Taking Chilli to the Snow?

[samh004]

I was recently informed by the vet that Chilli's kidneys are failing and she's only got a few months to live.

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I had promised her I would take her to the snow... so now I've got to think fast about how to get to some this winter, from the Gold Coast. I'm not looking for a ski field mind, just a snowy trail where she can feel a different feeling under her paws for a change. I know I've just missed the icy blast from last week, we weren't told the bad news before then, plus I was in a different State.

I realise I'm probably going to have to drive South a fair way, but I also read that dogs aren't allowed in National Parks, ruling out some of the more well known skifields. However, as I mentioned, I'm not aiming for a ski field anyway.

Only have a Suzuki Swift to make the journey, with no snow tyres or chains, and would probably need some pet friendly accommodation nearby unless there happens to be snow really near by that I'm unaware of.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I'm not really too keen on driving as far as Dinner Plains FYI!

Also happy to meet AFF members along the way!

 

[Princess Fiona]

She's gorgeous
So sorry to hear that news.
I'm not too sure where the snow starts Sam. My sister lives in Cooma and I know we have to drive a fair way out on the Highway before we reach snow but there's usually plenty that's easily accessible from the highway and not in National Park

 

[samh004]

My sister lives in Cooma and I know we have to drive a fair way out on the Highway before we reach snow but there's usually plenty that's easily accessible from the highway and not in National Park

That's what I fear, oh and also I might loathe that I have to drive so far! I was hoping Australia would have some mountains around Orange, or further North, that might get snow and are easily accessible.

I fear my expectations about mountainous regions with snow are too high.

 

[hazel]

That is very sad but what a lovely thing to do for her.
Perhaps the Blue Mountains is closest with snow potential. If it's snowing in Blackheath or one of the other towns she could walk around there.
Trim the fur between the pads on her paws before she walks on the snow.

 

[UP4014]

I can only think drive to the snow via Oberon this week/end and if no snow keep going south.

It will be an epic trip but if you promised...........

 

[samh004]

Trim the fur between the pads on her paws before she walks on the snow.

Thanks for the advice

I can only think drive to the snow via Oberon this week/end and if no snow keep going south.

It will be an epic trip but if you promised...........

Can't do much this weekend, but looking at the start of August and a possible even longer drive to Melbourne to also see my sister, then perhaps head half way up Lake Mountain... but that truly would be an epic trip and I don't exactly have that much free time right now to drive up and down the country.

 

[RB]

That's what I fear, oh and also I might loathe that I have to drive so far! I was hoping Australia would have some mountains around Orange, or further North, that might get snow and are easily accessible.

I fear my expectations about mountainous regions with snow are too high.

Snow is totally unpredictable & less common than other Aust snow spots but the area around Guyra or the Barrington Tops would be less driving for you. Looking at the forecast for this weekend there seems to be no chance! I think the 2015 snow for these areas may have passed but you could keep an eye on it

 

[knasty]

There's a chance for Stanthorpe. If we get weather like last week again.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi Sam, if you do decide to drive to the snowy mountains then I highly recommend a stopover here
http://m.stayz.com.au/#propertyDetails/62528
It's an 1850's self-contained stone cottage, Chilli would be very welcome. The owner is lovely and we have taken Jimmy with us many times. Chickens and ponies and sheep on the property, it's gorgeous. We stay there when visiting my sister as she doesn't have room.

 

[harvyk]

Corin forest here in CBR sometimes gets snow, I was up there last weekend (although there was only small patches of snow there).
Whilst I don't know if dogs are allowed or not, there was another group there whom took their dog with them, and I don't think it's actually inside any park or wildlife reserve (didn't see any no dogs signs).

From Cooma, you're looking at least another hour of driving before getting anywhere close to reliable snow. However you may also want to try Kiandra, whilst it is technically in a national park (kosciuszko) it's before the ranger gates and it's also on the main road between Adaminaby and Tumut, so you may be able to get away with it there (more likely to get snow there as well, it's pretty close to mount Selwyn, so simply look at their webpage to see if any natural snow has fallen on their resort or not)

 

[Mogul]

Bimblegumbie (just google it) near Thredbo would be perfect place for a few days on the way to Melbourne.

 

[samh004]

Hi Sam, if you do decide to drive to the snowy mountains then I highly recommend a stopover here
Stayz Mobile
It's an 1850's self-contained stone cottage, Chilli would be very welcome. The owner is lovely and we have taken Jimmy with us many times. Chickens and ponies and sheep on the property, it's gorgeous. We stay there when visiting my sister as she doesn't have room.

Bimblegumbie (just google it) near Thredbo would be perfect place for a few days on the way to Melbourne.

I'm certainly considering both these options. Perhaps take 2 nights away and that should give us enough time to find some snow in the local area/not far away by drive.

 

[kevrosmith]

JQ have flights OOL to ZQN at the moment. Are the logistics and costs too unreasonable to consider a quick trip to NZ? Guaranteed snow around Queenstown.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live-animals/pets/steps-to-importing-cats-and-dogs/

(Hmm... doesn't seem JQ allows transport of animals at all, even as cargo. Is this true? There are flights from BNE to ZQN on QF, VA and NZ.)