26 June 2023
7 mins Read
Watching your child fall in love with nature has to be one of the most treasured experiences of parenthood. When it comes to snow in Australia, seeing them poke out their tongues to catch fat flakes, put eyes on their first snowman or laugh hysterically during a snowball fight is nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re new to snow or searching for new activities, there are plenty of special moments to be made at Australia’s favourite ski resorts.
When it comes to winter festivals that cater to the whole family, Thredbo has a mug full of activities. The resort’s July Kids Snow Festival includes plenty of on- and off-snow fun, with movie nights, giant games and Thredboland animal parades.
Learn to ski at Thredboland. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
At Falls Creek, Victoria’s largest alpine resort, families will have a hoot during Twilight Tuesdays, when the village is abuzz with music, games and marshmallow roasting. Tiny tots will also love meeting resort mascot Pete the Snowdragon.
Pete The Snowdragon does meet and greet with the kids during Twilight Tuesdays.
Whether your kids have never been on snow before or they’re clocking up their seventh season, one of the most exciting things about the snow is simply hitting the slopes.
If they’re new to winter sports or need to finesse their turns, ski and snowboard lessons are the way to go, and all resorts offer either private or group (or both) sessions.
Ski and snowboard lessons are easy to find at all resorts. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
When it comes to riding as a family, one of the best experiences is night skiing, as the trails and resorts are that little more magical under the stars. Some of the best night skiing can be found at Australia’s largest resort, Perisher in NSW.
Admire panoramic views across Perisher Valley. (Image: Perisher Resort)
Front Valley is lit up for skiing from 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays (tickets required), while you can also head to the family-friendly area of Smiggin Holes for free skiing off the magic carpet on Wednesdays.
During the day, one of the best family mountain trails can be found at Falls Creek. Wombat’s Ramble is Australia’s longest beginner run and is also where night skiing is held.
Wombat’s Ramble is Australia’s longest beginner run.
If your kids are ready to up their skills on the slopes, Thredbo’s new Project Shred program is ideal. In partnership with the Chumpy Pullin Foundation, the day sessions are all about supporting the next generation of Aussie shredders.
Thredbo’s new Project Shred program in partnership with the Chumpy Pullin Foundation is all about supporting the next generation. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
Kids under 17 will learn new tricks and how to land old ones better at Cruiser Terrain Park, before joining a workshop with athletes. They then get to enjoy a sausage sizzle and live music with new mates, and there are giveaways up for grabs too.
Kids will join a workshop with athletes at Cruiser Terrain Park. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
Another great way to get the adrenaline pumping is on an exciting sled dog tour under snow gums. Be pulled by an energetic team of Siberian huskies with Australian Sled Dog Tours in Mt Buller, Victoria. Along with a ride, you’ll get to have a meet-and-greet and time for husky selfies. There are discounted rates for families; the minimum age is five.
Meet adorable huskies at Australian Sled Dog Tours.
Also in Victoria, join Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours in Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. There are a few tours to choose from, including one specifically for families where you’ll learn all about the dogs and enjoy plenty of cuddles.
Enjoy plenty of cuddles at Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours.
One of the best places to go for tobogganing and other snow play is Selwyn Snow Resort in NSW, which is reopening after being destroyed by bushfires in 2020. Completely rebuilt, the resort now claims to have the biggest toboggan park in Australia, with a 150-metre snow carpet, and you can buy day or family passes.
Kids can enjoy tobogganing down the icy slopes.
Mt Buller also has two dedicated toboggan parks, which make snow play fun and safe. Buy a full-day pass, which includes a toboggan that you can leave at the parks, coming and going as often as you like without having to carry it around. The littlest snow bunnies (under one metre tall) get to slide free with a paying adult, while tobogganing is free with a valid lift pass.
Slide down snow-covered slopes on a toboggan at Mt Buller.
With Australia’s ski resorts in national parks, snowmobiling isn’t widespread here, but at Mt Hotham, you’ll find Kids’ Snowmobile Rides, where they get to zip around on mini machines. You’ll find them at Hotham Snowstuff Park; rides are for kids aged five to 13 years.
During the school holidays at Thredbo, little ones can get their sugar fix at free Lindt Chocolate S’mores making at Friday Flat Fire Pits, while resort institution Candlelight Lodge does a seriously delicious chocolate fondue.
Enjoy Lindt Chocolate S’mores making at Friday Flat Fire Pits. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
At neighbouring Perisher, hop off the Perisher Quad Express Chair at Mid Station and grab an overloaded hot chocolate, complete with marshmallow snowman, from Mid Perisher Centre.
In Mt Buller, families can find a chocolate fondue at The Villager, and after indulging you can take the kids on an adventure through the pedestrian-only village on the popular Gnome Roam. There are several frosty gnomes to meet along the way; download the free Mt Buller Walks app (with audio tour) to find them or pick up a gnome booklet at Alpine Central or the Clock Tower.
Enter the mystical Gnome Roam in Mt Buller.
If your kids have been to Thredbo on a weekend in winter, it’s likely they’ve watched skiers and boarders light up the mountain as they snake down the snow while holding flares.
Be part of the iconic Thredbo flare run. (Image: Thredbo Resort)
Well, now they can take part too, with the resort hosting special school holiday LED runs, no adults allowed. Held on Thursday nights, children are welcome to ski or board down gentle Friday Flat while holding a twinkling LED flare.
Don’t worry parents, snow sports instructors will be taking your precious ones up the Easy Does It chairlift, while you can take videos from below. It’s open for kids aged three to 14 years and is free with a valid day lift pass.
On the Kids Flare Run, children are welcome to ski or board down with an LED flare.
Ski resort accommodation doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as you get creative with where you stay, and one of the most impressive accommodation choices for families this season is at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.
Located on Lake Jindabyne and opposite the town’s shops and restaurants, this park offers more than your typical campsites and cabins. Cool “glamtainers” (converted shipping containers) can now be booked and are a novel option for families of four.
The “glamping” accommodation includes a queen bed and bunks, a kitchenette, a living area, a bathroom, outdoor dining, contemporary furnishings and heating to keep everyone toasty.
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