Aussie/NZ Snow/Skiing holiday for a family

[NM]

The NMs are considering a winter skiing holiday this year and as we have little experience in their area, I am looking for some suggestions around the following topics:

1. The best time to go, keeping in mind we have two kids in high school. This always raises the debate of holidaying in school holiday periods vs taking the kids out of school for a week or so.
2. How long to go for? I am thinking around 5 days in the snow and a some travelling time to get thee and back from Qld.
3. Where is best for a family of beginner skiiers, including 5yo and three teenagers? We are happy to drive the NM family b*s to NSW or VIC fields. Should we be considering NZ?
4. Suggestions for accommodation. Stay on the mountain vs off-mountain and commute. "Family" rooms acceptable and we don't need 4/5* accommodation.
5. Where is best to hire skis, boots etc? At the skiing location (so can exchange if any problems), in the towns around the ski fields, or here in Brisbane before leaving?

We want to keep costs in check and don't have a bottomless budget. Its a shame we can't use Priority Club points for accommodation or FF miles for lift tickets etc.

So any suggestions will be welcomed .

 

[yohy?!]

hi there, I can say from experience that as a kid I loved the family ski trips but I always noticed my parents sleeping at any opportunity due to the sheer exhaustion it must have put them through!

1. The best time to go, keeping in mind we have two kids in high school. This always raises the debate of holidaying in school holiday periods vs taking the kids out of school for a week or so. I'd recommend mid-week during school term to minimize waiting for lifts and ensure the slopes are not too crowded.
2. How long to go for? I am thinking around 5 days in the snow and a some travelling time to get thee and back from Qld. 5 days is probably a good start for beginners, you may even find you want to take some half days if it's too tiring. Also look at lessons to get the little ones off on the right foot and enjoying themselves.
3. Where is best for a family of beginner skiiers, including 5yo and three teenagers? We are happy to drive the NM family b*s to NSW or VIC fields. Should we be considering NZ? Perisher or Thredbo will both be perfectly fine for beginners. I'd recommend Mt Ruahepu on the NZ North Island too in terms of cost as it is excellant value.
4. Suggestions for accommodation. Stay on the mountain vs off-mountain and commute. "Family" rooms acceptable and we don't need 4/5* accommodation. On-snow accomodation is prohibitively expensive anywhere in NSW, not sure about VIC/NZ. Definetely check out Jindabyne accomodation for families.
5. Where is best to hire skis, boots etc? At the skiing location (so can exchange if any problems), in the towns around the ski fields, or here in Brisbane before leaving? Not sure about prices in Brisbane but have to say the difference in price would be more than made up for by the convenience of not having to transport 5 sets of skis/boards from QLD!

Good luck it's sure to be a great time for all

 

[samh004]

Regarding the best time. The school holiday period will fall in the right time for a holiday, but you’ll never know what the snow is going to be like when you book, it could be good or bad. As for whether you should take the kids out of school, I was often taken out of school to go to New Zealand, but it depends what year they’re in as some years 11/12, could be more important not to miss.

If you’re all beginners, 5 days should be plenty of time, plus days off to explore the town and local area. Just remember that a storm could blow in and make a few days pretty miserable (or even close lifts if it’s high winds).

In years past, it was quite often cheaper to go to NZ for a ski holiday than AU as the prices some of the Australia ski fields charge are horrendous. I’m not so sure it’s the same now, and know at least last year Perisher were offering some incredibly low fares to get people there. Bearing in mind you’re a family of 6!! It might cost more to go to New Zealand just because of the number of airfares.

In terms of accommodation, I can only speak from New Zealand, but there are lots of apartment type places to stay, perfect for families, so I’d guess the same would be so for Australia. In NZ you can only stay in the towns, there is no housing on the mountain (at least for fields you’d be looking at going to).

As for hiring, if you’re staying at 1 field and all beginners, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t hire on the mountain, as it’s convenient and you don’t really need the latest skis (or boards). I wouldn’t hire in Brisbane, even if the deals are good, if you had to make an adjustment, where would you go? Maybe they’d have a place to go, but still, seems easier to get it all when you’re there.

I can’t give enough praise to Queenstown skiing, but I’m not sure it would be the best deal for you this year. I’d look at packages I guess, as a family of 6 is a lot

Also, have to point out that once you’ve lit the flame, their passion for it will only get stronger and it’ll end up being a costly exercise every year

 

[RockDoc]

I can second the suggestion of Perisher as the best Aussie place to go. it's absolutely huge, which means even in the school hols there is never a really huge wait for lift chairs, and you can always find space to ride. The only really crowded slopes are those in the front valley.

I would recommend hiring gear in Jindabyne rather than carting equipment the whole way from Brisneyland. You'll most likely find a better selection there too.

If you book now there are plenty of accommodation options in Jindabyne, and its only 20 minutes to the field each day. I would also recommend chains for the tyres. If this is going to be a one off trip then simply hire, other wise for 200 bucks or so you can get a top quality set that you can pick to accurately match your wheel arches and tyre size (in consideration of ease of fitment).

Don't forget you will also need to purchase a NSW national park pass if you plan to drive up each day. You can do the maths for yourself, but it's probably still cheaper than paying for skitube tickets each day for 6 people.

Of course, during winter (from memory) QF flys direct to Queenstown, where the accommodation, lift passes and mountain transport are all much cheaper, if not free. (Free shuttles to The Remarks and Coronet Peak this year from the centre of Queenstown) The Remarkables is also typically much less crowded than Perisher or Thredbo.

Good luck with whatever you decide - you'll love it!

 

[hazel]

The best time to go, keeping in mind we have two kids in high school. This always raises the debate of holidaying in school holiday periods vs taking the kids out of school for a week or so.

Can't comment on Vic haven't been there since early 80's. Have spent quite a few holidays in NSW & NZ skiing with kids. We have stayed on the mountain in Thredbo & at Jindabyne. IMHO mountain accomm is stupidly expensive. Jindabyne is great - has lots of options we usually go for the self catering apartment. If you are beginners Mt Selwyn is a good place to spend the first day - [sometimes not much snow but they have snow makers].
Get ski hire in Jindabyne or on mountain easier to change wrong size boots, allows kids to change skis to boards. I didn't have a problem with either Thredbo or Perisher creche for small child - I would use it for 1 or 2 half days for some time together/time with older child.

Go out of school holiday time if possible - smaller crowds & if your kids are anything like mine they will love you even more for doing it

We have found that going to Queenstown is easier & cheaper. There is also a much better chance that you will have decent snow. We get the NZ superpass so we can exchange it for other activities if the weather is cough or we want a break from skiing. Also easier to learn in NZ - they don't have trees in the way

 

[NM]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. It looks like Queenstown is worth considering. Can use AA miles to get to BNE-AKL-BNE on suitable dates and QF FF points or cash for AKL-ZQN on JQ. So keeping that option open at the moment though will need to make decisions quickly to snaffle the award seats.

 

[futaris]

Its a shame we can't use Priority Club points for accommodation.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown is fairly close to the snowfields. I don't think that there are any other points based options that are as close in Aus/NZ.

The other option that noone has mentioned, is Japan. Of course, the ski season isn't at the same time as down here.

 

[tuapekastar]

Pleany of good advice has been given. My own take is (based solely on many visits to Mt Hotham and a couple to Falls Creek, though haven't been for a few years):

Stay on-mountain
Hire on-mountain (unless you can hire from an off-mountain establishment with a reciprocal arrangement to exchange equipment on-mountain should anything go askew)
Boots are the most important hire item...must be comfortable
Be waterproof...you may fall down a lot
Look for accommodation with full kitchen facilities (if you wish to keep costs down pre-cook and bring most of your meals with you...maybe eat out once or twice)
Get the best snow-chains you can (TBH, these days they're probably all ok), and if you have to fit them, pay someone to do it! (they usually have a service to do this - if you need to fit them, then it's probably coughpy conditions you're in to do it anyway)
Depending on your future intentions, get lessons, even if they're 'group' lessons teaching the basics...only needs to take the first day or half-day
Have fun!

 

[samh004]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. It looks like Queenstown is worth considering. Can use AA miles to get to BNE-AKL-BNE on suitable dates and QF FF points or cash for AKL-ZQN on JQ. So keeping that option open at the moment though will need to make decisions quickly to snaffle the award seats.

If you end up in ZQN we know a few instructors on the hill and a few people in town (in ski rental shops), no guarantees on any discounts though. Oh, and I could probably give you some pointers/be an instructor if needed, having skied for many many years, and helped a few family friends out.

And if you end up wanting to try out some fancy dining place while I’m in town, I’ll happily offer to babysit or teenager-sit if that’s the case.

Edit: I forgot to add, Flight Centre (I know) has a ski holiday brochure out now that I picked up on my way to BNE AFF drinks last night, had some interesting offers int it that are well worth looking into.

 

[NM]

Thanks for the good ideas. Now to do the numbers on costs for Jindabyne vs Queenstown. And look into Mt Ruahepu as suggested. Using FF miles/points and hotel points will certainly help cover the costs, and while it may not be the "best value" use of awards, it would be real $ savings which is tangible, rather than potential savings when used for things I would not otherwise be paying real $ for (such as upgrades).

 

[NM]

So a few more questions for those who know the locations;

Queenstown: Will we need a car? Or is it feasible to manage without car hire?

Jindabyne: Do we need chains to get into Jindabyne or just if we choose to drive into the National Parks rather than take the shuttles to the ski fields?

Does anyone have web links to information about lift pass options and costs?

What do people recommend for locating and booking specific accommodation in these locations? Are there reliable web sites for this? Should we be using a TA? Obviously going to consider Crowne Plaza in Queenstown as I can use points, but that negates any self-catering options so need to factor in the cost of meals.

 

[hazel]

Queenstown car - we didn't have a car for most of our time in ZQN last year. The bus picked us up from the hotel in the am to go to the mountain & returned us in the afternoon. We stayed at the Heritage which is slightly out of town [ok going to town, big hill coming back] but the hotel gives you a ticket for the bus into town for the duration of your stay. If there are 5 of you it may work out cheaper to have a car than pay for 5 mountain transfers each day. All hire cars in ZQN come with chains. We only hired a car at the end of our stay to drive to Christchurch.

Haven't had to use chains going from Jindabyne to ski fields for a while - not enough snow, but we were going later in the season. There is a requirement to carry chains.

Have a look at nzsuperpass.com or ski-newzealand.co.nz. A 4 day pass at Perisher that includes skitube [from Bullocks] and nat parks admission is $487 for an adult. They will be cheaper earlier or later in the season but there may not be snow at those times. Also have a look at ski.com.au
cheers

 

[markis10]

CP is $93 AUD using family and friends, not sure if points are a good alternative with that low a rate, also worth considering the Priority Privilege card, kids eat free, parents get 50% off food.

 

[samh004]

So a few more questions for those who know the locations;

Queenstown: Will we need a car? Or is it feasible to manage without car hire?

For the first few years we were in Queenstown, we didn’t hire a car, tbh it makes things a lot more complicated as you have to park and walk to the lifts (as the car parks can fill up), plus some of the NZ ski field roads aren’t sealed and can be a bit scary for a first time drive up (not that being in a bus gives you much more peace of mind).

Perhaps the biggest expense without a car is the trip to/from the airport, as it’s located a little outside of town. Once in town, especially at the Crowne Plaza, you’re right in the thick of things and don’t need one at all. Ski buses also pick up from all hotels, and they’re always at the Crowne in the morning.

Does anyone have web links to information about lift pass options and costs?

Assuming staying in Queenstown, the 2 ski fields are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, their website is NZSki.com Home - NZ's premiere Ski and Snowboard Website

I had a quick look at the packages of passes and stuff available, it’s a very interactive system, and it appears a beginner day pass (that’s lower slopes before you even get on a chair lift, is $45 for adults and $25 for youths, day passes increase to $89/$49.

I’m sure there are combo discount too.

What do people recommend for locating and booking specific accommodation in these locations? Are there reliable web sites for this? Should we be using a TA? Obviously going to consider Crowne Plaza in Queenstown as I can use points, but that negates any self-catering options so need to factor in the cost of meals.

Breakfree at one stage owned (managed) nearly all of the apartments in Queenstown, but I think they took on too much and had to get rid of some. So you might try looking at any apartment-types, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and a kitchen/dining/living area.

Hopefully not advertising, but this is where we usually stay, The Lodges Suites & Apartments, Queenstown New Zealand it’s located about 50 metres down the road from the Crowne Plaza. The new website has lots of photos so should give an idea of what the apartments in town include, however prices look steep.

Meals in town aren’t bad, if you’re eating out there’s a range of different cuisines available for low prices (think Thai, Indian, pizza, italian), there’s also some slightly pricier establishments for just the parents, or if you really want to splurge.

Assuming you have some cooking facilities, the supermarket is sort of on the other side of town from the Crowne Plaza, but I’ve walked the route with shopping bags regularly and it’s not terribly long.

I don’t know what else I can add let me know if there is anything.

 

[Pvcmenace]

I have allways gone to Falls Creek, good family atmosphere, stay in an apartment to save costs by self catering. They have the milo club for kids 3-5 will instruct your 5 year old from 9.30-3.20 for $170/day including gear and be proficient at skiing/boarding in a couple of days. Hire chains at base of mountain for about $70 then there is parking on mountain for about $25/day. Hire gear on mountain, boots jacket pants ski/board can be combined with lift pass for about $130/day.

Regards

 

[samh004]

They have the milo club for kids 3-5 will instruct your 5 year old from 9.30-3.20 for $170/day including gear and be proficient at skiing/boarding in a couple of days.

To play devils advocate, the Skiwi land at Remarkables/Coronet Peak for kids aged 3-5 costs NZ$120/NZ$125 a day 9-4. Including rentals and stuff.

 

[Pvcmenace]

Good value, sounds good!

 

[Fifa]

Jindabyne: Do we need chains to get into Jindabyne or just if we choose to drive into the National Parks rather than take the shuttles to the ski fields?

Does anyone have web links to information about lift pass options and costs?

You will generally not need chains to travel to Jindabyne. On the very odd occasion that it snows between Cooma and Jindabyne, you may need chains but the snow melts fairly quickly when snow ploughs and cars are driving the road.


Kosciuszko National Park - DECCW | Kosciuszko National Park - How to get there
"If you are driving a two-wheel vehicle, you must carry properly fitting snow chains from the June long weekend to the October long weekend on Kosciuszko Road, from the park boundary at Thredbo River to Perisher.
4WD vehicles do not need to carry snow chains".
If driving to Perisher dont forget to factor in the cost of the park use fees.

You can catch the Ski Tube from Bullocks Flat on the Alpine Way (just outside the national park) to Perisher and Blue Cow.

Perisher lift tickets:
Perisher - REGULAR SEASON Ticket Prices - Skiing Lessons and Tickets, Snow Skiing And Snow Boarding Australia

 

[odysseus]

Jindabyne: Do we need chains to get into Jindabyne or just if we choose to drive into the National Parks rather than take the shuttles to the ski fields?

Last I checked it was pretty difficult to 'shuttle' from jindabyne to the mountains. There was only one service, which was both pricey (especially with a big family), and only had a few times though you want to maximise your time anyway.

People who stayed in Jindabyne still tended to drive, or be on a package tour with a private coach taking them off during the day.

Note however that Thredbo is below the treeline and you are not required to have chains, whereas Perisher and its associated are through the park so need chains.

 

[mosanator]

Note however that Thredbo is below the treeline and you are not required to have chains, whereas Perisher and its associated are through the park so need chains.

The carry chains rule applies for vehicles INSIDE the National Park, and Thredbo is inside the park. Get caught by a Yogi (park ranger) and you will be fined.

I have lived in the Snowy Mtns all my life (44 years), and if I had to travel any distance (greater than 4 hours) to ski I would go either to Hotham or NZ. But I have been spoiled with my location I guess.

But if you are going to try skiing in NSW an option that hasn't been mentioned here is a place called Ski Rider Motel at Wilson's Valley Perisher Ski Holidays at Ski Rider Hotel
They have Accom, Ski Hire, and a regular (runs all day) shuttle bus and are inside the park and well located for skiing in Perisher Blue. They have some good packages too I believe.

If you were to stay on snow, you also have the option of a number of services where you can leave your car in Jindabyne, and they shuttle you up in either your own car or in their taxi, store your car in Jindy and then pick you up for your return. This means only 2 Park entrance fees, and no worries about driving in the snow (which is an acquired skill, and I have seen many a family holiday ruined by people thinking that once they have chains on they are good to go).

Wherever you go, GET FAMILY GROUP LESSONS and have fun. Also hope that your kids don't decide they love the sport, as it is bloody expensive !!!!