The Kosciusko Chalet at Charlotte Pass - for dedicated skiers in Australia there is only one Chalet and it needs no further identification. Surpassed in size by big resorts, it remains unique for the magic associated with its name. This uniqueness is captured here by Rick Walkom, who for nearly fifteen seasons lived, worked and skied there. During that time, he absorbed the atmosphere of the Chalet and became intimate with the magnificent Kosciuszko high country.Having assimilated the spirit of the Chalet during the 1970s and '80s, he was impelled to explore the story of its birth and its first ninety years of growth. The resultant book enshrines the pioneers and characters of Snowy Mountains skiing. Through his text and the painstakingly acquired photographs that illustrate it, skier and non-skier alike can experience the excitement and enthusiasm that established this outpost of winter sport on the roof of Australia.The book opens with insights into the region and the early history of Australian skiing, then the focus turns to the Chalet. Readers can share in its joy and its sorrows, its triumphs, its disasters and its narrow escapes. The dominant theme is the pioneering spirit: refusing to let a concept die, battling bureaucracy and creating a piece of Australian history.The pioneers would rejoice to see the present-day popularity of their sport. They would, however, rejoice still more that their story has been told in full, and that the Chalet and Charlotte Pass continue to provide something of the thrill that the virgin snow and majestic mountains inspired in them.The first edition of this book, up to 1985, has been reprinted a number of times. Recently, Rick decided it needed to be brought up to date. This current edition, greatly enhanced and with many photos not seen before, is the product of much additional research.