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​Tip Store: Travel: Snow and Ski Holidays

​Planning a Snow Trip

Ask friends if they have timeshare or a holiday home near the snow. Timeshare owners maybe able to send you as their guest to a place near the snow. I am sure if you offered to pay the maintenance levy there would be someone willing to help. Also youth hostels can be a cheaper accommodation option. For clothing check the Aldi catalogues or the local op shops.
​ Contributed by Ann Green, 16th May 2013

​Fun in the Snow

In my experience, children who have never been in snow before get very cold very quickly, so you need to ensure they have warm clothing and good footwear. Gumboots with woolly socks is a good choice. Don't forget hats and sunglasses. They are usually completely happy with making snowmen with gloves on and zooming down a slope on a plastic rubbish bag, or better still a recycled real estate sign as a make shift toboggan. Take some soup in a flask so they can warm their hands and fill their tummies. Cheap and cheerful, it worked for our kids.
​ Contributed by Valerie Fitzsimons, 16th May 2013

​Vic Snow Holiday

If you just want to experience the snow, not necessarily the peak season optimum skiing, I'd suggest you either go to one of the smaller resorts (Mt Stirling) or if winter gets cold enough (which it feels like it at the moment) there is often snow at Telephone Box Junction (on the way to Mt Stirling). This is free and a good place to play in the snow. If you are looking to ski down slopes I'd wait until the end of the season and when it closes there is often still plenty of snow without the price tags!! (End of September!) Happy snow play!
​ Contributed by Lauren Soyer, 16th May 2013

​Be Prepared and Have the Most Enjoyable Snow Holiday

Start well ahead with clothing. Layering is the way to keep warm - thin layer upon layer. Check op shops for hats, gloves, ski overalls etc. Consider going cross-country skiing for cheaper holidays. You can make mittens (warmer as fingers are together) from old woolly jumpers (use ribbed hem, cut a shape around hands, sew up around the edge -fine but not pretty!) You can do the same for hats but they're easy to find in op shops. If cross-county skiing, you don't need thick waterproof clothes, so get over-pants in nylon (search op -shops for kids size, ask golfing friends if you can borrow theirs) and hire a good blizzard jacket from outdoor shops. Accommodation can be cheaper down the mountain (hire a house and take friends - you'll pay about $100 a night in Mt Beauty for example, from an organisation that rents out holiday houses for their owners). Factor in petrol costs if you are staying off mountain, and entry fees and car sickness! Take your own food, cook up meals before you leave home and freeze. Consider camping in the snow, but it does take specialist equipment and is another whole new adventure - I do it heaps as a cross-country skier. I have also taken children (8-10yo) snow camping! Go later, in August or September for spring weather, longer days and more sun! Slushy snow is more likely though! Enjoy.
​Contributed by Vanessa, Alphington, 23rd July 2007

​Search for Secondhand Ski Gear and Save

Ski clothes and gear can be found at second hand or op shops, especially those in the towns near the ski fields. We saw plenty for sale in Bright a few weeks ago. Get in touch with the local tourist bureau and they will give you the 'phone numbers of their local shops.
​Contributed by Julie, Heathcote, 18th July 2007

​Fifty Percent off Lift Tickets

If you have kids, Mt Buller offer 50% off lift tickets, ski hire etc on Tuesdays to students on presentation of a student card - a great way to save lots of money and have a great time!
​Contributed by Nikki, Point Cook, 17th July 2007

​Skip the Cost of Lift Tickets with Cross-Country Skiing

Try cross country rather than downhill skiing - no lift passes necessary (though you will probably need to pay trail fees) and much cheaper all round. Also, much better exercise (as you ski up hill as well as down) and much less risk of serious injury. Cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis and the back of the boot is not attached to the ski. My husband bought his through the Trading Post after getting himself measured for size in a ski shop - but hiring is quite reasonable and it's usually cheaper if you hire in the city rather than on the mountain. You can get hot skiing X-country, so it is good to have several layers of clothing - thermals from camping shops are great with cheap waterproof trousers and a dry japara over the top. Woollen everything - tights, jumpers, socks, trousers - with a waterproof layer over the top also works but not so convenient for getting dry. Denim and tracksuiting materials are always a disaster in snow, as they soak up moisture and keep you cold while they are wet. We have camped in the snow, but we have a 4-seasons tent, good sleeping bags and a light fuel stove. It is surprisingly comfortable with good gear - maybe you can borrow from friends. For more civilised accommodation you will probably find that off the mountain is cheaper. So, for example, stay in Marysville and drive each day to Lake Mountain, or stay in Bright or Harrietville for the north-eastern Victorian ski fields. Caravan parks often have small cabins that are a bit comfier and warmer than on-site vans.
​- Contributed by Zannah, Heathmont, 13th July 2007

​Op Shop Deals on Ski Gear

Look through St Vinnies and Lifeline stores for ski gear bargains. You can phone first to see if they have what you're after before hiking around the city. I found a ski suit (all in one) for my 3 yr old son for $7 at a Lifeline store and with a good wash and a couple of days in the sunshine, it was disinfected and ready to wear. Good luck!
​Contributed by Luisa, Balmoral, 13th July 2007

​Choose a Less Popular Snowfield

Skiing at Selwyn snowfields is a cheaper option than the more popular resorts. In high season, for skis, boots and pole hire, Selwyn is $64 for 2 days whereas Perisher is $90. A 2 day lift pass at Selwyn costs $134 but at Perisher it's $190. Accommodation at Adaminaby, about a half hour drive from Selwyn, is also a lot less than other options. We're thinking that we may now be able to afford to take our four children skiing for the first time!
​Contributed by Sally, Wahroonga, 11th July 2007