Family Holiday in a Winter Wonderland
YOU DON’T NEED TO LEAVE THE STATE TO EXPERIENCE AN AMAZING VACATION THIS WINTER. GRAB YOUR WARM CLOTHES, A HOT DRINK AND YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL TO THE PICTURESQUE VICTORIAN SNOWFIELDS AND MAKE SOME MAGICAL MEMORIES.
When the days get shorter and the temperature drops, many Victorians pack their bags and jet-set to a warmer destination to escape the winter blues. But Winter can be amazing, and there’s no need to board a plane and leave the state to have a great family holiday.
With world-class snowfields right at our backdoor, and a growing need to support our Victorian businesses after a rough two years, a trip to the snow is the perfect way to experience leisure, adventure, and everything in betweenall whilst helping the state’s economy. There are several destinations to choose from, so Casey and Cardinia residents can opt for a quick day adventure or go on a scenic road-trip with an overnight stay. Mount Donna Buang near Warburton or Lake Mountain near Marysville are the closest options for Casey and Cardinia residents, whilst the popular ski destination of Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham are the furthest, with a 388km drive from Melbourne.
Mount Baw Baw, Mount Buller, and Falls Creek are also favourite spots amongst snow-lovers, and each location is rich in breath-taking natural beauty.
But if the thought of sub-zero temperatures and bulky layers of outerwear make your lips quiver and your body shiver, don’t stress. There really is something for everyone at the snow, depending on which location you travel to.
Whilst many head to the snow to toboggan with the kids or to experience the adrenaline rush of skiing and snowboarding; others who prefer to keep warm and cosy might choose to relax with a massage at a day spa (Falls Creek and Dinner Plain) or cosy up next to the fireplace in the accommodation and enjoy a good book and a glass of red.
And whilst being at the snow feels incredibly dreamy, packing lightly is wishful thinking. Preparation is key to being comfortable and truly enjoying your experience, as forgetting necessary items only leaves you cold, wet, hungry, or sick! Pre-booking hire equipment, ski lessons, spa treatments, transports and restaurants are also a must to avoid disappointment.
WHAT TO PACK
WARM CLOTHING
You can save money by purchasing these items at second-hand shops or on social media marketplaces. Many retail stores also hire out winter clothing such as boots.
- Full body thermals
- Proper ski-pants to avoid getting wet
- Snow jacket
- Beanie, warm scarf, thick knee-high socks (pack extra of all three as they
- tend to get quite wet)
- Gloves/mitts
- Goggles
- Snow boots. There’s nothing worse than wearing inappropriate shoes
- to the show and getting wet and cold feet!
- Wrist guards, helmet, and any other protective equipment you might
- need while navigating the slopes!
- Skis, poles, snowboards, snowshoes, toboggans (You can hire these at most destinations).
FOOD AND DRINKS
Many destinations have cafes and kiosks, but it’s always a good idea to pack extra’s for the hill such as sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, cold water and a thermos of hot water and packets of hot chocolate or coffee warm treat. If you are staying somewhere overnight, pre-cooked casseroles such as lasagne or meatloaf are a great option to pop in an oven or microwave. Fruit and nuts are great to keep the energy up after long days on the hill. And don’t forget that bottle of red!
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EXTRAS
- Chains. You can hire chains from many shops in the alpine regions. They are a necessity to put on your car tyres in snowy conditions to avoid slipping and sliding over the roads.
- HotHands Hand Warmers to pop inside gloves or socks. They heat up when opened and feel like sunshine against your skin.
- Puzzles, books and boardgames and playing cards are great to have for overnight trips with family and friends.
- Snow toys such as a bucket, spade, and other items you would also use to play at the beach; or items to make a snowman (carrot, buttons, scarf)!
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Don’t forget to bring an open-mind and patience! If you are trying skiing or snowboarding for the first-time, it’s important to have patience! Nothing is learned overnight, and it does take time and practice to perfect, but once you can stay up on your own two feet, you will have the time of your life gliding amongst the powder in a glowing-white paradise.
