Introduced to the goldfield by Scandinavian miners, the Kiandra Snow Shoe (or ski) was the style typically used in the area between 1861 and 1900. Made from Mountain Ash, they earned a number of nicknames, including “Kiandra Butter Pats” because of the pattern left in snow where the sole had been worn away by ice particles; and the “Kiandra Kick-In”, because of the leather binding across the toe of the boot. Norwegian Jens Olsen found skis more lucrative than mining and set up Australia’s first manufactory at Kiandra. Snow Shoe Carnivals and ski racing soon became a regular feature throughout the year and in 1861 the Kiandra Snowshoe Club was formed.

A fascinating range of skis representative of those made in Australian between 1861 and 1961 are featured in the collection of the Thredbo Ski Museum.