The Blue Mountains may not be as cold as Canberra or Goulburn, but winter in the upper mountains can be very bleak. Several decades ago, it was not uncommon to see the locals rugged up in heavy woollens to keep out the cold. That’s changed since the advent of possum/merino knitwear from New Zealand.
Despite efforts to cull possums and reduce the toll on native flora and fauna, there are still millions of possums in New Zealand. It’s only in the last decade or so that the local wool industry began to experiment with combining possum fur with the longer merino fibres to make warm clothing. This has led to a booming industry, with possum/merino garments now selling worldwide.
Ravir began stocking possum jumpers, beanies, socks and scarves a decade ago and is renowned for the great range of possum/merino clothing for both men and women. Initially styles and colours were limited, but the industry has since developed garments in great a range of glorious colours and styles for both men and women. If you feel the cold, it’s worth a visit to see for yourself. On a bleak winter’s day there’s nothing like it.