NSW bushfire: Selwyn Snow Resort destroyed by bushfire

A bushfire which savaged the Snowy Mountains has left a popular ski resort in the Kosciuszko National Park in ruins as staff struggle to come to terms with the “gut wrenching” news.

• NSW bushfires: More pain for tragedy-struck bushfire family
• NSW bushfires: Off-duty fire hero found in burnt out vehicle

The snowboarding and skiing communities have been left devastated after the bushfire that savaged the Snowy Mountains, tore through Selwyn Snow Resort and left the popular tourist destination in ruins.

Situated in the Kosciuszko National Park, the resort – also known as the “birthplace of skiing” – was damaged severely on Sunday by the devastating bushfires that swept through the region.

“We are working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and relevant agencies to arrange access to the resort, so we can fully assess the damage that has occurred,” the resort said in a statement.

Selwyn Snow Resort, in the most northern part of the NSW Snowy Mountains of Kosciuszko National Park, has been destroyed by bushfires. Picture: Selwyn Resort

“The safety of our staff is our highest priority, with all staff safely evacuated before the fire reached Selwyn Snow Resort.

“While we know the Selwyn community will be saddened by this news, it is important to remember that the fire situation is still active in the wider region.”

The resort’s buildings were all but destroyed by a blaze at the weekend, though the amount of damage to its snow machines and 10 ski lifts is unknown.

Photos taken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service show widespread destruction of Selwyn Snow Resort. Picture: Jason Gardiner

While the resort team hasn’t been able to access the area, several pictures provided by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service show widespread destruction.

Samantha Papworth said her family had been coming to the resort for three years and was left “devastated” and “gutted” by the news.

“Seeing the desolation caused by these fires has broken my heart. My family love Adaminaby and will be back this year even if it’s just to lend a hand where we can,” Ms Papworth said.

Chairlift seats scorched by the blaze. Picture: Nine

The popular resort has been completely destroyed. Picture: Selwyn Resort.

The Kosciuszko National Park had been a tourist leave zone and holiday-makers in the area of Jindabyne, Adaminaby, Berridale, Delegate, Providence Portal, Anglers Reach and Old Adaminaby were told to leave on Friday.

Five staff work at the resort in the off-season over summer and were evacuated before the weekend.

Selwyn Snowfields Ski Resort is a popular destination for families.

Five staff working over the summer season were evacuated before the weekend.

In peak season, about 60 people are employed at Selwyn.

Other damaged areas include the heritage-listed and former courthouse at Kiandra, an area known for its history of gold mining and the birthplace of Australian skiing.

Over the past few years, volunteers and the NSW National Park had been working to restore the historic buildings as part of the Kiandra Project.

Off season staff were evacuated from the resort before the weekend. Picture: Peter Muhlbock

In peak season the resort would normally employ about 60. Picture: Selwyn Resort

Pattison’s Hut and Wolgal Hut within the Kiandra precinct in Pollocks Gully and areas within the township of Cabramurra were also burnt by the fires.

But firefighters managed to save the Yarrangobilly Caves precinct and buildings after working tirelessly to defend the property for over 36 hours.

Originally published as NSW bushfire: Selwyn Snow Resort destroyed by bushfire