Why Jindabyne is a great place to live

For one family, what began as a seasonal boarding opportunity for their children turned into a life-changing move to the Snowy Mountains.

The Hansen family had been living in Lennox Head for more than 15 years, enjoying the coastal lifestyle, but with three children Jesper, Hanna, and Freya, all passionate about skiing, their connection to the mountains grew stronger each season, making the move a natural next step.

“We were settled, but with three kids interested in the winter boarding program at Snowy Mountains Grammar School, it just made sense to re-locate rather than have them all away at school,” the family shared.

The family’s connection to Jindabyne began through Snowy Mountains Grammar School, with Jesper and Hanna participating in winter term boarding and home stay programs. Their youngest daughter, Freya, was eager to follow in their footsteps.

A school that supports student passions

What stood out most to the family was the way Snowy Mountains Grammar School supports students in pursuing their passions that played a strong role in their decision to make Jindabyne home.

“We were very impressed with the flexibility of the curriculum, whether it’s snow sports, equestrian, mountain biking, aviation or other programs, students are encouraged to follow what they love,” they said.

They were also seeking a small school with a strong sense of wellbeing, and the school ticked all the boxes.

“Wellbeing is done very well there. The teachers genuinely seem to care about the students, and that sense of community is something we really value.”

The variety of subjects on offer also played an important part in their decision making process.

Settling into a new school and a Jindabyne lifestyle

Jesper and Hanna have transitioned smoothly into Years 10 and 9, already having made social connections through their time boarding. Freya, now starting high school, initially found it harder to leave her friends but has begun building new connections.

And while the family is still new to town and settling in, the slower pace and welcoming feel of Jindabyne are already making an impact.

“We moved from a suburban block to a 100-acre rural property just 10 minutes from town,” the family said.

“We now have highland cows, sheep, an alpaca and a Shetland pony. The kids have dirt bikes and we’ve loved the lake in summer. It’s a whole new life.”

A lifestyle that feels like home

Jindabyne, they say, reminds them of Lennox Head 15 years ago, before the hustle crept in.

“It’s a safe, welcoming community. Life is less busy. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

In winter, life moves fast. With the children enrolled in full-time ski programs, weekends are replaced with 6am starts, early morning race training, academic catch-ups and mountain days. With father, Kai, still managing a business in Ballina and commuting fortnightly, it’s a juggling act, but one they say feels right.

Final reflections: “Just do it!”

When asked what advice they’d offer families considering a move to Jindabyne, the answer is simple: “Just do it! Life is too short. Change isn’t easy, but Jindabyne is a great place to live and Snowy Mountains Grammar School is wonderful.”

And for this family, life in Jindabyne means one thing above all “A fresh start and a new experience.”