A QUICK TRIP TO THE SNOW

If you’re keen and have a driving companion, it’s possible to achieve a day trip to the ski fields out of Sydney. Leave at 4am, drive non-stop to the Ski Tube at Bullock’s Flat or on into Thredbo, arrive at 9am, and be on the snow by 10am. Then repeat the process in the afternoon - home by 10pm.

If you’re going to do it, we suggest the comfort of a Lexus. But for safety, alone, a one-day dash is not something we’d recommend.

A two-day trip, though, is on the cards – as long as you observe the rules of fatigue management –each driver two hours on, two hours off.

WHAT: Its 487km from the Sydney Harbor Bridge to the parking lot at Bullock’s Flat, another half hour on to limited day parking at Friday Flat. The choice of Thredbo or Perisher is yours but for a quick weekend turn around we recommend Thredbo because it sits low in the valley and drive in access is easier –although nothing in the ski fields is guaranteed. On a two day trip, staying overnight on snow, we’d suggest you buy two half day lift tickets, one for the first afternoon , the next for the following morning. That makes your drive more relaxed.

WHERE: Head straight down M31, join the Federal Highway M23 just past Goulburn and stay with it when it becomes Majura Road skirting Canberra Airport. That’s about three hours into your journey, time for a rest break.

The M23 becomes the B23, the Monaro Highway, and at Cooma it morphs into the B72, Kosciuszko Road. Pause to enjoy the snow-capped mountain view as you crest the hill outside East Jindabyne. It’s sensational. Through Jindabyne, turn left onto the Alpine Way, and 20 minutes later you’re at the ski tube; half an hour on and you’re in Thredbo.

There’s a choice of parking in Thredbo, mainly at Friday Flat, and if you’re staying overnight, you can sometimes park at your accommodation.

If you choose Perisher instead, you’ll most likely park in the Bullock’s Flat car park and catch the ski tube up. That’s not as convenient for an overnight trip.

WHERE TO EAT: You’re there to maximise the skiing. But on the drive down and back there are a few staples you might like to try. Near Canberra airport, just off your drive route is the magnificent Pialligo Estate and Smokehouse (18 Kallaroo Rd – 02 62447 6060), open daily until 4pm. At Thredbo, the Creperie on the Monaro Highway (02)64544125 is a must for breakfast or brunch. But call to find out if they’re open. The valley drive from Jindabyne opens a cornucopia of restaurants just off the Alpine Way. But at Thredbo, on your one night, make a point of riding under starlight by gondola to Merritt’s Mountain Hut at 1 660 metres (02 64594200.) .

WHERE TO STAY: There’s substantial accommodation in both Thredbo and Perisher, both offering ski-in, ski-out access. Perisher relies on Hans Over Snow to move you to most of its lodges although if you chose to stay at the magnificent Maritz Alpine Lodge (02 64575220), complete with its own heated pool and spa, it’s an easy walk from the Tube. At Thredbo for an overnight stay try the Thredbo Alpine Hotel (02 6459 4200), showing its age, but always reliable.

WHAT TO DO: Ski till you drop. Thredbo has 14 lifts and Perisher Blue has 47. The challenge is to ski them all at one or the other resort in a day.

It’s been done.