Yes, it’s still snowing

At the beginning of August, the snow depth across Australian resorts was dismal. The snow depth measure at Snowy Hydro’s Spencer Creek 6 km from Perisher) measured a low 35.9cm. Now at 31 August, it measures a staggering 192.5cm. And, to repeat, it’s still snowing.

It’s a great turnaround to the season and a terrific boost for the industry in Australia. And spring skiing during September is looking good too. If the trend continues, they’ll be great snow and lots of Spring Skiing specials from all the resorts that start on 5 September. Many resorts are planning to stay open until the October long weekend – Monday 4 October.

Super spring ski deals in Australia

Spring ski deals at New South Wales ski resorts

Spring ski deals at Victorian ski resorts

Super Spring Special at Falls Creek

Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest alpine resort. The resort offers excellent ski-in/ski-out accommodation, terrian for all skiing levels and entertainment both day and night.

Four nights in a hotel room at Falls Creek Package from $250* per night

Includes:

• Breakfast and four course dinner daily
• Five-day lift pass
• Five group lessons per adult
• Five-day snowsports school per child
• Five-day ski or board rental

This spring ski package is valid from 12 September until season’s close.

See more details about this Falls Creek spring ski package.

Family Spring Skiing at Mount Buller

Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Mt Buller is one of Victoria’s most accessible ski resorts making it perfect for a weekend away or a mid-week getaway

September spring skiing from $806* per adult and $360* per child

Package includes:

• 3 nights midweek accommodation
• 3 day Buller Kids program
• 3 day Discover skiing program per adult
• 3 day ski or board hire
• Full buffet breakfast daily

Find out about more spring skiing packages at Mt Buller

Spring skiing at Hotham

Hotham has some of Australia’s most challenging terrain with 320 hectares of ski area and 80 downhill runs. Cross-country skiing is also big on the Hotham agenda. Many packages to suit every budget. Here’s one!

Ski-in/ski-out spring skiing with prices from just $817* per adult and $628* per child

Package includes:

• 5 nights accommodation in a two bedroom White Crystal apartment
• 5 day all-mountain lift pass and equipment hire
• 5 adult group lessons or 5 half days at Kids Snowzone

*Price is per person based on 8-person share accommodation and is valid from 29 August until the close of 2010 season close.

Read about more spring ski deals at Mt Hotham

All packages above are subject to availability. Terms and conditions may apply.

Ski Persisher on the cheap

Ski or snowboard on a budget this spring. Stay at The Station Resort in a room that sleeps up to 6 of your mates.

Rates start from as little as $130 per night.

For more deals like this visit the Perisher website.

Short on-snow break at Thredbo for beginners in September

Stay for two nights at the Thredbo Alpine Apartments and learn to ski in Thredbo from 5 September.

Prices start from $609 per person.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 2 nights accommodation in a one bedroom apartment
• 3 day Thredbo First Timer Lift Pass
• 3 x 2 Hour Group Lessons
• 3 day Recreational ski, stocks & boots or snowboard & boots hire

Check out the Thredbo website for more spring skiing deals.

Skiers weekend in Thredbo

From $408 per person

Spring ski package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in a double or twin room
• 2 breakfasts
• 1 x 3 course dinner
• 2 day Thredbo lift pass

Midweek @ $408 per person; $488 per person weekends

More information at the Thredbo website.

Charlotte Pass 5 Day Midweek Package

Adults from $1099

Includes:

• 5 nights on-snow accommodation
• 5 breakfasts
• 6 day lift pass
• 5 x 1.5 hr lessons
• 6 day equipment hire
• Oversnow transport
• Free Kids Club

This package available from 12 September. More information on the Charlotte Pass website

All packages above are subject to availability. Terms and conditions may apply.

When the snow is good in Australia, it's great amongst the snow gums

Predictions of a great ski season for 2010 are not living up to expectations. Thankfully the weather has been cold enough for many resorts to keep the snow guns pumping out the white stuff. For resorts such as Charlotte’s Pass with limited snow making ability, so far it’s been a less than ideal start to the season.

The 5cm to 15 cm of natural stuff that has fallen in Alpine regions overnight (15 July 2010) is hardly going to create a great base. Reports indicate that Mt Buller and Falls Creek both received 5cm, Mt Hotham 6cm and Mt Baw Baw 15cm. Snow making continues.

Skiers and boarders alike are praying to the Ski Gods for some heavy snow falls to give all the resorts a boost.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman (Sea), in New Zealand, it’s the opposite story. The Kiwis are claiming record snow falls this 2010 season.

Resorts Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Whakapapa have received up to 52cm of fresh snow. Mt Mt Hutt is claiming they have a one-metre snow base –  significantly more than any resort in Australia.

With school holidays in full swing, the Australian resorts are expecting more snow falls over the next week – they don’t need a snow fall, they need a great big dump so let’s hope one is on the way.

Check out some resorts in Australia

Falls Creek

Mt Buller

Perisher Blue

Thredbo

Check out some resorts in New Zealand

Cardrona

Mt Hutt

The Remarkables

Wide open runs at Portillo in Chile, South America

South America’s The Andes Mountain range in South America hosts some great ski resorts in Chile and Argentina. Four ski regions in South America are:

• Portillo in Chile
• Valle Nevado in Chile
• Las Lenas in Argentina
• Bariloche in Argentina

Valle Nevado is a part of the most extensive ski and snowboarding area in South America catering for all levels of skiers. La Parva and El Colorado ski resorts are also a part of this area.

Just outside of Bariloche in Argentina’s Patagonia region, Cerro Catedral is the largest ski resort in South America with more than 5000 acres of skiable terrain. Situated just outside the town of Baricoche in the Patagonia region of Argentina, Cerro Catedral is a popular ski destination.

Grey skies can mean whiteout at Valle Nevado in

If you are looking for steep runs, chutes, deep powder or some long intermediate cruising runs, you can’t go past Las Lenas in Argentina.

Is it true that most ski fields in South America are above the tree line? It’s difficult to find one image of a ski resort in South America that shows trees of any sort. To this ski bunny, that spells the dreaded two words, ‘white out’.

The ski season in South America starts in mid June and goes through to October. The peak time for the best conditions are in July and August.

Stay tuned for more about skiing in South America.

In the meantime, check out Cerro Catedral.

Blue skies over Las Lenas ski resort in Argentina, South America

A snow covered Thredbo Village in the Australian Alps

So far the natural white stuff has not been falling from the skies this season as much as Australian skiers would like. However, many resorts have been making their own snow so much so that, on the opening weekend in Falls Creek, there was enough snow on Main Street and Wombats Ramble (two of the runs) to keep skiers and snowboarders happy.

Reports from the ski fields show that the weather has been warm over recent weeks meaning snow showers sprinkled with rain has been falling. The good news is that the temperatures are dropping this weekend and snow is expected.

The indicator of whether it is going to snow on the Australian ski fields that this skier has used for the past umpteen years is the weather in Adelaide. Rain and under 15 degrees centigrade in Adelaide means snow in the Australian Alps.

Making snow, however, means a more reliable ski season so as long as the temperatures in the ski fields themselves remain low, there’s no reason why skiers and boarders won’t have lots of white stuff to play around on this season.

First tracks every run for adventurous heliskiers: image courtesy of Methven Heliski

The five great reasons? Mt Cook, Arrowsmith Mountains, Mt Aspiring, Harris Mountains, the Tasman Glacier

The heliskiing season opens on 1 July 2010. To fully appreciate heliskiing, you will need to be a strong intermediate skier or snowboarder or better and preferably have lots of experience off piste and in deep powder. Here’s a couple of heliskiing options in New Zealand this season.

Wildereness Heliski

Wilderness Heliski is a company that, according to its own website, has sole access to helishiiing and heliboarding in the Mt Cook World Heritage area in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Prices start from $875 per person during the low season periods for five runs and lunch.

Methven Heliskiing

Ski pristine snow in the Arrowsmith Mountains. Five runs and lunch will set you back NZ$925 per person. Additional runs will cost NZ$125 per person.

NZ Adventure Specialists

You can heliski or heliboard over several mountains through NZ Adventure Specialists: from Queenstown, the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Harris Mountains (also from Wanaka), and from Christchurch, Mt Cook and Methven.

Mt Aspring National Park heliskiing will cost you NZ$1035 but you get 8 runs for this price. Ski the Clarke Glacier here which is said to have good dry powder snow.

Harris Mountains trip is the most economical at NZ$675 (2009 prices).

At Mt Cook, NZ Heliskiing can explore Liebig and Maite Brun ranges. Five ski runs and lunch costs NZ$925.

You can also book a heliskiing and heliboarding experience on the Tasman Glacier from $825 per person. You’ll only get two runs but they are each 8 to 10 kilometres long. And lunch is included too.

And if you want the snow all to yourself, private heliskiing charters are available on request.

Mountain views from Queenstown in New Zealand's South Islan

Surrounded by majestic mountains and situated on Lake Wakatipu on the South Island, Queenstown is considered New Zealand’s premier alpine resort.

It’s a very pretty ski village that services six different ski fields. Whether a family holiday or for the young ones who love to party, Queenstown really does it all.

Getting to Queenstown

Flights to Queenstown are direct from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in New Zealand. In addition, there are fifteen direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia.

Where to stay in Queenstown

There’s a plethora of accommodation options in Queenstown catering for every budget and accommodation style: from hotels, to B&Bs, apartments and backpackers.

So whether you want to pay NZ$25 a night or NZ $2,600 for a more luxurious night, you can.

For luxury upmarket, the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa has deluxe décor, fine dining and in-suite spa baths to soothe tired muscles after a day’s skiing or snowboarding.

The Rees Hotel on Lake Wakatipu also has high-end, luxurious apartments in a breathtaking lakeside setting. Try the locally sourced lavender bath products, endulge is some local produce and wines in the hotel’s restaurant.

Eating out in Queenstown

Pier 19

This is a casual eatery with prices to match in a setting with great wharfside views. Worth the visit.

Botswana Butchery

This reataurant offers the unique experience of ‘build your own plate’ of local beef, lamb or game. Bring a big apetite with you if you choose the Hereford ‘I could be awhile’ whole rib.

Queenstown caters for skiers and snowboarders

Six amazing snow areas cater for every level of skier or snowboarder. There are dedicated areas for beginners while the more advanced can ski the steep slopes and chutes. The very adventurous can even find private powder runs with heliskiing.

Hire equipment in Queenstown at places like Browns Ski Shop who claim that skiing is their passion and snowboarding is too!

Read more about skiing in New Zealand right here at Ski The World.
Cardrona
Mt Hutt
The Remarkables

Visit the New Zealand travel website pages about Queenstown.

Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains

The town of Jindabyne is a great place to kick start your ski or snowboarding holiday this winter. Only 30 minutes drive from Thredbo and Perisher Blue ski resorts, it’s not difficult to be on the first lift for the day at either resort.

For those on a budget, Jindabyne is a great alternative to staying on snow

Staying at Jindabyne

There’s plenty of accommodation options in Jindabyne and it’s generally much easier on the pocket than staying on snow. You still get the winter buzz with more facilities and cheaper prices. Apartment style accommodation is very affordable for two or more people. The larger the group, generally the less it costs per person. Here’s just a couple of accommodation options in Jindabyne.

The Station

The Station Hotel in Jindabyne offers budget accommodation from $82.00 per night. Ski and snowboard hire is available. See The Station website.

Discovery Holiday Park

This resort makes an ideal base for your winter holiday. Situated on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, the resort has spacious heated accommodtion and log fires to warm you after a day on the slopes. 2010 prices start at $217 per night. Read more about Discovery Holiday Park resort.

Snowy Wilderness resort

For something a little different, try the Snowy Wilderness resort which offers plenty of winter activities beyond the ski fields. There are four accommodation options from the adventurous camping out under the stars to a luxurious homestead. If you want a day off from skiing, try horse riding, 4WDriving, bike riding or brumby watching on this 7200 hectare property. Visit the Snowy Wilderness website.

Lake Crackenback Resort

Fifteen minutes out of Jindabyne on the road to the snow, Lake Crackenback Resort gets you that much closer to the mountains of fun at Thredbo and Perisher Blue.

The rising mist over the lake in the morning is something to see. With fine dining, (often included in ski packages), this resort is a great option when staying off-snow. Visit the Lake Crackenback website.

Eating out at Jindabyne

Choice is the name of the game. From pub food at the Station Hotel to cafes for a quick pie and coffee, Jindabyne has it all.

The Sundance Bakehouse & Tea Rooms Shop at 13 Nugget’s Crossing is a must stop shop for a pastry on your way to the snow. There are plenty of restaurants that serve up dishes from around the world: Indian, Italian, Thai, Latin American and much more.

Read more about restaurants and cafes in Jindabyne.

Getting to Jindabyne

Jindabyne is about a five and a half hour drive from Sydney, a bit over six hours from Melbourne. Canberra is about two hours from Jindabyne so driving is an option.

The big news this year is that Aeropelican have daily flights direct from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains (Cooma) from $129 each way with shuttle buses taking passengers the rest of the way to Jindabyne and the snow fields.

Getting to the snow from Jindabyne

You can drive and park in the day parking areas. At Perisher Blue, if you get there early, it’s a short walk to the main ski terminal. Parking is free but access to the National Park is $27 per car per day. Annual passes are $190.

You can drive to the ski tube. Coming back at the end of the day you’ll be hard pressed to get a seat but doing the sky train is quite an experience despite this downside.

Bus services run between Jindabyne and Thredbo and Perisher Blue daily. Snowlink provides a snow shuttle/charter service to and from the snowfields. For bookings call 1800 45 15 75 or visit the snowlink website

Snow Alliance also has a daily sheduled bus service between Jindabyne and Perisher. Freecall: 1800 280 121 or visit the snow alliance website.

This is a good website for more information about Jindabyne.

Some easy blue runs used by ski schools to teach skiers and boarders

Here’s something innovative from Falls Creek Ski Resort in Victoria, Australia – children five years and under ski or board free when accompanied by an adult. But wait, there’s more!

Free accommodation for some children and big discounts for others when staying at Falls Creek

Astra, Alpha, Viking, Ripparoo, Lakeside & Schuss Ski Club don’t charge kids under two years old for accommodation.

Falls Creek Hotel does not charge for kids four years of age and under for accommodation and meals. Five to 14 year olds are charged 50 per cent the adult tariff when sharing with two adults at the family-owned and operated hotel.

Trackers, another Falls Creek lodge provides special meal times for its young guests and children up to 14 are eligible for a 40 per cent discount (when sharing a room with two adults).

Attunga Lodge also offers the 40 per cent discount to children who are up to 14 years of age when sharing a room with two adults.

Feathertop Alpine Lodge is another lodge that has a five years and under free rate for accommodation and 30 per cent off its adult rate for children aged between 6 to 14.

At family-friendly Diana Lodge, children between three and five are charged $50 a night – this includes breakfast and dinner.

Cooroona Alpine Lodge has a different Kids Special – they stay half price between 16 and 31 July when sharing with two adults – the half price includes meals.

What’s special for kids at Falls Creek?

Let’s start with the purpose-built, theme-park for children aged three to five.

Older kids, aged from 6 to 14 years can participate in the Milo Junior Programs which are focus on improving a child’s skiing or boarding capability.

How much does it cost for kids to learn to ski at Falls Creek?

Three to five year olds: $101 for a half day or $132 for a full day – price includes lunch and ski lift ticket.

Six to 14 year olds: $47 a day for a Falls Creek Beginner’s ticket which includes a two-hour class lesson

Six to 14 year olds: $62 per day for a Learn to Ski or Board Pass includes access to a limited number of ski lifts and two-hour group lesson.

For more information contact Falls Creek Ski Lifts 03 5758 1000 or Falls Creek Reservations Centre 1800 45 35 25

Ski The World special thanks to Ian Talbot for press release about these deals at Falls Creek for the 2010 ski season.

Ski Falls Creek