We love a ski trip. There really is nothing like heading to the snow for a few days if you’re feeling like a family adventure filled with laughter, happy memories and a few snowball fights! Sure, it takes a little planning but once you’re on road, all the work is done and fun awaits…
With winter fast approaching, we’ve put our heads together and come up with our five pieces of advice from spending time on the slopes to help you have your best family snow holiday in Australia yet.
1. Choose snow accommodation wisely
All mountains in Australia are geared to families, but a little bit of research goes a long way here! Be sure to book a child friendly lodge – it will make your stay more enjoyable, for both you and the kids.
We’ve found self-contained apartments or lodges with communal kitchens and lounges (usually with crackling fires!), are best for kids so they’re not cooped up in one-room hotel accommodations. They can meet other kids and enjoy a lot more space when they’re not out on the snow.
2. Gear up
Be prepared with the right clothes. This might seem obvious, but there’s really nothing worse than being cold! So make sure you and the kids layer up, and add and subtract from your outfit as the day unfolds. We recommend the great tech clothes that keep you warm and dry (and can be found these days for budgets big and small) so you can concentrate on your skiing – or what size snowman to make! Socks are also crucial and can be uncomfortable if you wear the wrong type. Buy knee-high, non-ribbed socks that won’t wrinkle inside your boot and cause blisters. Ouch!
3. Safety first
There are two very important pieces of headgear: sunglasses/goggles and a ski helmet. Make sure you all have sunglasses for sunny days and ski goggles for poor visibility. It’s important to protect eyes from a young age, and once again, being comfortable makes for an enjoyable day. And ski helmets are almost compulsory these days and will guard your little ones from any knocks. They can easily be hired at your resort.
4. Where’s my lift pass?
Each skier should keep their own lift pass in a pocket of their jacket and not use this pocket for anything else. This should prevent losing a pass or leaving it behind at your accommodation when you get to your first lift of the day. There’s nothing more frustrating, especially when everyone else is ready for action!
5. School’s in!
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding (or a little rusty!), taking a lesson really is the best way to learn or progress quickly. Once you’ve built your confidence, or reacquainted yourself with the snow, you’ll get much more enjoyment out of your holiday. Ski schools, or private lessons take very little time for big rewards – the freedom to really get out there and have a go! You can also consider booking children into ski or snowboard school each day. It leaves you free to hit the slopes (or the spa or bar!) and they’ll have a fun-filled holiday making new friends and fine-tuning their skills for next winter.
Need some more inspiration to pack up the family and get your skis on? Check out our last family ski trip to Perisher in the stunning NSW Snowy Mountains!
Are you planning a visit to the snow this year? What’s your favourite winter playground? We’d love to know your tips for a great snow holiday in Australia – please share them with us all below!
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