Snow gums are the iconic vegetation species of the Australian High country.

They are beautiful, vital for biodiversity and tourism, help hold snow pack which is released into river catchments, and hold deep cultural value for many people. However, we are now seeing the beginning of ecosystem collapse across these alpine forests and woodlands – drought, dieback and successive fires have altered the structure, composition, and condition of snow gum woodlands dramatically. Resort and mountain loving communities will coordinate with Friends of the Earth to conduct a couple of hours of citizen science in order to better understand the health of local snow gum forests.

Join Protect Our Winters Jindabyne to ski, snowboard & record the health of snow gums within the bounds of Thredbo Resort. 

The logistics:

• 9am – Meet at Gunbarrel chairlift, Thredbo Resort. 
• Skis or snowboard will be required, as will a lift pass.
• Contact is Ryan Backhouse of Protect Our Winters Jindabyne: r[email protected]

What to expect

·        You don't need any survey experience, just a willingness to ski or snowboard within the bounds of the resort & assess the snow gum forest with guidance from the survey lead. Expect to have a fun day outdoors in a gorgeous environment adding to our knowledge about the health of these iconic trees. These surveys will be happening as part of a process to gather data about the health of snow gum forests and will be used to assist in gaining threatened species listing under federal environmental laws. You can read more here.

What to bring

·         We will be hiking quite a distance and you will need appropriate boots and clothing for potentially walking in snow. Note that we will not be venturing outside of the village into the ski area. You will need warm gear, good gloves, water, rainproof jacket and over-pants to be outdoors in an alpine environment. We may get quite wet during the surveying so make sure you have a warm top to stay warm (synthetic or wool rather than down). Something to sit on (e.g. foam mat) would be good.

·       WHEN

Saturday September 5, 2026 @ 9am

WHERE

Gunbarrel chairlift, Thredbo Resort 

https://www.thredbo.com.au/