Snowy Mountains residents can expect to start seeing an influx of motorcycles to the region this week, as everything gears up for the return of the Snowy Ride.

The ride itself kicks off on Friday, and so far rider registrations are on par with last year.

Over the past eleven years the ride has managed to raise more than three million dollars for the Steven Walter Children's Cancer Foundation.

Everyone's being asked to keep an eye out and get on board with welcoming the riders to the region for 2012.

A school bus carrying about 40 children ran off the road about 20 kilometres north of Cooma this morning on the Monaro Highway.

The accident occurred shortly before 9 am and police were swiftly on the scene.

The Cooma Coaches bus originated in Bombala and was taking the kids on a day trip to Canberra.

The bus driver was taken to hospital to be checked, and there are reports of minor injuries to one child.

No other vehicle was involved, and it's unclear as to the exact cause of the accident.

The bus was towed and the highway was closed for a period.

The operator, Cooma Coaches, is not providing comment at this stage.

A 'Big Aussie Swap Party' is on the horizon for Snowy River Shire locals, and the council is encouraging as many people to get involved.

The main event is set for November the tenth as part of National Recycling Week celebrations, and residents can trade in their unwanted household items at council offices for tokens.

Those tokens can then be used on the day to trade for items that other locals have submitted.

Waste education officer, Margie Ferguson, says that it's a great way of recycling and reducing waste in the Shire, and anyone interested is able to drop off their items at council offices now.