If there’s one family holiday you can’t miss, it’s a trip to Thredbo, Australia’s premier alpine destination! Open 365 days a year, it’s home to the countries longest ski runs, best mountain bike and hiking trails and a beautiful alpine village situated in a picturesque valley in the heart of the famous Kosciuszko National Park- which means you can visit all year round for snow fun, biking and swimming in summer, and more! Our NSM contributor and her family (plus friends) headed to the slopes and had a blast.
Starting out on our adventure to Thredbo, we prepared ourselves for a long drive with three kids in the backseat- but although it’s around six hours’ drive from Sydney, the excitement we felt to be on our way (plus plenty of stops for sightseeing, snacks and stretching) meant we were pulling up outside our gorgeous accommodation before we’d felt like we’d even finished singing ‘There Were Three in the Bed’!
It was some of our groups first time seeing snow, so taking the trip in September when there was enough snowfall to make snow angels, build snowmen and go tobogganing was a must. But Thredbo Village in the Snowy Mountains is an excellennt, family-friendly destination throughout the whole year, sunshine or snowfall! The village itself is ocated at the base of the mountain, everything you need is located within a short walking distance- lodges, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. In the night time the village transforms into a vibrant alpine environment like no other with live music, action and stunning sights set amongst glittering snowfall in colder months and a breathtaking natural green landscape in summer.
Hitting the slopes for the first time with baby Koko
Taking to the snow like a pro!
Where to Stay
One of the best things about a holiday in a self-contained apartment is the privacy – your family can have quiet time if that’s what you’re keen on, or on the other hand, if the kids run wild exploring, there’s no need to stress out about bothering the family in the room next door, like you would staying in close quarters at a hotel. There’s also all the creature comforts you would wish for, including a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cooktop and oven. There’s a self-contained laundry with washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities for any wet clothes and all linen provided, including fuzzy bath towels and warm, comfortable bed linen to snuggle up in after a hard day on the slopes! You won’t feel the chill of the snowy outdoors either, as there’s a cosy gas fireplace, underfloor heating and a shuttle bus nearby to whisk you quickly home from the snowfields.
Where we stayed:
Chimneys Way, Thredbo Village NSW 2625
Our gorgeous home away from home in the mountains
Ice 3 sleeps eight and had plenty of room to make yourselves at home
The bedrooms are cosy and offer wonderful views
Getting to the Snowfields
The free shuttle bus stop was right outside our chalet to transport us to Friday Flats – but it was just as easy for us to hop in the car (a 2minute drive) and park near Friday Flats so we didn’t have to lug our skis around. With our car parked safely in the garage we also didn’t have to worry about frost every morning either.
All the kids bundled up for their snow day!
Do you want to build a snowman? We did!
Tobogganing is a great family-friendly activity!
Whizzing down the slopes with a smile!
Ten fun things to do in the Snowy Mountains:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Give the kids an experience to remember on the slopes and at the snowfields!
- Horseriding: Take guided trail rides from one hour up to a whole day, with some operators offering paddock-based pony rides for the kids.
- Mountain Biking: Once the snow has melted, Thredbo’s ski runs transform into great trails for mountain biking.
- Bobsledding: Try the Thredbo Bobsled’s 700 metres of luge-style track that speeds you down the mountain.
- Yarrangobilly Caves: Explore the self-guided Glory Hole Cave and the Jersey Cave with amazing ice formations and colours.
- The Long Plain Drive: Open during the warmer months, this drive takes you through the plains where you can spot mobs of wild brumbies.
- The Alpine Way Drive: This drive takes you through mountain forests and past snowy peaks all the way to Jindabyne.
- Visit Lake Jindabyne: This area also offers water sports and activities such as kayaking and trout fishing.
- Climb Mt Kosciuszko: Choose a track that suits your family, the 13km Eagles Nest boardwalk to the peak.
- Wild Brumby Distillery: Sample some local fare at this distillery, open all year round and located between Jindabyne and Thredbo.
Tips for making the most of the slopes:
- Invest in at least one professional ski or snowboard lesson. These people are trained and have the patience to get your kids skiing correctly.
- Don’t push your kids beyond their comfort level. They may not want to ride the lift – don’t force them.
- Don’t try to ski all day. They’ll become exhausted and tired and you’ll lose patience and this is when accidents happen. Take a break after lunch and go on a toboggan.
- If you’ve got older kids, spend some time skiing separately then come together for part of the day. That way you all get to challenge yourselves and spend some time together as family.
For nearby ski and equipment hire:
Harro’s Snowsports
Address: Crackenback Resort, Alpine Way via Jindabyne NSW
Contact: Ph. (02) 6456 1462 or click here
