Impromptu budget ski trip (NSW)

ycon on 29/07/2014 - 11:18
Last edited 29/07/2014 - 12:17

Hi,

Very last minute, but I've decided I want to go snowboarding (with a friend). We're both beginners, so not fussed about which mountain is better- prices is the main factor!

I have a car & equip.

My work PC is blocking lots of sites (so I can't check ski pass prices & accom)

  • Is it pointless going for 1 day (leaving Sydney 4am)?
  • Is there cheap accom near perisher or thredbo?
  • Is sleeping in the car a dumb option?
  • At $27 per day for park entrance, would it be cheaper to stay on the mountain?

Any general tips much appreciated!

Travel

Comments

  • timmypete on 29/07/2014 - 12:31

    Above answers most questions.

    Is sleeping in the car a dumb option?

    In alpine areas yes. Cars can get very cold, and unlike tents, usually have too much internal volume for the heat of one or two bodies to keep warm. Even with a sleeping bag you'll be cold.

    I had the misfortune of having to wait out a car tow overnight somewhere when it dipped to -1c and my car companion and I were extremely cold and uncomfortable while cuddling for warmth. In snow season in the sorts of areas near ski resorts it will be much colder.

    Also, heating the car can be a terrible idea. Car battery won't survive the night, leaving the engine on while stationary causes fumes, and in Victoria this week there was the tragic death of a couple who were using an external heater.

    I've slept in the back of a station wagon in summer just fine, but it really isn't a safe or comfortable option this time of year in those areas. Just don't risk it.

    I think there are some backpackers in Jindabyne that might be worthwhile. A winter rated tent and a winter sleeping bag with an insulated mat will be warmer than a car too.

  • ycon on 29/07/2014 - 14:06

    Okay thanks- so car won't be a good option. I think staying 1 day and driving back isn't worth it either. Passes at Perisher are so expensive!

    I think I'll just have to wait until the end of August for this deal (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/153337).

    Is the snow likely to be much worse that of the month?

  • Davo1111 on 29/07/2014 - 16:06
    +2

    You could drive to canberra, stay the night at the YHA ($36/pp), then at 5am leave with the greyhound bus. (700meter walk to Jollimont from YHA). You get back to canberra at 6:30, have dinner, then off you go back to sydney.

    ~~The main issue is going to be parking though. this suggests you can get nearby parking for $13/day but even then, i have no idea if you can buy tickets the night before…. ~~

    Or just take murrays or greyhound to arrive the night before. Then take the 8pm greyhound back to sydney, getting you home at 11:35.

    So that's $25 (syd-can), $36 (accom), $200 ski gear+lift pass+access, $25 (can-syd). = $286 + food

  • grasstown on 29/07/2014 - 19:41

    If its just two of you, I'd go with ozsnow adventures. Incl bus, accom, one main dinner (really nice), 2 breakfasts (decent enough since hot), transfers, bus up mountain, lift tickets and lessons, pretty good Saturday night drinks with lots of fun people. You get maximum skiing, on field whole both days. You arent exhausted from self driving. Hassles sorted. About $500 a person. Its usually 6 share. If you choose ozsnow, don't have high expectations and you'll love it. Get hung up on its flaws and you'll hate it.

    Jyndabine and station resort are pretty dead at night. If you drive you also need Tyre chains. Can also stay at motel in cooma. I've done both, driving only good with 4 or 5 people. Or if you're rich enough to stay on snow. Do choose beginner lessons.

    • Davo1111 on 29/07/2014 - 21:26

      wow, that's actually pretty good value.

      leave syd on friday night, 2 days in the snow with ski hire, 2 night accom, 2 hot breakfasts, and 1 dinner, for ~$250

      • grasstown on 29/07/2014 - 21:30

        Nah it's 250 for return bus and accom etc, and another 250 for lift and lessons, another 50 for hire.

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