers Trailers pulled behind snowmobiles, quad bikes, snowcats or all-terrain vehicles may be either wheeled, tracked or skied, and must comply with RMS regulations and specifications. When trailers are being used to convey garbage, the load must be covered to prevent any loss from the trailer. Under the Australian Road Rules it is an offence to transport passengers in trailers.

Use of oversnow vehicles Within Kosciuszko National Park, the use of oversnow vehicles shall be limited to the safe and efficient functioning of ski resort business. Oversnow vehicles are registered to operate in strictly limited areas, as approved. Away from resort centres, oversnow vehicles may only be used for official park management, Limited and search and rescue operations. Recreational use of oversnow vehicles is not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park The registered owner of the oversnow vehicle is responsible for ensuring any operator of the oversnow vehicle is licensed and aware of all regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to oversnow vehicles.

Oversnow vehicle operator’s licences Each operator using an oversnow vehicle must hold a current motor vehicle driver’s licence and the NPWS oversnow vehicle operator’s licence. Provisional car licences are permitted but learner’s licences are not acceptable.

The NPWS will issue an oversnow vehicle operator’s licence to the operator following approval of a completed application form and payment of a fee. The NPWS licence shall become invalid should the motor vehicle driver’s licence expire or be cancelled. A written authority from the operator’s employer, stating the applicant’s need to obtain a licence for business operations, and the type of vehicle(s) to be operated, must accompany the application. Oversnow vehicle operator’s licences must be carried at all times when operating an oversnow vehicle.

6 Oversnow vehicle safety Oversnow vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATVs are hazardous to operator and pedestrians / skiers. NPWS recommends : 1. The use of Australian Standard motorcycle helmets for all occupants riding on open oversnow vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATVs. 2. That the number of passengers on a snowmobile and ATV is consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 3. That the owner of the oversnow vehicle(s) satisfy themselves that operators of oversnow vehicles are competent in the use of the vehicle.

Oversnow vehicle registration All oversnow vehicles must be registered with both the NPWS and Roads & Maritime Services (RMS). The RMS registration label and number plates must be correctly fitted to the vehicle. NPWS registration stickers must be fixed to the front of the vehicle.

Applications for the registration of an oversnow vehicle must be presented, with the appropriate fee, to the NPWS Perisher Office, accompanied by current RMS registration papers of the vehicle to be registered.

Oversnow vehicles must be registered in the names of the respective lessees and licensees, tradesperson or emergency services authorities. Their use will be restricted to business management purposes consistent with the legislation and any applicable lease/licence, and NPWS policy.

The number of oversnow vehicles registered for any one operation will be determined by: a) demonstrated genuine need (a need associated with the management/operation of a lease, licence, sub-lease or sub-licence, or trade or business conducted within the park. In this regard full written, detailed and accurate reasons are required to be provided to the NPWS on the need for oversnow vehicle use) b) satisfactory proof that existing licensed vehicles do not provide an adequate service c) lease conditions d) distance to the operational centre of Perisher Valley (for Perisher Valley only).

Companies holding head leases, franchises or leases with the Minister for the provision of mechanical uphill transport for alpine skiing will be entitled to register the number of oversnow vehicles necessary for the safe, efficient and economical management of their facilities.

Various commonwealth, state and local government bodies with statutory responsibilities within Kosciuszko National Park will be permitted to register oversnow vehicles as determined necessary to enable them to meet their statutory obligations. All government authorities must display their ensign on their registered oversnow vehicles.

7

The licensees of commercial oversnow transport operations will be permitted to register such oversnow vehicles as determined are necessary to enable them to meet their licence obligations.

Only licensed commercial oversnow transport shall be permitted to charge a fee for the oversnow transport of persons, freight, garbage, and luggage.

All other persons and organisations who do not fall within the above categories will not be permitted to register oversnow vehicles for use in the park. Oversnow transport for these persons is available by: a) the licensed commercial oversnow transport operator b) the oversnow transport provided by appropriate commercial or ski club lodges.

Conditions of use of oversnow vehicles • abide by the Australian Road Rules • abide by the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 • park oversnow vehicles in designated zones only • operate oversnow vehicles for business purposes only • operate oversnow vehicle on designated routes only (refer appendices)

Approved areas of operation Oversnow vehicles must only be operated in areas as approved, and indicated by the registration sticker, as follows:

Perisher Valley and/to Smiggin Holes.

Char lotte Pass Village; Perisher Valley to Charlotte Pass Village via Kosciuszko Road; Kosciuszko Rd to Charlotte Pass Village via Spencer’s Creek pole line.

Guthega.

Management Services

Contractors

NPWS registration stickers MUST be prominently displayed, on the front cowling of the vehicle.

8 Acceptable routes and snowmobile parking Oversnow vehicles must travel on designated oversnow routes, including between Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes. Areas have been set aside for snowmobile parking in Perisher Valley (see appendices).

Speed limits • the pedestrian and oversnow vehicle shared zone around the Ski Tube building and Perisher Valley car park has a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h • all other oversnow routes and designated roads in Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes and Charlotte Pass have a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h • the oversnow route from Perisher Gap to Charlotte Pass has a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h

Fees Annual vehicle registration and licensing fees are: • oversnow vehicle operator licences - $15.00 per person per season • snowmobile registration - $80.00 per machine per season • larger oversnow machine registration (tracked, ATVs etc) - $100 per machine per season • resort management vehicles / overnight parking - $50.00 per vehicle • Lodge Parking Permits - $15.00 per space • replacement registration stickers - $20.00 0 • re-registration of the same vehicle within the winter period - $20.00 per registration.

9 5. Further information Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Oversnow vehicle registrations - RMS Office, corner of Massie and Soho streets, Cooma, NSW PO Box 825, Cooma, NSW 2630 Phone: 132213 Web: www.rms.nsw.gov.au For vehicle standards contact RMS Technical Enquiries on 1300 137 302

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Municipal Services Unit, NPWS Office, Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley PO Box 41, Perisher Valley NSW 2624 Phone: (02) 6457 4444 Fax: (02) 6457 4455 After Hours Emergency: 1800 629 104 Email: [email protected] Web: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/alpineresorts/kosciuszkonpresortswinteraccess

10 O to Blue Cow & Guthega

101 Perisher

100 Valley

North Perisher T-Bar 99 Village Map &

98 97 Oversnow Routes

Perisher 96 Creek 51 Acacia 68 Merriment 69 Alexandra 73 Mirrabooka 22 Alpenhof 96 Muddles 63 Alpine Church 43 Mulubinba 57 Ambulance Station 13 Munjarra 20 Aurora 44 Narraburra 50 Australian Golf Club 61 Newsagent Interceptor 45 Avalanche 51 Nordic Ski Shelter Quad Chair 46 Barina Milpara 59 NPWS Office 100 Barrakee 15 Oldina 86 Beachcombers 91 Orana

d 5 Ben Bullen 41 Parrawa

R

k 16 Boonoona 99 Peer Gynt d

e

R

e 85 Canberra Alpine 18 Perisher Huette r

y

e C

l 58 Catholic Church 62 Perisher Manor l

r

a e 65 Celmisia 61 Perisher Ski Centre

V 95 h

s

i

y Oversnow Route r 61 Chemist 53 Perisher Staff t Piper t e (subject to snow e P 36 Chez Jean 60 Police r 93 T-Bar P conditions) 88 Christina 60 Post Office 82 Cooma 62 The Pub 94 92 23 Corroboree 97 Redwood 4 Cowra 30 Rock Creek 90 81 Cronulla 8 Royal Australian Navy 89 48 CSIRO 9 Rugby 72 Dianella 35 Salzburg Pretty Valley 88 91 84 Dulmison 101 Sewage Treatment Plant Double Chair 80 Edelweiss 64 Ski Patrol 24 Eiger 60 Skitube Terminal Burramys Rd 86 Telemark Oversnow 87 32 Eremo 77 Snow Making Shed T-Bar route to 85 28 Snowgums 83 Smiggin 55 Fire Station 19 Sonnenhof Holes 89 Fjelheim 7 South Perisher Flame Robin Pl 84 (subject to 12 Geebung 49 The Stables 82 snow 66 Gumtrees 71 74 Sundeck Hotel 80 conditions) 34 Gunyah 1 Highway Alpine 39 Sundowner 81 72 70 90 Hus-ski 60 Supermarket 78 73 69 70 Illabunda 42 Swagman Mitchell 75 Telemark Pl 21 Kahane 95 Sydney T-Bar 93 Kalymaro 26 Tambaroora Ravens Pl 68 Perisher Creek Rd Village 8 74 75 Kandahar 38 Tarrawonga 67 76 Karralika 78 Technology Express 77 76 66 27 Kiandra Pioneer 71 Telemark 65 Tom 64 to Jindabyne 40 Kooloora 56 Telstra Thumb d 83 KSRC 52 Timbertop 63 R ys m 3 Kunapipi 98 Trissana rra 67 Ku-Ring-Gai 10 UAC Sturt Bu Car Park 94 Lampada 37 Ullr T-Bar Perisher Quad 61 Kosciuszko Rd 87 Langlauf 47 Valhalla Express Chair 102 Main Range Huts 33 Waratah 54 Man From 17 Warrugang 57 14 Maranatha 11 Wirruna 62 59 58 31 Marritz 2 Yalara Alpine Blaxland Lawson 60 25 Matterhorn 92 Yarrandoo T-Bar T-Bar 55 56 Road Closed 29 Mawabu 6 Yeti Wentworth (subject to 60 Medical Centre T-Bar 54 snow conditions) 53 31 52 Home 30 Rope Tow 32 51 Leichhardt 51A Gate 23 24 T-Bar 33 34 Candle Heath Rd 49 Cleared Road 21 22 25 Perisher 35 Creek Oversnow Route d 26 Pipit Pl 50 48 R 20 d y d 46 R e R o tl 45 Ski Lift zk a 19 102 e s e 18 27 in iu h p 37 W sc 17 28 u Waterway o c K Billy Button Pl r o 36 47 29 P 38 14 16 44 Building 39 13 15 Galaxia Pl to Charlotte 40 Pass 12 41 11 d Rock 43 R ley Creek at he 1 42 050 100 200 300 400 500 metres 8 W 2 10 9 3 4 5 Duncan Pl 6 200m Grid

7

June 2011 Smiggin Holes Village Map & Oversnow Routes O

Link Road to Guthega (closed in winter)

Captain Cook Scott J-Bar Hume T-Bar J-Bar

Kaaten Triple Chair

Smiggin Creek

28

23

Wills T-Bar Car Park 20 24 d Plum Pine R k n Rd Li Burke T-Bar 19 21

22

Road Closed 18 Link T-Bar (subject to 16 15 snow conditions)

17

Oversnow Route 25 29 14 to Perisher 12 13 6 7 11 8 C o 1 r r o b 10 o 9 r e e to Jindabyne

32 R Pipers Pl 2 3 d 26 4

5 Kosciuszko Rd 30

27 Smiggin Holes Authorised Parking Pipers Creek

to Perisher

5 Apex 32 Smiggins Chalet Apartments 29 The Arcade 25 Smiggins Hotel 9 Caloola 24 Smiggins Ski Centre 14 Clancy Alpine 26 Smiggins Workshop Gate 23 Gunuma 6 Smugglers 22 Heidi's 10 Snow Bunny Cleared Road 7 Illawarra 28 Snow Clearing Shed 8 Illoura 4 Snow Country Oversnow Route 15 IMBAC 17 Snowline Ski Centre 19 The Lodge 13 Snowy Gums Ski Lift 12 Lodge 21 2 Southern Cross 3 Lodge 39 30 Spruce Waterway 16 Moerlina 18 Wild Sptiz 1 Muniong 20 Willow Building 27 Numbananga 21 Windarra 11 Royal Coachman 0 50 100 200 metres

100m Grid June 2011 Guthega Village Map & Oversnow Routes O

Road Closed Car Park (subject to snow Guthega Rd Snowy conditions) River 1

Guthega Dam

2

Guthega Pondage 3 Car Park Double Chair 4

d R

e t a T

t n u o

M

5 Farm Creek Pl 6 7 8

10 9 Blue Cow 11 T-Bar

13

Blue Calf 12 T-Bar

Cow Pastures J-Bar

Farm Creek

11 Australian Ski Club 10 Blue Cow Ski Club 12 Burning Log Restaurant Gate 6 Doorak Ski Club 9 Guthega Lodge Cleared Road 8 Guthega Ski Club 5 Jagungal Oversnow Route 2 Kyilla 1 Guthega Ski Centre 13 Guthega Workshop Ski Lift 3 Tate Ski Club 4 Tiobunga Waterway 7 Turnak Ski Club Building

0 50 100 200 metres

100m Grid June 2011 Perisher Valley to Smiggin Holes Oversnow Routes & Parking O Car Park

North Perisher Link T-Bar

Night Route

Day Route

Smiggin Holes

Perisher Oversnow route Creek to Smiggin Holes Piper (subject to snow T-Bar conditions)

Kosciuszko Rd

Pipers Creek

Car Park

Perisher

050 100 200 300 400 500 metres Gate Cleared Road Oversnow Route 200m Grid Ski Lift Waterway Building Oversnow Vehicle Parking - Day & Overnight Oversnow Vehicle Parking - Day Only

May 2012 PERISHER RANGE RESORTS ROAD STATUS AND SIGNAGE

STATUS SIGNAGE ACCESS CONDITION

Condition Sufficient snow to support oversnow traffic

ROAD CLOSED Allowed Oversnow vehicles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles A OVERSNOW EXCEPTED No 4WD, 2WD vehicles and motorbikes

Condition Snow on road, insufficient to support oversnow traffic

ROAD CLOSED Allowed Authorised vehicles displaying valid NPWS approval B RESORT MANAGEMENT EXCEPTED Overnight parking for authorised vehicles

No access for general public or lodge guests

Condition No snow on road Snow forecast in immediate future

Allowed RESORT MANAGEMENT EXCEPTED Authorised vehicles displaying valid NPWS approval C DROP OFF & PICK UP ONLY Overnight parking for authorised vehicles Daytime parking for lodge guests at designated lodge spaces only

No access for general public

Condition No snow on road

Allowed RESORT MANAGEMENT EXCEPTED Authorised vehicles displaying valid NPWS approval D Overnight parking for authorised vehicles including LODGE PARKING PERMIT EXCEPTED lodge guests at designated lodge spaces only

No access for general public

Municipal Services Unit Perisher Valley May 2013