Editor’s top 10s – Reasons to go to the Snow these School Holidays

Early morning groomers at Falls Creek, ideal in spring. Image:: Courtesy Falls Creek

Words | Tess Cook

Forget a September beach holiday, why run the risk of drizzling rain, chilly evenings, windy beaches and water too cold to swim in when you could bask in the springtime sun on the slopes.

Spring is a glorious time in the snow resorts, sparkling sunshine, balmy days and snow just right for some fun turns. This spring is one of the best in years, the snow is holding on tight to that hill thanks to cold nights and the massive base laid down in August.

In the spirit of avoiding the typical school holiday activities and doing something the whole family will really enjoy these holidays, here’s 10 reasons to pack the kids in the car and take them for a few last runs.

Tubing at Perisher, the ideal school holiday activity. Image:: Perisher/Nolan Oayda

• DEALS! By way of example: Thredbo is offering its Super Spring Pass for just $69 per day, Hotham has 50% off many of its package deals, Perisher has a plethora of accommodation specials including summer rates for winter at Horizons Resort in Jindabyne, at Buller adult day passes are now just $66 and Falls has extra night free offers. Plus everywhere is offering kids stay and ski free deals, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Go now and you’ll save money on everything from gear hire to hamburgers, ok, don’t quote me on the hamburgers but you will get great deals.

• Heaps of Snow: Yep, the record breaking August snowfalls are holding strong and the snow coverage at all the resorts is amazing. The learner slopes are sporting a coat of soft, forgiving snow and the off piste cover has turned nicely to spring corn.

Snowshoeing in the morning… Image:: Courtesy Hotham

• Season Extended: Thredbo has just announced it will extend the season past the October Long Weekend, keeping Kosciuszko Chair and the Basin t-bar open until 10 October.

• No Crowds: Remembering the 45 minutes you spent in the lift line in the July school holidays? Well in September you’ll feel like you’re riding your own private resort. You’ll be able to get dinner reservations without selling your firstborn, the carparks will stay mercifully empty and your lessons will be virtually private.

• Sunshine: The sun just shines more in spring, the wind doesn’t howl and the weather is generally milder. Think glorious afternoons relaxing on the deck of one of the fabulous on mountain dining establishments and plenty of light to ride until last lifts.

• Private Lessons: I touched on this before but it deserves its own point, put the kids (or yourself) in the snowsports school in September and chances are the lesson will be almost one on one; that attention from the instructor could just make the kids’ trip, not to mention do wonderful things for their progression.

The sun just shines more in Thredbo in Spring. Image:: Courtesy Thredbo

• Gear Sales: It’s a long way to go to buy cheap boots but if you’re there anyway why not check out the amazing savings to be had at end of season sales. We’ve long espoused the virtues of demoing your equipment and having your boots fitted in the resorts – both of which ensure you get the perfect setup – and with everything on sale, now is the time to do it.

• Lots to Do: Spring is a gorgeous time in the mountains generally; there’s so much more to do than simply ride the hill. You can get the best of both worlds; snowshoe in the morning and play a round of golf in the afternoon. In the area surrounding the resorts you will find activities like quad biking, horse riding, fishing, hiking many more.

• Backcountry: If this is your thing, now is the time to head out back. Lashings of spring corn to be tracked under bluebird skies. Just remember to pack the sunscreen.

• Why Not? Like I said, the beach is too cold, every other school holiday activity will be a headache inducing overload of crowds, other people’s screaming children and pestering from your own for more treats, souvenirs, whatever and parking them on the couch for two weeks is probably not the best idea. Everyone will enjoy a trip to the snow.

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Charlotte Pass forecasts,
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Mount Baw Baw forecasts,
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