I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a beach person. Dan loves the beach too, but his heart is at the snow. We’ve really tried this year to embrace each others’ interests, and make sure that we take the time, when we can, when ever we can do head to the beach and the snow. Before this year, I’d only skied once, when I was 23. I don’t remember much of that trip, except the fact that I was incredibly ill from having one too many vodka shots. I do remember though, that skiing came pretty easy given my history of roller blading in the 90s. So in August, Dan and I headed to Falls Creek with our best mates to have a weekend of skiing without kids. Aside from the fact that one of our mates did their knee in the first hour, I was pretty happy to find skiing relatively easy…on the green runs. It was heaps of fun, and I was then ready to tackle heading there with the kids.
Ella and Hudson are 6 and 4. They had been to the snow with their Dad once this season, and Dan put them into ski school. As always, they were better taking to the new concept without Mum around. Less tears, less whinging. I was proud to receive videos of the kids loving being involved and trying something new. I was so happy that we would be able to do it together, and have fun in years to come. However heading to the snow is quite different from other holidays.
The snow is traditionally a destination that does come with a bit of a hefty price tag. You can’t exactly just pack up and go. You need to be planned. If you are into the idea of heading to the snow, then I thought I’d share with you the best tips and tricks we’ve so far discovered, to help us have a great time.
SKI GEAR
By far the biggest decision you need to make is whether to rent gear, or buy it. To make that decision you really need to work out if you are heading there for a once of trip, or if you want to make it something of a regular visit.
- If you are heading there only now and then, then my best recommendation is to either borrow gear off friends or family, or rent it. You can rent easily off heaps of places in Melbourne (e.g. Bumps), or directly at the snow.
- If you want to head up each year, then I would make the investment to buy gear.
- Dan and I have bought ski gear (pants, jacket, thermals, ski boots, skiis, board for him, poles, helmet, goggles). Yes, it is a bit of an investment, but if you buy your gear at the end of the season, you can get some real bargains. I got my jacket from Aldi.
- We also made the decision to buy clothing gear for the kids, but in gender neutral colours so Ella’s gear can be handed down to Hudson. A couple of years ago we bought a red jumsuit on sale for Ella and Hudson now has it. This year we got Ella blue and orange jacket and pants, that Huddy can wear in a couple of years. Purchase it oversized so you get a few years!
- Don’t buy skiis, footwear, helmets or goggles. It’s not worth it because they grow so much. Hire it at the same place each year and you can often get rewards points.
- Same goes for skiis. We purchased ours a Bumps in Elsternwich and have waxing for life.
- Make sure you purchase a neck warmer.
Buy jumpsuits for little ones. They are super warm and easy to wear!
If you’ve got boys and girls, purchase gender neutral colours so you can hand them down with no arguments!
SKI SCHOOL
- Ski School was amazing for the kids. For years 3 and up, they are assessed and progressed through various levels to develop their skill and confidence.
- Ski school runs from 9.30-3.30pm and includes food and breaks. I was so impressed by the improvement in both of our kids, and the fun that they had each day.
- The cost is around $150 per child, per day. Not cheap yes, but definitely worth the investment to help them learn to ski.
- You can purchase tickets advance online.
Each day at ski school the children receive a report card with an indicator of their progress!
ACCOMODATION
- At Falls Creek we stayed at QT. We went with three couples and hired a three bedroom apartment.
- At Mt Buller we stayed at Mt Buller Chalets. We hired a studio with a fold out bed.
- Both resorts were awesome, and located right near the lifts so you can ski in and ski out
- Choosing which mountain you go to comes with personal preference. Mt Buller is awesome because it is so close (3 hours from Melbourne), but it is also super busy on weekends.
- If you can head up on a Thursday night, so you get Friday without the crowds, or take Monday off. Mid week is heaps quieter.
If you are heading to the snow with kids, stay somewhere where they can ski in ski out and access the lifts / school easily!
OTHER TIPS
- As a first time skiier, my tips were to take your time and follow the green runs. Do a lesson to help you learn the basics.
- Carry snacks in your pockets, skiing is tiring!
- Invest in good quality gear and thermals. It’s freezing and the last thing you want is to be cold and wet.
- Same goes for skiis. Take the time to get them fitted properly, and always head back to have them adjusted after you trips. My left foot always hurts, so I’m going to have an adjustment made to the sole.
- If you are travelling with friends, download the SNOWZAP app. It shows you where everyone is on a map, so you can find each other on the endless runs and lifts.
Download the SNOWZAP app to help you keep track of friends and family on the endless runs and lifts on the mountains
All in all, I am hooked, and cannot wait to head up next year. Hopefully I will build my confidence so I can tackle some harder runs. Hopefully the kids don’t pass me!
