Best Places to Take the Kids Skiing

Hark the herald snowmaking guns! The snow season in NSW has offically begun for 2018. 

ellaslist has you covered with our tips on taking kids to the snow, to make your wintertime family ski trip one to remember. Enjoy magical moments in the snow creating memories to last a lifetime, and be sure to choose a destination that has something to offer every member of your family, be it an awesome kid's program or great-value accommodation. Whether you’re a snow bunny planning to make snow angels or hope to dust those skis off and get riding, here are our top picks for the best places near Sydney to take the family.

1. Thredbo

The Snowy Mountains is home to Australia’s greatest snow fields, and offers accommodation to suit all budgets from chalets to self-serviced apartments. The Snowy Mountains offers some awesome kid and family deals when you stay at Thredbo, including the “Kids Ski and Stay Free” package where big savings can be made. Thredbo offers some awesome learners programs and a designated beginner’s area. Thredboland is for kids aged 3-6 years and will not only teach your kids how to ski, but will get them involved in some super fun activities like a flare race with LED flares! Thredbo FreeRiders is perfect for older children 7-14 years to help them refine their skills and enjoy activities throughout the week like Jump ‘n’ Jam Friday and World Cup Race Day! Just remember, there is no more tobaggining at Thredbo anymore, read our report here. Thredbo officially opened on June 11 2018. 

2. Perisher

Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere and has four parts to it: Perisher Valley, Guthega, Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow. Perisher offers Day Care for 6 months to 3-year-olds, as well as a Discovery Kids Program for 3-4-year-olds and the full day program for kids aged 5-15 years where they can explore the mountains, hone their skills and have lunch with the other young holidaymakers. The family highlight for Perisher Valley is definitely Tube Town – an adrenaline packed ride down the snow in an inflatable tube, with the Tube Town kiosk nearby for all the kids’ hot chocolate cravings. At Smiggin Holes, the Smig’s Kids program for 5-14-year-olds has a strong emphasis on FUN! It runs from 9.30-3.30pm and is run by certified professionals, suitable for kids who have never skied before, all the way up to advanced skiers. Blue Cow is suitable for families with kids over 6 years, providing 3-hour lessons for children to learn the basics and then join you on the slopes afterwards! Perisher is officially open now but at this point in time tobagganning has been put on hold due to lack of snow. 

3. Selwyn Snowfields

At Selwyn Snowfields at Mount Selwyn, “family is our speciality”, being family-run and operated! It offers gentle slopes for beginners and is known for being affordable with excellent, friendly service. Families enjoy tobogganing and snow tubing at Selwyn when the skiing is done. At Snow World, kids rule the mountains! The Mini Mites program introduces 18 month-4-year-olds to the snow with a variety of indoor and outdoor games. Mighty Mites (3-4-year-olds) gets kids up and skiing and learning new skills to build their confidence, and the Mega Mites (5-7-year-olds) enjoy a program specifically designed for kindergarten-aged kids. Selwyn boasts awesome family-friendly facilities – all in close vicinity including baby change tables, picnic tables, equipment hire, shops and cafes. Oh and Mount Selwyn is the only official area that offers tobogganing this season!

Soucre: Selwynsnow

4. Charlotte’s Pass

Nestled in Kosciusko National Park is the snow resort of Charlotte’s Pass. Families will love the Kosi Kids Club for 3-12-year-olds that offers a full day program including hot lunch and heaps of games, suitable for beginners to intermediates. Kidz Korner offers Frosty’s Chill Out Zone where 3-13-year-olds can spend the day with arts, crafts and other activities whilst mummy has a break! Once a week, the Kids Flare Run lets children race and show off the skills they’ve learnt, topped off with a hot chocolate and a take-home souvenir of the flare they raced with. Other fun events for kids include Free Snow Cone Monday, Free Tubin’ Tuesday, Free Fairy Floss Friday and Free Donut Wednesday! Oh, and did we mention under 4s ski free?

5. Corin Forest

We sent an explorer to check out Corin Forest, and she recommends it as the perfect way to introduce little ones to the snow! At this family-friendly snow park, you can learn to ski, snowboard, ride the 'magic carpet' ski lift, or head to Snow Play where families can build a snowman, ride a toboggan, and throw snowballs in their purpose- built snow play area. They offer 2.5-hour snow play sessions three times a day, so if you want a snowy family holiday but are worried that your kids will ditch the skis as soon as your fork out their rental fee, then this is the destination for you. They have a great onsite cafe with a fireplace where you can roast marshmallows, sip a steamy hot chocolate or gorge on a wood-fired pizza. Visit their website. 

 

Remember to Check Out Our TOP TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR KIDS SKIING