Thredbo ski school celebrates 50th anniversary
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The changing face of the ski industry in the Snowy Mountains has been highlighted at functions this week to help mark the 50th anniversary of the Thredbo ski school.
More than 100 people attended a dinner organised by the school and the Thredbo historical society, and there was a ski race featuring competitors using equipment from the early days of skiing at the resort.
Former Thredbo head instructor, Brad Spalding, says one of the major changes has been the 'Australianisation' of the ski industry over the past 50 years.
"In 1958 the ski school had two Austrian instructors," he said.
"And now last week they had two 250 instructors working in the Snow Sports School, as it's called now.
"There's still a European influence in the school but most of those jobs are now held by Australians - over 200 instructors are Australian."
