Hark the herald snow bunnies! The official ski season is here and ellaslist has your family winter trip covered with our tips on taking kids to the snow. We know that things will be a little different this year but as New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro said, the snow season has been given the green light. "We are very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting. " Whether you're planning to make snow angels or hope to dust those skis off and tear up the slopes, here are our top picks for the best places near Sydney to take the family skiing. Thredbo The Snowy Mountains is home to Australia's greatest snowfields and offers accommodation to suit all budgets, from chalets to self-serviced apartments. Thredbo offers fantastic learner programs and boasts a designated beginner's area. Thredbo FreeRiders is perfect for older children aged 7-12 years to help them refine their skills and enjoy activities throughout the week like Jump 'n' Jam Friday and World Cup Race Day.
Smiggin Holes also includes some ski in ski out hotels. Perisher Valley provides a range of lodges and hotels, with some self-contained chalets also available. Charlotte Pass accommodation is all ski in ski out. Charlotte Pass is the highest resort in the Snowy Mountains, with access only by Snow Cat in winter. Accommodation in Charlotte Pass is at the Kosciusko Chalet or one of the lodges in the village. Selwyn is known for its family friendly atmosphere and easy runs. Accommodation near the Selwyn snowfields is at bed and breakfast, self-contained homes, motels and hotels in nearby Tumut, Cooma, Talbingo or Adaminaby. If your travelling from interstate, Sydney accommodation may be required and is a good option to break up your trip.
We are not located on the snow but are much closer to the snow than staying in Jindabyne and offer great value accommodation all inclusive packages. Travel FREE and easy with Ski Rider's shuttle bus service. Don't be concerned about snowy road conditions, fitting chains, or finding somewhere to park, Ski Rider's FREE shuttle bus service will get you on the mountain hassel free. Choose convenience and expertise and hire all your equipment and snow gear on location at Ski Rider Hotel. By hiring on site, not only will you save space in the car or avoid excess baggage charges on your flight, you also have the assurance of being able to exchange or upgrade equipment at any time during your stay. The Ski Rider Hotel staff are a team of hardworking, snow sports enthusiasts eager to provide you with a memorable skiing or boarding holiday experience leaving you wanting to come back year after year. Many of the staff at Ski Rider return each year themselves with some having completed more than 10 seasons with us.
Corin Forest We sent an explorer to check out Corin Forest, and she recommends it as the perfect way to introduce little ones to the snow! At this family-friendly snow park, you can learn to ski, snowboard, ride the 'magic carpet' ski lift, or head to Snow Play where families can build a snowman, ride a toboggan and throw snowballs in their purpose-built snow play area. They offer 2. 5-hour snow play sessions three times a day, so if you want a snowy family holiday but are worried that your kids will ditch the skis as soon as you fork out their rental fee, then this is the destination for you. They also have a great onsite cafe with a fireplace where you can roast marshmallows, sip a steamy hot chocolate or gorge on a wood-fired pizza. For more information, visit the website. Please note: With strict COVID-19 restrictions in place, session times for snowplay are reduced to 2 hours and there is no clothing/boots hire. More Exciting Travel News
Please note: Selwyn Snow Resort is currently closed due to severe fire damage. Charlotte Pass Nestled in Kosciusko National Park is the snow resort of Charlotte Pass. Families will love the Kosi Kids Club for 3-12-year-olds that offers a full-day program including hot lunch and heaps of games, suitable for beginners to intermediates. Kidz Korner offers Frosty's Chill Out Zone where 3-13-year-olds can spend the day with arts, crafts and other activities while mummy has a break (sadly this will not be open in 2020). Once a week, the Kids Flare Run lets children race and show off the skills they've learnt, topped off with a hot chocolate and a take-home souvenir of the flare they raced with. Other fun events for kids include Free Snow Cone Monday, Free Tubin' Tuesday, Free Fairy Floss Friday and Free Donut Wednesday! Oh, and did we mention under 4s ski free? Please note: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort will have accommodation open from Thursday 25 June, with the expected commencement of mountain operations from Friday 26 June.
Christina Ski Lodge provides a ski in/out location only 400 metres from the Sundeck Hotel on the upper North Perisher Road approaching Pretty Valley chair lift. W ith 6 rooms, Christina can sleep up to 12 people in a bunk-style configuration - the perfect choice for families or groups who want to stay in Perisher without the restrictions and formalities of Perisher's hotel style facilities.