We are thinking about making a trip down to the Snowy Mountains (NSW) this August. Any tips on cheap accommodation (preferably with kitchen facilities), cheap lift passes/ski hire etc.? We are about 3-4 families ( 15 adults + 4 kids under 4yo)
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Cheap and skiing in Australia do not go together unfortunately, even if you accept lower accommodation standards or a 50 minute drive - accommodation anywhere near there is not plentiful and you'll quickly find alot of places with no vacancy. Be prepared to spend a lot more than you budgeted for, or go to Japan which would probably still end up cheaper for a group of your size anyway.
Any specific mountain / location / accommodation tips for Japan?
Sapporo, even if its crap season there, its worlds ahead of a good season in Aus. You should find anywhere to stay less than $100 a night.
Cheers. Heading to Nz this year. Japan 2018 sounds like a plan.
It's quite expensive…
Best bet I think is to book a place around Jindabyne (still a 30 minute drive, more if snowing). Also consider the cost of a parks pass to get into the national park.
Costco have had ski lift passes with lessons at okay prices.
Sites like groupon have discounted hire but some items will need to be purchased such as gloves and goggles.
"More if snowing" haha
Jindabyne (still a 30 minute drive, more if snowing).
driving in the snow is actually fun. that itself is part of the charm of driving to a ski/show trip.
I always go with Oz Snow Adventures. They do all the driving for you by coach from Sydney Central Station and you go in a big group so it is a lot of fun. There are a lot of families with kids who do it this way. Includes heated accommodation!
When you get there, you can hire skis, book ski lessons, buy food, buy lift passes. It's all very easy! They drive you there each morning to the village from your accommodation. They can drop you off at Thredbo or Perisher.
How much they charge? Is it 2 day trip?
You'll have to check their prices online because I went a few years ago. It is obviously cheaper when it's not the middle of Winter peak season but still get a good few months of snow there. Group bookings are cheaper too but I loved having a whole room for just two people the times I went!
An example of one of their packages: http://livingsocial.com.au/midweek-madness-snowy-mountain-ad…
That is a good price but you have to look at the fine print. That is for Sunday to Thursday.
I like to go Friday to Sunday as I work full-time but if you drive, you can go for a whole week or more.
Wow times must have changed because 10 years ago it was full of uni students and it's attached to a pub so there was a big drinking vibe. That accommodation is an hour away from both Thredbo and Perisher though.
The pub you are talking about is the River Inn pub in Thredbo. Yes, there is a big drinking culture there with the young adults but it was nice to have a few hot pub meals there, plus you can get tickets off your group guide and can buy meals for $15.
I much prefer the cafeteria with the hot pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches and hot chocolate! Plus, it was quieter even with all the kids around.
That is right, they drive you to the village but you have all day on the slopes and they take you back each day to your accommodation. I liked to walk around the village and take photos lol
You can also snowboard if you don't want to ski and of course, you can bring your own ski clothing so you don't have to hire it. A nice long weekend away from the city without having to drive for six hours!
Oh no, not that one. I heard that place was ok, but I stayed at the Snowy River Resort or something which is 1h out. There was a bar or pub or something attached.. and yes a massive drinking culture.
There's lots of "used" Aldi snow gear on gumtree. By used, I mean it's probably only been worn for a day or two … sell it when you're done. Cheaper than renting and better quality, but might involve more effort.
thanks folks.
We are ok to find accommodation in groups of 4-5 people each or may be two groups of 8 each.
Any recommendation for accommodation near Perisher Valley ?
We are trying Mt Selwyn for the first time this year now that we have kids. You stay in the Adaminaby area and have to drive to the skifield each day (I think 30-40mins each way).
Have a look on Stayz.com.au for accommodation options - looks to be large houses available that might suit you, or maybe you'll need 2 houses given your group size.
But from what I understand Mt Selwyn is not very good in terms of skiing, so any serious skiers in your group may be disappointed.