|
Not just for the young and the reckless. When winter descends upon us we are tempted by visions of tropical islands and sun filled holidays. A much more practical idea is to make the frost work for you. Take advantage of the low temperatures and treat yourself to a play in the snow. Skiing is not the only activity on offer in ski resorts. Snowfields are a great place to holiday as they have a wealth of activities and facilities. While the weather cools down the ski resorts heat up with interesting days and entertaining evenings. For those who just like to relax on holiday, a cosy snow lodge complete with a roaring fire and soothing whirlpool is the ideal place to hide away. Non-skiers can find plenty to do as resort villages offer excellent shopping, dining and leisure pursuits not to mention a plethora of eating places. Why suffer the cold unless you can have fun too? While Europe and America may have famous mountains like St Moritz, Aspen, and Whistler whose very names conjure up glamorous images, Australia’s mountains are not to be underestimated and boast mid-winter snow of the same quality and dryness that you get overseas. Australia also holds its own in regard to the standard of dining, accommodation and other facilities. There are four resorts in NSW and five main ones in Victoria. Virtually all the resorts offer discounted senior lift passes and their alpine villages host myriad activities. There are guided mountain tours, snowshoe walks, walking trails, golf courses, gondola rides and more. The varied terrain includes excellent beginner’s slopes and suits all levels from first timers to experts and those who haven’t skied in years. The Snowy Mountains are home to cosmopolitan Thredbo and diverse Perisher. Both resorts are about a six-hour drive from Sydney or a one-hour drive from the Snowy Mountains Airport. A sophisticated resort of glamorous new hotels and architect-designed chalets, Mt Hotham has doubled in size in recent years. Early last century a group of skiers combed the pristine Alps in search of excellent slopes and discovered Hotham. The original steep climb up the mountain was accomplished on horseback followed by a trek across to the lone chalet. Today Hotham boasts its own mountain airport just 20km from the snowfields. Mt Buller is an accessible and established resort with a strong European influence just a three-hour drive from Melbourne along an easy highway. Mt Buller is home to Australia’s only alpine spa, Breathtaker On High – Spa Retreat, and the highest cinema. The resort also has a full calendar of events and festivals every year. Some highlights include Winterfest every June and the popular Christmas in July. Australian ski resorts offer plenty to do on and off the snowfields. Spend all day schussing down the slopes and then live it up at the après ski celebrations in the village pubs. Indulge in some winter sports like snowshoeing and ice skating, enjoy romantic candlelit dinners, entertain yourself at mountaintop theatres, shop at specialty outlets, wind down in a hot tub or have a quiet drink in front of a real log fire. Whether your idea of an absolutely perfect holiday is to do nothing or do everything, an alpine resort is the ideal place to spend your winter break. FACTS & STATS Location Mt Buller: 263km northeast of Melbourne Mt Buller: 25 Average Annual Snowfall Mt Buller: 1.5m Ski Season Mt Buller: June to September
Restaurants and Bars Mt Buller: 25+ Senior Lift Discounts Mt Buller: Yes 65+
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
