Snow: How to do it in Canberra
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Less than a three-hour drive from Canberra lies a winter wonderland—and we have collated some of the best ways to get the most out of your snow experience!
Dreaming of blissed-out days surrounded by snow and the crisp alpine air? Escape Canberra for the weekend (or the week!) and head on up to the Snowy Mountains. But don’t let the blinding glare of the snowfields be the only thing to draw you up the highway—there’s so much more fun to be had than simply on skis!
Jindabyne
Credit: Destination NSW.
The town of Jindabyne may be your gateway to the local snow resorts, but make sure you dedicate some time to exploring the magical experiences that it offers! Don’t want to trek through snow to appreciate the full beauty of the Kosciuszko National Park? Snowy Mountains Helicopters has got you covered! Operating from Jindabyne airport, let Snowy Mountains Helicopters whisk you away on a scenic flight like no other. Segway Eco Tours at Lake Crackenback offer tours on segways that can travel across all types of terrain – including snow! Looking for local places to wind down after a long day playing in the snow? Pinot’s Wine Bar and Banjo Patterson Inn offer fun, warmth, and fantastic hospitality. And if you’re after a new drink to bring back home after your snowy adventures, look no further than Wildbrumby Distillery—Australia’s highest distillery—or Jindabyne Brewery (which is steeped in local family history!).
Charlotte Pass
Not only is the Charlotte Pass snow resort the highest ski resort in Australia, but it’s also the oldest! The heart of the resort is the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, originally built in 1930. Nicknamed ‘The grand old lady of the mountains’, there is truly no other experience like this resort. Charlotte Pass receives some of the most consistent snowfalls in Australia and means that during winter the resort is only able to be reached via over-snow transport from the Perisher Valley Skitube Terminal. Though secluded and smaller, every level of skier will find something to love. Looking for a family experience? There are also plenty of activities to keep the kids happy!
Perisher
Credit: Destination NSW.
With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and four resort areas to choose from, Perisher is everyone’s first thought for the perfect snow day—and it’s a classic for a reason! The largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere, Perisher has ski runs for every experience level – and if skiing’s not your thing? Across their expanse, Perisher offers five terrain parks, fields dedicated to tobogganing and tubing, marked cross-country trails and the option to try a snowshoeing tour (which they assure is easier than learning how to ski!). If you want breath-taking panoramic views of the Kosciuszko Mountain range, Guthega is an absolute must on your itinerary! A local favourite, Guthega has unique on-snow restaurants and lodging options.
Selwyn Snow Resort
Though only open on the weekend, there’s plenty of fun that can be packed into your day at Selwyn Snow Resort! Newly reopened this snow season after the Black Summer bushfires destroyed its infrastructure, the resort has only gotten bigger and better. Their biggest attraction? Selwyn Snow Resort is home to Australia’s largest toboggan park! Its gentle terrain makes it popular with first-time skiers and snowboarders, but don’t let that fool you – there is something for kids big and small.
Thredbo
Credit: Destination NSW.
Thredbo may be home to the longest ski run in the country, but it boasts so much more wintery fun than basic skiing and snowboarding! The Merritts Gondola—Australia’s only alpine gondola – is the perfect way for both skiers and non-skiers to see the breath-taking beauty of the snowy mountains region. Want an adventure? Backcountry Tours offer experienced guides and different levels of tours to help you explore off the beaten path – and even off the skis. Other snow activities that don’t require a lesson in skiing include disc golf, their Saturday night flare run and fireworks display, and unique experiences like the Kareela Snowcat Dinners. Needing some more inside fun? The Thredbo Leisure Centre offers a wide range of activities for every age group.
Yarrangobilly Caves
Want to be surrounded by snow, but not on it? Give yourself some time at the Yarrangobilly Caves and slip straight into their thermal pool – permanently heated at 27C by a natural spring. Heaven.
Feature image: Destination NSW.
