AUSTRALIAN SNOW GUIDE

NSW is home to some of the most famous ski slopes in Australia. Experienced skiers and snowboarders can take on the bigger runs while the little ones can have fun on the gentler slopes and tobogganing areas.

If you are looking for a central place to stay, Jindabyne is located close to many NSW ski resorts and is popular with family and friend groups. There are also some other options listed for each location below.

Charlotte Pass

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Distance: 5 h 56 min drive from Sydney (502 km)

Places to stay: Kosciusko Chalet Hotel

Website: http://www.charlottepass.com.au/

Image sourced from: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort

Perisher

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Distance: 5 h 46 min from Sydney (493 km)

Places to stay: Perisher Valley Hotel, on the snow, Jindabyne

Website: http://www.perisher.com.au/

Image sourced from: Perisher

Selwyn Snowfields

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Distance: 5 h 42 min drive from Sydney (496 km)

Places to stay: Off the mountain

Website: http://www.selwynsnow.com.au/

Image source: Selwyn Snowfields

Thredbo

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Distance: 5 h 51 min drive from Sydney (496 km)

Places to stay: Ski In Ski Out, Woodridge, Crackenback, The Village.

Website: http://www.thredbo.com.au

Image source: Thredbo Resort.

Gear up for some family tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding in Victoria this winter. With so many snowy locations it’s easy to plan a day trip or week long holiday...or 2 weeks if you are keen.

There is plenty for the kids to do; including ski-school, tubing, toboganning and snowboarding. If you're a hiking family you'll also want to put on some snow shoes and head out to explore the marked Alpine trails.

 

Mount Baw Baw

SONY DSC

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Distance: 2h 40min drive from Melbourne (175 km)

Places to stay: On the mountain, off the mountain

Website: http://mountbawbaw.com.au/

Image source: Thor

Tasmania

Although it doesn’t boast as many tame ski fields, Tasmania is home to some great ski areas for families and mates. If you are road tripping with your family the best place to stop for some snow fun is Ben Lomond ski resort.

Ben Lomond has all the facilities you need with equipment hire, a Shuttle Bus, Ski School and a Cafe where you can warm up and grab a bite to eat.

The facilities at Mt Mawson are more basic but the kids can still enjoy beginner’s slopes and plenty of snow. You can keep up with the latest news from the slopes on the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association blog.

Driving Tips

Image source: Mariano Mantel

Before you leave

• Check your tyres, battery, engine, lights, breaks, steering, windscreen wipers and cooling system.
• Pack a first aid kit, jumper leads, spade, tow rope and torch.

Snow chains

• Snow chains are compulsory for all 2 wheel drive vehicles in NSW and all vehicles in Victoria.
• Choose the right snow chains: part of your tyre chain must be touching the road at all times to get the traction you need and prevent your tires from slipping.
• Practice fitting your chains before you drive
• Fasten chains to your car’s driving tyres when directed by the relevant authorities. You will usually see a bay on route where people are fitting their chains.
• Pack chains in an easy to reach place.
• You can find places to hire snow chains in Victoria and NSW at Snowchains.com.au and you can hire snow chains from a variety of places in Tasmania such as Skigia.

On the road

• Be cautious
• Take a break every 2 hours
• Look out for dark patches on the road - this could be ice
• Don’t tailgate
• Keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads
• Change your speed to suit weather conditions
• Don’t use your handbrake in the snow - use your gears instead.
• If you are parking for an extended period, lift your wipers so they don’t freeze to the glass.
• Remove ice from your windows and mirrors using the heater and fan in your car before driving.
• If you’re not confident driving in alpine areas you might like to grab your gear and jump on a bus instead.

If you need more information about staying safe during your trip to the snow visit http://www.snowsafe.org.au/.