There’s no sugar-coating it — taking kids to the snow is hard work.
It takes a Kosciuszko-sized mountain of planning, preparation and, most of all, patience. It also requires deep pockets, especially if you want your holiday to be in Australia.
But if, like me, you have an affinity with the Aussie ski fields, like the convenience of driving to your destination and love skiing among the snow gums, there are ways to make the experience a little easier (and maybe even fun).
Adjust your expectations
Let’s start with the mindset. Be prepared: there will be whinging. Cold fingers, hungry tummies, tight helmets, foggy goggles, and the classic “I can’t get my gloves on!”. You’ll need to dig deep into your reserves of empathy. Remember the snow can be overwhelming for little people — it’s cold, busy and full of strange gear.
And kids? They don’t exactly bottle up their feelings.
On our recent trip to Perisher, I had to put my own skis down, take a breath and help my struggling seven-year-old carry his gear to ski school. It cost a bit of time, but likely saved both of us a meltdown.
Embrace the Aussie snow for what it is
No, you’re not going to get the same champagne powder you might in Japan or Canada. But that’s OK. This is about building family memories and planting the seeds of a lifelong snow love.
Yes, it’s expensive. Accept it, prioritise it and plan for it. If your schedule allows, consider the shoulder season. I’m a big advocate for spring skiing — accommodation is more affordable and you’re less likely to encounter the kind of blizzard that could turn your tiny shredders off skiing forever. Of course, if you have school-aged kids, and don’t want to get in the principal’s bad books by taking extra time out of class, that may not be an option.
That leaves you battling the crowds in July. This was my first time back in peak season since I was a kid, and while finding a seat at the Perisher Centre was near impossible, we did score sunny spots at The Pub and a cosy table by the window at The Man from Snowy River Hotel. I also found it has its positives. You’re more likely to encounter people you know, and there’s a buzzing energy, with more activities for kids like Perisher’s après disco and Thredbo’s Kids’ Snow Festival.
Borrow, don’t buy
Kids grow fast. There’s little point in dropping hundreds of dollars on jackets, boots and gloves that won’t fit next year. Borrow gear from friends and family and let people know you’re heading to the snow — snow lovers tend to be generous, and you might be surprised by what turns up.
Just be sure to test it all before you leave. A stuck zipper can cause an accident that can lead to more drama than a double black run.
Speaking of which — don’t forget the tactical pre-lesson toilet stop. Every. Single. Time. And yes, lessons are a must. Sure they’re expensive, but it’s worth the investment for all the fun you will have skiing as a family in the years to come.
Scour the deals
When it comes to filling the gaps, Facebook Marketplace is your friend. Also keep an eye out for ALDI’s annual ‘Snow Gear Special Buys’ in May. This year, they had kids’ jackets for $39.99, pants for $29.99 and gloves for $11.99. My son wore a borrowed ALDI outfit from a few seasons ago and I was genuinely impressed — it had everything from a lift pass pocket in the sleeve to inner snack compartments and even a built-in goggle wipe.
Some small details make a big difference: gloves that clip together and have wrist straps (less likely to be dropped from a chairlift) and helmets with goggle straps (trust me, worth it).
Hire smart
If you’re not borrowing, hire. It’s usually cheaper to rent gear in towns like Cooma or Jindabyne, but hiring on-mountain has its perks — especially if something doesn’t fit. We found Perisher Snowsports staff were incredibly accommodating when we had to swap my son’s boots, even on one of the busiest days of the season.
Book early
If you’re skiing at Vail Resorts-owned mountains like Perisher, Falls Creek or Hotham, consider getting the Epic Australia Pass or Epic Australia 4-Day Pass as early as possible. The price increases in stages throughout the year, and it also gives you discounts on lessons, rentals and even some food outlets.
Speaking of which — food and drinks on-mountain are not cheap. Consider packing a lightweight backpack with snacks, wraps (flat = packable), muesli bars and juice poppers. A CamelBak for water is handy too.
Ski lessons also book out in peak times. Do yourself a favour and lock them in at the same time as your accommodation.
Choose your accommodation wisely
Naturally, it’s cheaper to stay off-snow in gateway towns like Jindabyne, which is home to a wide range of lodges, apartments and holiday parks. Places like the Vail-owned The Station resort and Ski Rider Hotel often have good deals.
I’m fortunate to have grown up in a club lodge at Perisher, which tend to offer more affordable on-snow accommodation than commercial offerings. You’ll generally need to bring your own sheets and towels, pitch in with chores and cook your own dinners, but if you’re planning to hit the snow regularly, it might be worth exploring the idea of buying shares in a club lodge — if you can find any for sale.
Pick your moments to splurge
Sometimes spending a bit more really is worth it, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Splurging on a locker or booking a snowcat back to the lodge occasionally can be better than making kids walk long distances in ski boots carrying skis, especially when they’re tired.
The payoff
It may be exhausting, and there may be moments you question your life choices, but it’s worth it for those magic moments. For me, it was riding the chairlift with my son for the first time, seeing him hold his cousin’s hand in the lift queue and hearing him declare at the sight of a snowmaking machine: “That’s what they need for polar bears in Antarctica, where the ice is shrinking.”
Wrong pole, but I appreciate the sentiment.
The writer travelled with assistance from Vail Resorts Australia.
