SNOW
w o sn ays
Think you need to travel far for a great ski holiday? Think again. Australia is home to a variety of great ski fields perfect for families, writes Sarah Hinder.
d i l ho
Despite our international reputation for sun and surf, Australia is home to a (notso) secret winter wonderland, awaiting families with both the youngest of snow bunnies to adrenaline-junkie teens. Receiving remarkable snow coverage throughout the winter season (and the best coverage in decades just this season past), skiing in Australia is a unique and action-packed experience.
in new s ale w h t u so ria & victo
Whether it’s first-time family fun at the snow or you lead a seasoned pack of skiers and snowboarders, Australia’s snow season has got you covered, from the Snowy Mountains of Kosciuszko National Park to Victoria’s Alpine High Country. With so many off-piste activities, remarkable family entertainment, and accommodation that ranges from snug dorm-style lodges to Bavarian five-star chalets, staying and playing in Australia’s best alpine resorts will leave your family with fond memories… and probably plans to come back.
IMAGE: PERISHER.
Read on for our favourite family ski resorts.
n e w so u t h w a l e s Thredbo In the charming foothills of Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo is one of the best ski resorts for kids and families. While skiers, snowboarders and snow enthusiasts flock to Thredbo during winter, summer is just as busy with hikers and mountain bikers playing on the trails around Mount Kosciuszko. Wonderful for kids, Thredbo has a range of programs for little people, including Kids Club Night Adventure (a fun night out for kids with games and bush adventures), Family Fun Night (with a kids-only flare run and fireworks show), and twilight family skiing throughout July and August. For even more adventure, Thredbo has a Snow Play Park for building snowmen, tubing and tobogganing, Thredbo Leisure Centre is fit out with a swimming pool and water slide, and Christmas in July is a fun event for families. Thredboland Ski Program offers ski and board lessons for ages three to six, adventure programs and ski camps for ages seven to 14, and childcare from six months to six years of age. Kids Ski Free packages are available for families between 10 to 23 June and 28 August to season close. And at the friendly alpine resorts in vibrant Thredbo Village, families will have no trouble seeing why this is a top-tier family alpine destination.
Perisher & Charlotte Pass The biggest alpine resort in the Southern Hemisphere spread across four fantastic ski resorts, Perisher is a renowned and vibrant destination for skiing families. From beginners right through to advanced, Perisher has slopes for all ages and skill levels. Ski lessons for kids start at three years all the way to teens and adults, while snowboarding lessons start at five years, with group lessons from seven. Perisher has a superb program of après-ski entertainment – particularly great for keeping teens entertained – with night skiing, fireworks, great restaurants, behind-the-scenes tours, tubing, tobogganing and the only winter music festival in the Snowy Mountains – Peak Music Festival. Childcare is available for six months to six years, while accommodation ranges from cosy hotels and inns to Bavarian-style chalets. Nearby Charlotte Pass, only accessible in winter by oversnow transport from Perisher, has the best snow cover of the region, with tours, a flare run for kids, all-day ski programs for kids and onesie Wednesdays (where skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to join staff and dress in their favourite onesie).