Never been to the snow in New South wales? It’s not too late to discover the winter wonderland that the snow fields’ offer.
Here are some tips and tricks for first time snow goers to help make your snow holiday unforgettable.
Where to go:
There are four snow resorts in NSW, Selwyn Snowfields, Charlotte Pass, Thredbo and Perisher Blue. Perisher is the biggest of these resorts, with over 130 runs suitable for beginning, intermediate and experienced skiers and boarders.
Perisher is easily accessible by car and ski tube and is a 5.5 to 6 hour drive from Sydney.
Why go to the snow?
The snow is a great place to socialize, exercise and prioritize relaxing.
Ski lodges and chalets encourage guests to engage with one another, while the bars, pubs and restaurants are warm and inviting.
Or you can snuggle up to your significant other in the mountains.
The snow is a great fitness holiday as you can enjoy indulging in food and drink all you want and spend the day on the slopes burning off all those extra calories.
Do you need to be fit or experienced?
You don’t have to have any snow experience to go to the snow. Lessons are available for all types, from beginner to advanced and there are a range of runs suitable to all levels of experience on the slopes.
As for fitness, a little preparation wouldn’t go astray.
Imagine working out for 3-5 hours a day for a weekend or week? That’s essentially what skiing/snowboarding is. It’s not necessarily an intense workout but after a couple of runs don’t be surprised if your thighs start to burn.
Lift tickets and lessons
There are a range of deals and packages available to snow goers. Some include lessons, others include transport, accommodation and/or equipment and all can be bought online.
For first timers a weekend trip is a good place to start. Weekend/ 2 day lift passes offer the best value for a short trip. If you’ve never skied before, book some beginner lessons at the ski school (they can be booked in a group or privately).
Lessons are also a good idea to get your ski legs back and familiarize yourself with the mountain. Buy your tickets before hand, the earlier the better, to figure out the best deal for your holiday at the best price.
http://www.perisher.com.au/buy/13-Aug-2014
Accommodation
For those unfamiliar with snow trips, after a day on the slopes nothing is better than coming back to a cozy lodge, chalet or apartment and warming your toes in front of an open fire.
There are a number of places to stay when you travel to the snow and these places can be split into two categories, on-snow and off-snow accommodation.
On-snow accommodation offers you the ease and experience of being right in the middle of all the action and eliminates travel time to and from the mountains.
Off-snow accommodation can be significantly cheaper and access to the mountains can be reached by car or ski tube and is relatively easy, but takes a bit of time (however the ski tube tickets seem to be very pricey).
Equipment hire
Don’t worry if you have no snow equipment, you can hire everything.
From clothing and helmets to skis, boots and boards you can find everything at the snow hire shops. Explain to the staff your level of experience and let their expertise deal with the rest.
Bondi Beauty Top 3 snow experiences in Perisher:
Where: Located at the base of the mountain, Corroboree ski lodge offers a ski in/ski out location and is perfectly placed within an easy walking distance to the chair lifts and ski terminal. This makes getting to and from the slopes simple and family friendly.
How Much: Mid season rates begin at $200 per person per night in rooms that sleep from two up to six. Rates vary depending on ski packages and deals and include fully cooked breakfasts everyday, 3 course dinners every night and transfers.
Who For: Corroboree offers great value on-snow accommodation for anyone looking for a snow escape on a bit of a budget. With 2 lounges, a bar and 3 open fires Corroboree offers families, friends, couples and larger groups a great on-snow experience.
Where: For the ultimate ski-in ski-out experience Sundeck is the only commercial lodge located above the base of the lifts actually on the mountain.
How Much: Mid season rates start at $285 per person per night for a courtyard room sleeping two and include over snow transfers, dinner and breakfast.
Who For: If you’re a capable skier or snow boarder (remember The Sundeck is located on the mountain which means you’ll have to make snow contact to get in and out) and looking for location then go no further than The Sundeck Hotel. Rooms sleep two to four.
Where: Set further back into Perisher Valley The Stables Apartments offer on-snow self-contained accommodation that can be quickly reached with on-snow transportation.
How much: Prices vary based on apartment size; mid season rates start at $1029 for a minimum of two night stay in a studio apartment. Package deals are available and include on-snow transfers on arrival and departure days between specific times.
Who For: Offering studio apartments to three bedroom chalets, The Stables is a great home away from home for families who wish to enjoy self-catering in a private place. Although The Stables is set further back from the mountains, courtesy skier shuttles operate from the ski terminal to the apartments between 3 and 5 pm.
By BB Intern Dominique Tait
What do you look for in perfect holiday accommodation?
