Ski trip to the Snowy Mountains

YadaYadaYada on 10/07/2012 - 23:04

Hi

I'm 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.?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Travel

Comments

  • vietbargain on 11/07/2012 - 08:50
    +1

    you can get 15% off thredbo lift passes if you buy online 28 days in advance.

    and 10% off hire @ "the ski co, cooma" if you pickup their broucher inside the maccas next door.

    "cheap accommodation" in august … good luck with that.

    • danyool on 16/07/2012 - 11:13
      +1

      OP - we probably need more info on your trip. Is it just you, group of friends, is it family and kids, what's your/their ability level, how many days were you planning on going? But i'll try and give you some ideas anyhow. Ok - it looks like a LOT, but hope you get something from it.

      RE Thredbo's 15% off 28 day advance purchase - this (and the 10% off on 7 day advance purchase) can't be used to purchase a single day ticket, only for 2 or more days - so depends on how many days you are going for if you can utilise that. Perisher has 10% off 7 day advance purchase which can be used on 1 day ticket, but they're initially more expensive than Thredbo anyhow, so it brings it from $112 to $109 compared to $110 regular price at Thredbo.

      But going for multiple days is where it starts getting cheaper (comparitavely, on a day basis) and then if you definatley know when you are going and can book in advance, you could get some good savings.

      Also at both Thredbo and Perisher, if you buy three or more days, then you get a bonus 1/2 day. eg, If you were planning on getting a 5 day ticket for Mon - Fri, you would get Sunday afternoon free.

      One difference to note between the resorts (on 5 or 6 day pass) is that at Thredo you must use your pass on consecutive days, at Perisher it is 5 out of 7 days, so if you were staying for a week, but only planning on skiing/boarding for 5 days, you can pick/choose which days you go. Eg, go Mon, Tue. Wed you're feeling tired/the weather is crap so you can skip it, go Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

      If you've never been before, (or from a long time ago and you're a bit rusty) i would definatley recommend some lessons, which can be bought as a lift and lesson package for not much extra (about $10 for beginner level 1 or 2). You might think that it's just an extra cost, but if you've never been, it will really help you get the hang of it and should make it more enjoyable for you.(and hopefully be less dangerous to others) If you're more advanced than beginner, you can still get lessons but about $40 extra

      Another way to save money would be to consider going in early September when it turns to shoulder pricing, both on lift tickets, and probably accom. Although, you will start compromising the traditionally better snow of August. September is spring, and the warmer days can melt the snow during the day, and then freeze overnight to hard icy conditions early the next morning. Still, you can have some nice conditions and nice bluebird days, but earlier the better if you are chasing the savings.

      Also, depending on your ability, you might want to check out Mt Selywn. It's a smaller resort more suited to beginners/famalies but their lift passes are cheaper than the other two. It's away from the other two = ie, not based near Jindabyne (although it is possible, but maybe 1 hr, instead of 1/2 hr drive) the closer town to it is Adaminidy. Also, if you were looking for on-snow accom (you rich bstrd!) there is none at this resort.

      For accom deals in general, check wotif/last minute - you would be able to book into August now. (or Sep).
      Perisher has some on-snow places, Thredbo resort has more choice, but a lot of Thredbo is further up the oposite hill, so its not ski-in/out, it's a bit of a walk/long walk, or free shuttle bus to get down. Heaps of options in Jindabyne. Some even include breakfasts and dinners.

      Happy planning and hope you enjoy your trip!

      • YadaYadaYada on 16/07/2012 - 23:58

        Wow, thanks for the detailed reply! I'm a beginner/intermediate skier (I can do some of the easier intermediate runs at Thredbo). Generally I go every year but this is the first year I haven't gone on a 'tour' bus and have been thinking of making the trip down with a friend. Thinking about going for about 5 days, give take. I'm looking for any accommodation with a kitchen because eating out is expensive and I'm not too keen on it nowadays. It seems like most accommodation are more just room only.

  • urcpc on 11/07/2012 - 13:25

    Any tips for Melbourne Mt. Buller?

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