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Travel Info


TRAVEL

INFO


Planning a trip to the snow can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little careful consideration. Once you know when you’d like to go, choose your resort and find accommodation to suit the type of holiday you’re after. Once you’ve made a booking, you’ll need to organise your travel, ski passes and equipment (if hiring). Then all that’s left to do is to decide on the fun details, such as deciding what other activities you’d like to experience on or off snow or which restaurants and bars you’d like to try. Follow this simple checklist to help you plan your own amazing snow adventure...

ACCOMMODATION


Check out the deals for the dates you’d like to visit the snow. Last-minute specials can be a great way to save money, but you’ll also find great prices for early birds.

LIFT PASSES


If you’re planning to ski, snowboard or take in the full beauty of Australia’s mountains, you’ll need to buy your ski lift passes in advance.

LESSONS


Skiing and snowboarding lessons are often booked out in advance, especially for particular lesson types, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

CHILDCARE


The kids are going to love this trip, but if you’d like some time to yourself make sure you book any childcare you may need well before you arrive.

EQUIPMENT RENTALS


All the resorts allow you to book your gear in advance. It saves time when you arrive and is a good way to ensure you have everything you need.

TRAVEL


If you’re flying or taking the train, make sure to book your travel well in advance, as seats will fill up quickly in peak times. If you’re driving, always allow yourself more time than you think you’ll need to make the journey.

FLYING


Mt Hotham Resort in Victoria has it’s own airport, which makes travelling to the snow even easier. Flights from Sydney take only 80 minutes, and from Melbourne it’s just a short 45-minutes. Just keep in mind that luggage restrictions are 23kg, so you may find it’s easier to hire your gear once you arrive.

GETTING THERE


  • Most Australians drive to the snow, but there are other options available for some of the resorts, such as coach, rail and bus. Just keep in mind the amount of luggage you’ll be taking with you, as you may need to pay extra.
  • Alternatively, you can fly most of the way to the snow and rent a car from the airport or take a connecting resort bus.
  • Mt Hotham Resort in Victoria has it’s own airport and if you’re heading to Falls Creek, flying into Albury is a good option.
  • In NSW, there are regular winter services to the Snowy Mountains Airport at Cooma, which is close to Perisher, Thredbo and Mt Selwyn. Or if you’re coming from Melbourne or Sydney, you can also fly into Canberra, which is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from the NSW snowfields.
  • Don’t forget that most resorts are in National Parks, so you’ll need to allow for the cost of entry into the park. The price varies between resorts, but is approximately $30. Check on your chosen resort’s website for exact costs.

DRIVING THERE


  • If you’re in a snow-covered area, it’s illegal to drive any two-wheel drive vehicles without snow chains. You can rent chains from garages or snow-hire stores near the snow.
  • Keep your fuel topped up at the last major town or village, as there’s often no fuel at the resorts themselves or heading up the mountain.
  • Check the road conditions and weather before you leave. It’s also a good idea to check for road closures.
  • Engage low gear as you drive up the mountain and never apply the brakes too heavily or suddenly.
  • If you hit ice, don't panic or apply the brakes too suddenly. Just slowly and carefully regain traction as you gently ease on the brakes.
  • At night, only use low-beam lights. High beams are ineffective in high-mist areas. If you can't see, pull over, put on your hazard lights and keep your engine running until the mist has cleared.
  • Anti-freeze is recommended to be added to your radiator once you reach the high country. Just make sure you match the amount of anti-freeze to the capacity of the coolant system.
  • A good idea is to leave the car in park or in gear and don’t apply the hand brake as it could freeze on.

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