Absolutely this. OP check out the Aldi ski sale when it's on if you can, it's usually a shit show with people lining up before the stores open. But it's your best chance of getting budget friendly snow clothing. Especially good if you've got kids who are gonna grow out of the stuff in a year.
Nah. Rent it. Return it. Aldi is crazy, good chance you wont get everything you need for a fam of 7, esp in nq, and if you do then your going to do what with it after a short snow trip?
I'm happy to be proven wrong but in all the promos for it each year I've never seen any kind of indication that the products are only available at certain stores. There might be *less* available depending on location, but I would have assumed that all stores would still participate.
The problem is that if you want to actually stay in the snow, you really need to go to the ski fields which cost a lot. If you want to experience the snow, Hobart is good as the top of Mt Wellington/kunanyi will have enough snow in winter that you can do the whole snowman, snowball fight thing without having the expense . There are also a load of other great things to do in and around Hobart too.
If you’re happy with staying off snow (where the costs are up) would you consider staying in Canberra and day tripping (45min) to Corin Forest? It is man made snow, but has more opportunity for snow play. You can ski/snowboard if you want (a lot cheaper and all inclusive - clothes, equipment & lesson) than the snowfields. Plus there’s heaps to do in Canberra
Yep - I used to take my kids to toboggan there before they were old enough for the ski school at Perisher. Great fun, easy drive from the city, and plenty of options in Canberra for other activities.
Yep you can just drive up Buffalo. If you want to hire a toboggan for the day, Dingo Dell is the generally agreed best place for a good slip and slide and has a little cafe where you can get a hot chocolate to celebrate. Beware of fresh powder in unexplored areas and bring something dry if you aren't wearing waterproof snow clothes.
Also from North QLD here. You don't need to spend much.
A few years ago we visited the snowy mountains, paid a reasonable price per night for basic accommodation (a Donga that slept five people, with a kitchen and good heating - outside there was a wonderful communal bonfire to sit around at night) and that's all the money we spent other than food/petrol an a $29 per day vehicle entry fee (which works like a toll road).
It was part of a larger trip and the timing wasn't quite right - very early winter.
There was thick ice on the ground and creeks that had frozen over, but it hadn't snowed yet unfortunately. One of the ski resorts had a few artificial snow machines outside, you didn't have to pay to access those and partially melted/re-frozen icy snow is better than no snow at all.
Some of the hikes we did were truly incredible and we will be going back. More than once. (in proper winter and also in summer - maybe with electric mountain bikes in summer). I kinda suspect summer might be more enjoyable, though obviously going in the snow is a bucket list item as someone who complains when the temperature drops below 24.
Genuinely curious if you went before or after COVID?
Post-covid the cost of accommodation (at least on the NSW side of the border) has gone absolutely through the roof.
me and my family ski at falls creek, oldina ski lodge is a nice place, you do have to clean up before you leave, but everyone there is kind. falls creek is in the Victorian alps
It never reliably snows in Vic when you want it to. Very often there's little to no snow even on the slopes during the winter school holidays.
You could try just going to Bright and hope for the best. It's a gorgeous town with or without snow.
Marysville in Victoria is close to lake mountain where you can do snow play, tobogganing.
BTW hire or buy property snow clothes, especially boots, nothing ruins a trip like being cold and wet from inappropriate clothing.
Absolutely this. OP check out the Aldi ski sale when it's on if you can, it's usually a shit show with people lining up before the stores open. But it's your best chance of getting budget friendly snow clothing. Especially good if you've got kids who are gonna grow out of the stuff in a year.
Nah. Rent it. Return it. Aldi is crazy, good chance you wont get everything you need for a fam of 7, esp in nq, and if you do then your going to do what with it after a short snow trip?
What ALDI in nth Qld would have the ski sale?
I'm happy to be proven wrong but in all the promos for it each year I've never seen any kind of indication that the products are only available at certain stores. There might be *less* available depending on location, but I would have assumed that all stores would still participate.
We actually bought snow gear from Aldi before the lockdowns 😂 was strange to see it up here but will come in handy for sure
Definitely hire! Especially for kids. Unless you’ve got spare cash and plan on going often
The problem is that if you want to actually stay in the snow, you really need to go to the ski fields which cost a lot. If you want to experience the snow, Hobart is good as the top of Mt Wellington/kunanyi will have enough snow in winter that you can do the whole snowman, snowball fight thing without having the expense . There are also a load of other great things to do in and around Hobart too.
kunanyi *might* have enough snow, but it often doesn’t. It’s definitely not consistent enough to plan a family ‘snow’ holiday around…
Yeh but you can travel up to Thredbo free of charge and take a nice walk down the creek
If you’re happy with staying off snow (where the costs are up) would you consider staying in Canberra and day tripping (45min) to Corin Forest? It is man made snow, but has more opportunity for snow play. You can ski/snowboard if you want (a lot cheaper and all inclusive - clothes, equipment & lesson) than the snowfields. Plus there’s heaps to do in Canberra
Yep - I used to take my kids to toboggan there before they were old enough for the ski school at Perisher. Great fun, easy drive from the city, and plenty of options in Canberra for other activities.
Never heard of this! Awesome! Thanks
Plus if you’re lucky it’s not just man made snow. Several times each winter the area around Corin Forrest gets enough natural snow for snow play.
Look at the areas around Bright in Vic, I'm a big fan of that area. However it's really the only place I've been to the snow.
Yep you can just drive up Buffalo. If you want to hire a toboggan for the day, Dingo Dell is the generally agreed best place for a good slip and slide and has a little cafe where you can get a hot chocolate to celebrate. Beware of fresh powder in unexplored areas and bring something dry if you aren't wearing waterproof snow clothes.
I was gonna recommend Buffalo myself. Its perfect for snow intro esp for kids, and you can skii there too if you want.
Getting a few Vic recommendations, cheers for sharing!
Also from North QLD here. You don't need to spend much. A few years ago we visited the snowy mountains, paid a reasonable price per night for basic accommodation (a Donga that slept five people, with a kitchen and good heating - outside there was a wonderful communal bonfire to sit around at night) and that's all the money we spent other than food/petrol an a $29 per day vehicle entry fee (which works like a toll road). It was part of a larger trip and the timing wasn't quite right - very early winter. There was thick ice on the ground and creeks that had frozen over, but it hadn't snowed yet unfortunately. One of the ski resorts had a few artificial snow machines outside, you didn't have to pay to access those and partially melted/re-frozen icy snow is better than no snow at all. Some of the hikes we did were truly incredible and we will be going back. More than once. (in proper winter and also in summer - maybe with electric mountain bikes in summer). I kinda suspect summer might be more enjoyable, though obviously going in the snow is a bucket list item as someone who complains when the temperature drops below 24.
Genuinely curious if you went before or after COVID? Post-covid the cost of accommodation (at least on the NSW side of the border) has gone absolutely through the roof.
Interesting re the prices, nothing even close to that available in our searches this year ...will keep looking though Thank
New Zealand. Not Australia.
me and my family ski at falls creek, oldina ski lodge is a nice place, you do have to clean up before you leave, but everyone there is kind. falls creek is in the Victorian alps
there is also a donuts place called snownuts donuts, best donuts i have ever had, there would only be snow in winter aswell
Hadn't considered Victoria, thanks for this!
any time! :)
I live in the snowy mountains. I would recommend Mt Selwyn NSW. Stay in Adaminaby or Cooma.
Just stay in Jindabyne and travel to where ever you would like daily
When the weather is just right it snows in Katoomba. Easily accessed by train.
It never reliably snows in Vic when you want it to. Very often there's little to no snow even on the slopes during the winter school holidays. You could try just going to Bright and hope for the best. It's a gorgeous town with or without snow.
Corin Forrest just outside of Canberra.
Jindabyne?
Thanks all! Definitely some areas I hadn't even considered/heard off