MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: me217 on April 10, 2015, 08:26:43 PM
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Hey all
just wanting to know the best place to take the family to see decent snow. Not really interested in skiing. Just wanting a budget snowy holiday. The problem I've found is when a search for it it comes up with skiing straight away and the prices go through the roof. I didn't buy a camper trailer to then spend almost the same again on accommodation. Of coarse I'm not planning on camping in the snow. I'm not that keen.
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Where are you based? NSW or Vic?
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Qld. In the heat. Hence the want to go check out some snow. Also budget accommodation. As the trip will be pretty pricey. Planning on driving.
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Try Canberra, Cooma or Adaminaby as possible options.
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Can highly recommend Bright, VIC. Beautiful town with cycle path; local micro brewery and plenty cafés and restaurants; several campsites ( highly recommend Bright Holiday Park - not only permits camp fires all year round but also gives you details of local fire wood supplier who delivers ute load direct to your pitch); and just over hours drive up to either Falls Creek or Mt Hotham.
Best compromise of being close to the snow, great camping spot, and not having to actually camp in the snow.
Also camped at Jindabyne which is close to Thredbo.
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We go to mount buffalo a couple of times a year. Just hire some toboggans and its free to access the mount. The snow is a bit hit and miss. Some great places to stay in bright which is under 1 hr away
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Central Highlands in Tassie, but the boat trip might be a bit expensive for some...
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Another option is albury wodonga.
You can camp with the camper at a powered sites so you can run a few heaters ( trust me you will need them) and during ski season Paul's ski shop ( wodonga) does bus trips up to falls Creek. You can hire ski gear and toboggans and have a blast.
If you can brave an Aldi mayhem, they always have ski gear at the start of every season. It is definitely cheaper to buy there than hire if you go more than once.
Falls Creek is awesome, there is an iga supermarket so you can get hot pies etc without having to spend a fortune.
One of the main reasons we still live here is that during ski season I probably go snowboarding twice a week.
I drive up for the day and drive home that afternoon.
About 2 hours round trip (depending on traffic. )
I will probably be running another snow trip this year as I can't see much snowboarding in my future this year with how my legs are :(
Was a bit of a bust last time due to not much snow, however the swaggers who attended made it a fantastic weekend.
If you want any help with it mate, feel free to pm me and I can give you my number.
Cheers
Evo
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Porkpunka (s? ) is a good area in Vic. ..good campground and good forestry tracks for a bit of an explore and all in close proximity of plenty of ski fields and or just snow and great scenery.
We didn't go to ski just for a look around but was a great weekend
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Staying in NSW will reduce your travel just a bit.
Accomodation gets cheaper the further away from the snow you are. So Jindabyne is cheaper than Thredbo or Perisher, Berridale is cheaper agin, and Cooma is cheaper still. I can't recommend Adaminaby for what you want to do, as the only resort it is close to is Mt Selwyn, so it is just less convenient for seeing the area.
Seriously consider camping at either Jindabyne or Cooma caravan parks. With power to run an electric heater, electric blankets etc and warm clothing you will be OK. People do it in those little pop up tents. However, if you do this you are likely to have a few nights where it is too cold to cook and end up spending more on eating out. Swings and roundabouts.
If you don't bring the camper, then a unit is the way to go. Once again, check out the caravan parks, or somewhere a bit out of town like The Station Resort. With a unit you can do all your own meals and save money that way. Look at realestate agents rentals as well as the main ski accomodation sites. You will find most of them are cheaper when you go for a week deal with checkin/out on their choice of day (typically Sunday).
Do you have any choice about when you come? Peak season is always dearer, but if you just want to play and not ski, then edge seasons may work out better.
From any of those areas you can do day trips to places like Tom Groggin, depending on weather. In the wrong weather even bitumen roads are closed. But there is always somewhere to explore.
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Woods Point Pub...
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thanks everyone for your suggestions. the trip probably wont be till next year so there will be a 4 year old and a 9 monthish old coming along for the trip. im liking the idea of the camper. how well would a 11fin oil heater work in a closed up 12ft soft floor tent. the only times i've used my camper so far its been stinking hot and humid. my main question with leaving the camper at the caravan park is security.
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Woods Point Pub...
Winter gathering??? :cheers:
Tim
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Another option to consider nearby jindabyne that we stay at is here
http://www.alpinevillage.com.au/ (http://www.alpinevillage.com.au/)
It is affordable and comfy, but as it is owned by the Adventist Church they have a few rules regarding alcohol but still good, they have both camping or cabin options.
Another spot if you are on a budget is to stay at Talbingo and head up to MT Selwyn ,but snow can be scarce at times.
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Winter gathering??? :cheers:
Tim
BOOK IT!
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Bungle Bungle national park
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my main question with leaving the camper at the caravan park is security.
Just make sure you lock the real valuables (cameras, phones, electronics) in the car out of sight when you are away from the camper and don't stress about it. We also prefer not to leave the fridge outside the tent as you hear of local kiddies going through looking for alcohol. That said, there are heaps and heaps of times we have left it out and we have never had an issue.
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Last year we wanted to experience a Snow/Ski holiday with our kids and like you I was shocked by the quotes we were given to stay in some of the bigger well know resorts in both NSW & Vic.
I was given a recommendation of staying at a town called Adaminaby and doing a daily drive to Mt Selwyn which is located about 40 minutes away. At first I wasn’t overly keen on driving that distance each day, but seeing I could get accommodation/ski package for 1/3 of what I’ve previously been quoted at the larger ski fields, we decided we could live with doing a daily drive.
We are also in QLD so we took 2 days to drive down and the house we booked in Adaminaby was fantastic and the 40 minute drive to the Ski Fields was spectacular as it went so fast due to the amazing scenery.
As for Mt Selwyn we were lucky as last year was their best snow season for over 30 years, so we had a fantastic time. This resort is basic and older and doesn’t have the double diamond black runs etc, but what appealed to us is it does cater for kids and beginners which was perfect for us. So this means no one gets cranky when you fall over 10 times and best of all there aren’t huge line ups waiting to get up the mountain. But the down side apart from is due to it’s location it’s one of the last resort to get snow and first to lose it. So when booking I asked what’s your coldest 2 weeks of the year and booked one of them to increase our chances.
In saying that we are planning on returning next year seeing our first trip was so successful.
As for camping it's not something I could do because I'm a soft Queenslander and the Negative temperature of some of those mornings would have led to divorce.
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Long way to go, not to ski. As said stay away from the resorts and prices are more reasonable.
Friends of ours have a 16ft Jayco. They tow it up to Jindabyne at the start of the season and leave it there and then tow it back at the end and then do the daily drive up to the Perisher from Perisher. You could just use the Toboggan and Snow Play area and not bother with Ski-ing at Perisher.
Another option if you are ever in Canberra over winter is to drive up to Corin Forest on the outskirts of the city. Its not huge, but when it snows they have a large area to play on, but they also have a snow machine so snow is guaranteed on that slope at least similar size to a footy pitch).
http://www.corin.com.au/ (http://www.corin.com.au/)
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For the prices involved these days i avoid NSW and VIC and go straight with a package deal to New Zealand or even Japan
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Last year we wanted to experience a Snow/Ski holiday with our kids and like you I was shocked by the quotes we were given to stay in some of the bigger well know resorts in both NSW & Vic.
I was given a recommendation of staying at a town called Adaminaby and doing a daily drive to Mt Selwyn which is located about 40 minutes away. At first I wasn’t overly keen on driving that distance each day, but seeing I could get accommodation/ski package for 1/3 of what I’ve previously been quoted at the larger ski fields, we decided we could live with doing a daily drive.
We are also in QLD so we took 2 days to drive down and the house we booked in Adaminaby was fantastic and the 40 minute drive to the Ski Fields was spectacular as it went so fast due to the amazing scenery.
As for Mt Selwyn we were lucky as last year was their best snow season for over 30 years, so we had a fantastic time. This resort is basic and older and doesn’t have the double diamond black runs etc, but what appealed to us is it does cater for kids and beginners which was perfect for us. So this means no one gets cranky when you fall over 10 times and best of all there aren’t huge line ups waiting to get up the mountain. But the down side apart from is due to it’s location it’s one of the last resort to get snow and first to lose it. So when booking I asked what’s your coldest 2 weeks of the year and booked one of them to increase our chances.
In saying that we are planning on returning next year seeing our first trip was so successful.
As for camping it's not something I could do because I'm a soft Queenslander and the Negative temperature of some of those mornings would have led to divorce.
Great advice. The drive from Adaminaby to Selwyns might be 40 minutes, but so is the drive from Jindy to either Thredbo or Perisher, and that doubles or triples most days due to the massive traffic volumes.
The drive to Selwyns is also very scenic with a few places to stop and have a look around - Kiandra, Providence Portal etc. It's worth a drive through to Cabramurra as well, interesting little town. It has its own slope with a poma, but it's not for beginners.
Definitely plan to ski - it's too far to go just to make a snowman and have a snowball fight. Hire your gear at Selwyns itself, this is because if you are on the slopes and have a gear problem it's a long way back to Adaminaby or Cooma to get it sorted.
Also if time permits try to see a bit of the Snowy Hydro scheme - Tumut 3 power station is worth a look, not sure if Tumut 2 (underground) is still open for tours. Tumut Pond Dam is awesome but inaccesible in winter, Eucumbene Dam is pretty impressive though. Yarangobilly Caves also worth a stop - Glory Hole cave is self-guided, and the thermal swimming pool is great even in winter - 27 degrees all year round.
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Hey all
just wanting to know the best place to take the family to see decent snow. Not really interested in skiing. Just wanting a budget snowy holiday. The problem I've found is when a search for it it comes up with skiing straight away and the prices go through the roof. I didn't buy a camper trailer to then spend almost the same again on accommodation. Of coarse I'm not planning on camping in the snow. I'm not that keen.
our family takes the Trackabout down to the Discovery Park at Jindy for a long weekend every winter. we camp on an un powered site and just use the inverter for the leccy blankets before bed for an hour. Beds toasty and warm set up with flanalette sheets, a blanket and good doona. Coldest we had was minus 4.1 IN the camper as recorded on the digital thermometer! Never once were we cold IN bed, kids are 9 and 12. Realistically its too cold to cook at the camper and the water freezes in the tank and lines anyway! The place has a awesome camp kitchen which we use and it also has a toasty fire to play board games and read books with the kids in front of. In four years we have never witnessed bad behaviour or had anything stolen.
Last year we had snow on the camper and on one day had a top of two degrees. If the family doesnt like cold then don't even consider camping , grab a cabin or similiar, our clan loves the experience. Perisher has a great snow play/taboggan area and its a pleasent and easy drive. Get to the mountain early if you want a good park. At all the resorts the food prices are frightening!
Cheers,
Disco teddy.
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At all the resorts the food prices are frightening!
oxygen is frighteningly expensive at resorts!
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Does your trip have to involve a caravan park?
There are plenty of places to free camp in some areas that are simply stunning.
You can combine some free camping with caravan parks to get laundry done etc etc.
Plenty to see and do around the snowy area and such diversity.
It need not cost a lot.
We did a trip a year ago and combined free camping with Bright caravan park and it was marvellous.
As far as heating goes............we just use thermals and have very good quality sleeping bags.
With the right clothing its not bad at all.
A small heater would be fine, but safety is obviously a concern. Just don't leave it unattended or in a position it can be knocked over.
Too much heat also causes lots of condensation in the camper which can get ugly.....
You may be best to consider camping in the warmer areas of NSW and doing a trip or overnighter to the snow.
Even consider staying in a resort to offset the free camping. Could get the best of both worlds then.
Whatever you decide, just go for it and have fun.
Brian
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For the prices involved these days i avoid NSW and VIC and go straight with a package deal to New Zealand or even Japan
Chester any recommendations for absolute beginners to go to NZ? The ads and google searching all say they are the best but always good to know from first hand advice :cup:
Rod
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I put on a Christmas movie and they see snow, even turn the air con down a bit for the real experience. 16 is too cold for me. Unless I'm bream fishing..
But need to do this soon...
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Reviving the thread - looking at the same thing in 2016. Here we go - lots of questions:
June or September school holidays to guarantee snow. Novice Skiing/tobogganing etc.
Is there any such thing as budget conscience accommodation near the ski fields?
How much are we talking about per night?
Does anyone here own or knows friends that own a place (cabin, farm stay, holiday house etc) we could stay at for 2-3 days?
If you had the 2-3 days which place would you go? Thredbo, Perisher, Blue Cow, Mt Selwyn (names I've just picked out of my head)
Thanks...
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If you have little ones, Selwyn is the most child friendly, if looking to ski. also has a small tobaggan run & a child minding service. Adaminaby is close by if you want accomodation. Or Old adaminaby ( i have stayed at the caravan park here)
The National Park is approx $27 a vehicle/day .. could be more now
If camping under the snow is your thing, I have camped at Island bend camping ground inside Kosciusko NP, you can see the snow above you.. bloody cold. But this is closer to Jindabyne and thredbo. From Memory i dont think they are any camping fees other than the car entry.. but i could be wrong.
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NSW snow is easily accessible staying below the snow. Adaminaby and Jindabine have good access via the ski tube. To get a bit closer to Perisher you could try Ski Rider - they have a free bus service to Perisher.
In Vic it is a bit harder if you stay below the snow. Mt Hotham has a variety of private lodges that can be relatively cheap. Park at Harrietville and catch the bus up. Mt Hotham Accommodation service used to be a good contact for bookings.
Have been an avid skier for many years, but I do not know much about the snow play type resorts.
As far as actual skiing goes, my picks would be Perisher/Blue Cow/Guthega in NSW and Mt Hotham in Vic.
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Reviving the thread - looking at the same thing in 2016. Here we go - lots of questions:
June or September school holidays to guarantee snow. Novice Skiing/tobogganing etc.
Is there any such thing as budget conscience accommodation near the ski fields?
How much are we talking about per night?
Does anyone here own or knows friends that own a place (cabin, farm stay, holiday house etc) we could stay at for 2-3 days?
If you had the 2-3 days which place would you go? Thredbo, Perisher, Blue Cow, Mt Selwyn (names I've just picked out of my head)
Thanks...
Hi McTavish,
Neither of those dates will guarantee snow. Just depends on the season. Definitely will be cheaper for those dates but if you plan to ski you'll be at the mercy of the snow gods.
In terms of budget accommodation you can try the Big4 at Jindabyne they have relative speaking cheap cabins (that is they are cheaper than other places - but not what you'd call cheap). Station resort is another place to try. Private rentals might work as you could possibly get a spot between other renters if you only 3 days. If you want your family to enjoy it, DO NOT CAMP! You need to be really set up for snow or very cold weather camping. I camp twice a year in 0 or below temp ranges and I wont bring my family along for those, they would hate it (despite both loving the snow).
Unless you love fast skiing I'd stay away from Thredbo (there are less greens in my opinion - less variety for green skiers - my wife only skis on greens - I trick her into the odd blue run). I prefer Perisher resort for skiing, good long meandering slopes that are fun. Lots of choice for all levels of skiing (if its windy in one location, say Mt Blue Cow, you move to Guthega or Front Valley and its good).
Both Thredbo and Perisher have good toboggan areas and the kids have lots of fun on those. If the kids are under 2 then Perisher childcare will only look after then till 1pm. Older kids they take the whole day. Thredbo childcare does all day regardless of age. Once they are 3 then ski school is the way to go for them.
If you haven't ski'd before then take lessons, if you have young kids put them in childcare / ski school while that is happening.
Both resorts have beginner packages for those that havent ski'd before. Welcome to another expensive hobby! Having said that for the last 5 years I haven't needed to hire anything so I'm almost at my break even point :-) I did have 22 ski days one season so I was happy!
Oh I should also warn you that if you ever ski overseas you'll look at Aussie snow differently......
Chris
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thanks - kids will be 14 & 10 next year - so this Ski School idea sounds good. NSW looks to be the preferred spot going from your suggestions. And sounds like we camp on the way down and back and bunker in cabins when we're there :) Good info - keep it coming as I'm sure there are plenty of others looking to do this type of trip.
My take on skiing is it's fun until you fall over and the ski doesn't come off the boot - then you have your leg wrapped around the back of your head and wondering how pain can be so cruel :)
In saying that I'm keep to give it a go and maybe snowboarding - how much different to surfing can it be hey....
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Spent 15 years skiing, then spent a season managing a lodge at Hotham, and took up boarding. Much more user friendly on the knees, but be careful of broken thumbs and wrists. Got sick of sitting on my bum all the time so went back to skiing.
When hiring skis just make sure they adjust your bindings correctly dependant on your weight and ability. If set correctly they are supposed (???? hopefully) to release to prevent serious injury in case of a fall.
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There is a caravan park in Jindabyne, and that puts you close tio the ski tube. If you stay at the caravan park, take a large oil heater with you and just leave it on (on van park power of course) and that'll keep things toasty warm.
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We head down to Jindy several times a year for the kids to enjoy playing in the snow.
Accomodation - We camp in our soft floor Trackabout at the Discovery Caravan Park, Jindabyne. We have camped on unpowered sites mid July, encountered snow flurries and enjoyed temps as low as minus 4 inside the camper. We are well prepared for this type of camping with inverters and leccy blankets. This is not for everyone. Even using powered sites you will be cold camping under canvas. Our experimenting with oil heaters been under welming in very cold conditions. There is just to much heat loss through the canvas. Electric blankets and a blow heater with a thermastat gives a moderate level of comfort! Be aware there is a fair chance you will be packing up with wet canvas.
Which Ski Field - Easy choice if you have kids and want snow play, Perisher. It has a generious snow play area and the snow tubes are enjoyed by big kids aswell. In my opinion Thredbo's play area is just to small and limitted. Either way two or three days will sort you out. I'd choose September over June, far more chance of natural snow. Outside of the school holidays the resorts don't focus much effort on snow making outside the established runs.
Just my 2 cents,
Cheers,
Disco teddy.