Growing Up with Altitude: Kesha’s Snowy Mountains Story
Images by Breanna A Photography
For Snowy Mountains local Kesha Oayda, now a contestant on Channel 7’s hit series Australian Idol, home isn’t just where she grew up – it has shaped who she’s become and continues to influence her journey on the national stage.
Raised amid alpine peaks, crisp winters and long, lake-filled summers, her childhood in the Snowy Mountains was defined by life outdoors, music and a deep connection to the region’s unique landscape.
“It was pretty special,” she reflects. “Having skiing as a school sport from such a young age, and spending whole days and weekends on the snow – that’s something I never took for granted. It’s such a rare opportunity, especially in Australia.”
A Playground in the Peaks
Winter shaped the rhythm of Kesha’s early life. She competed in the same Snow Australia Interschools competitions that have been the training ground for many of our Winter Olympians, and proved herself to be a particularly talented the mogul and slopestyle skier. The mountains were her playground and her sporting field.
“I grew up skiing the whole mountain,” she says. “If I didn’t pursue music, I honestly think I would’ve chased skiing. It’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Summers of Freedom
When the snow melted, the adventure didn’t stop.
“Summers were all about time by Lake Jindabyne, mountain biking and being outdoors,” she says. “We were such an active family.”
Summer weekends also meant road-tripping to the coast – another environment that brought Kesha and her family immense joy. Swapping mountain air for salt spray meant she learnt to surf at a young age and developed an appreciation for the sun, sand and waves.
“We’re so lucky to have both – the mountains and the ocean – just a few hours apart.”
This diversity of landscape has left a lasting imprint on Kesha, one that continues to shape her creativity today.
Finding Inspiration in the Landscape
Music has always been part of Kesha’s life, influenced heavily by her musician father, her supportive family and her regional upbringing.
“I’m a country girl at heart,” she says. “I love open country and farmland. I love the lifestyle.”
Time spent living rurally, along with a period farming in New Zealand, deepened that connection and has influenced her songwriting.
“That country way of life has inspired so many of my songs,” she explains. “Country music is my favourite genre, and that love really comes from growing up here – from the land, the space, the pace of life.”
A Community That Feels Like Family
Beyond the landscape, it’s the people who define the Snowy Mountains experience.
From performing at local events like Jindabyne Idol and Peak Festival to busking at the local shopping centre, Kesha has been backed by her community every step of the way.
“The whole community shows up for you,” she says. “People who knew you as a kid stop to watch you play. That kind of support builds your confidence in a huge way.”
It’s something she now carries onto the national stage, crediting much of her success to the community support she’s received along the way.
“I couldn’t have done Idol without the support of my community. Knowing they’re behind you, no matter what happens – that’s really powerful. Knowing that every step of the way you’ll have your people backing you.”
Returning Home
After finishing school, Kesha let her love of music lead her overseas, spending time in New Zealand and the UK before returning to Australia in 2025.
“I came back just in time for winter,” she says. “I based myself in Jindabyne and gigged through the ski season, so it felt really full circle.”
Travel broadened her world, but it also reinforced what makes the Snowy Mountains unique.
“No matter where I go, this place grounds me. It’s always home.”
Sharing The Mountains
When friends visit, especially those from overseas, she relishes the chance to show them the region through local eyes.
“Anyone who visits, I’ll always take them up into Kosciuszko National Park, the views, the flora, the atmosphere – it just shows how lucky we are.”
From alpine walks and trout-filled rivers to lakeside sunsets and afternoons spent at local breweries, it’s the blend of nature and community that leaves the biggest impression on her visiting friends and family.
“I love the city, but I’ll always be a small-town girl, and I love showing people my hometown. There’s just something about this place that people instantly love.”
Advice For Young Musicians
For local kids dreaming of a music career, her advice is simple and based on her own experiences.
“You’re going to play to empty rooms sometimes,” she says. “I’ve done gigs where it was just my dad watching.”
But, according to Kesha, those are the moments that shape you, both as a musician and a person.
“If you’re doing what you love, whether it’s for one person or thousands, it’s worth it. Follow what your heart wants to do. If you love your job, that’s all that matters.”
Kesha’s Local Favourites
Next time you’re visiting the Snowy Mountains, try some of the Kesha’s favourite spots:
Favourite spot for a bite to eat – Birchwood Café
Favourite spot for an arvo beverage – Jindabyne Brewing
Favourite thing to do on a wet day in Jindabyne – Stay indoors with family and friends, play music, or head out for a coffee – usually at Birchwood.
Favourite spot by a lake or river – Hatchery Bay
Favourite ski resort – How do I choose? I grew up skiing both Perisher and Thredbo. It’s too hard to say!
Favourite spot for a drink or coffee on the slopes – The Man from Snowy River Hotel, Perisher
Favourite place for dinner – Cocina in Jindabyne, They’ve been hugely supportive of me, so a big shout out to them!