I love going to the snow for a holiday – we usually stay at Jindabyne, and drive up to Thredbo and Perisher each day.
It might seem strange that I love going to the snow so much, as I can’t ski due to my dodgy knees (dislocated the right one three times, torn all the ligaments on the left once).
I mean, I *could* ski if I really wanted to, and did plenty of exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist to build up the muscles in my legs … but why risk it?
However, I digress. The fact is, if you’ve never bothered to go to the snow as you are not interested in skiing or snowboarding, you are missing out!
There is just so much to do at the snow – it makes a fantastic family holiday, even if none of you can ski!
What to Do at the Snow if You Can’t Ski
Get Rugged Up. Even if you are not skiing, you will need appropriate clothing – snow boots, waterproof pants and jacket, beanie, gloves. You can hire them, but here’s my best tip: head to the op shops in Jindabyne, Cooma or one of the other local towns. You can get kitted our for the snow, for just a fraction of the price. I think the only thing we actually hired was our snow boots. The pic below was taken on our first day, BEFORE we had all the appropriate gear, and the kids got soaked through!
Tobogganning or Snow Tubing. It’s the most awesome fun and a great workout! Best of all, it’s free if you BYO toboggan. Have a toboggan race with the kids! Who can get to the bottom fastest – and even more of a challenge – who will win on the way back up?!
Catch the Ski Train. View the countryside from the Alpine Railway.
Go swimming. Yes, seriously. We stayed in Jindabyne and took the kids to the heated indoor pool at one of the resorts, for a different type of fun, or head to the Thredbo Leisure Centre.
Take a scenic chairlift ride.
Make a snowman. Not as easy as it looks on TV, believe me!
Go on a snow picnic! We did – and found a sheltered spot behind some rocks. And at least you won’t have to worry about keeping your food and drinks cold …
Make snow angels. Lie flat on your back in the snow and wave your arms and legs about! Best results come from powdery fresh snow, not the icy stuff I’m lying on here 😉 .
Have a snowball fight!
Watch the fireworks. I know that Thredbo and Perisher both have regular fireworks nights, usually when night skiing is on.
Of course, the cold weather is also a great excuse to stay indoors with a roaring fire, toasting marshmallows, reading or watching movies, with a hot chocolate in hand …
I’m so glad we went on snow holidays even though I can’t ski – we have the BEST memories! Have you ever been on a snow holiday?!
So many great memories! Love the pics x
Can’t believe it was way back in 2008! Seems so long ago now doesn’t it PDB x
I’ve never been on a snow holiday but it looks like so much fun! I think I’ll have to take my son when he’s a bit older x
Denise, hubby and I would love to go again ourselves sometime, we are just big kids. Guaranteed your son will love it too!
I must admit I prefer the apres ski to the ski. Sitting inside with a hot toddy and watching all the nutters out in the freezing cold is my idea of fun 🙂
Not being able to ski, apres ski is definitely more my bag too!
I’m the least adventurous person in the world so if I went on holiday to the snow I’d be all about sitting by the fire and eating the marshmallows! Sounds perfect to me!
That’s pretty much what I think too Sam 😉