In the 40 years Mick Klima has run Cooma’s Rhythm Snowsports shop, he hasn’t experience a winter season as tough as 2026.

Mr Klima said Rhythm - Australia’s largest ski and snowboard shop - only had about three weeks of solid trade between June to mid-September.

“Sales were good in July around the school holiday period. Other than that, it was a very tough season,” Mr Klima said.

“This season has been the toughest we’ve had since we opened.

“I’ve never seen a September like this.”

Mr Klima said the business is optimistic a new year will bring a change of fortunes. He credited Perisher and Thredbo for continuing to open as long as they did.

“Full credit to Perisher and Thredbo for keeping the season going. It helps all businesses,” he said.

“It shows their commitment to the area.”

After a slow start to the season, Mr Klima said it was always going to be difficult to recover.

“June is our key month for sales, it’s the main buying month for people. If the snow is good in June, that really gives things a boost,” Mr Klima said.

“We already had our stock and staff locked in, so when things didn’t pick up, we just had to work our way through until the season’s end.

With the warmer weather already here, Rhythm is transitioning into mountain bike season.

The shop has expanded its offering to cater for the growing interest in riders coming to the Snowy Monaro region.