Chill out at one-stop snow shop

By Kath Gannaway
‘AVOID the fuss – take the bus’ has been Richard and Leonie Uden’s catch-cry since 2002 when they started their Country Touch gifts and clothing shop, and their snow bus to Lake Mountain.
With a layer of snow carpeting the ground around Marysville village last week, Richard and Leonie said they were optimistic of a fabulous 2011 snow season.
The couple lost their shop and home in February 2009, but are now just weeks away from moving from their ‘temporary’ shop to the new custom-built shop and home, in their original location.
Country Touch is a must for anyone visiting Marysville over winter. It’s a great place to get rugged up in style with possum and merino knitwear from New Zealand rubbing shoulders with oilskin coats, sheepskin ugg boots and a great selection of scarves, hats, socks and gloves.
The other aspect to the business, is the snow bus.
Richard offers a bus service right up to where all the action is happening at Lake Mountain Resort.
The bus runs regularly from Marysville township and from Healesville on Saturdays, providing a ‘fuss free’ snow experience.
While the roads are well graded during the snow season, for drivers unaccustomed to driving in snow, it can be a daunting experience.
Take the bus and forget the hassles of fitting snow chains, parking or transferring to the shuttle bus to get to the top of the mountain.
Best of all, with Richard at the wheel, you can take in what is often and aptly described as the “magical, winter wonderland” as you make your way to the ski and toboggan slopes.
Richard said it was a scene he never tired of.
“Every time, especially when there is fresh snow on the trees, it’s just like a Christmas card … and it’s always changing, always different,” he says imparting some of the passion he has for wintertime in Marysville.
For more information about the Lake Mountain Snow Bus contact Richard on 5963 3753, 0417 633 753, or email info@countrytouch.com.au .