Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

lastminute lovely Sasha lends some advice on where to carve it up this chilly season.

There’s so much to love about winter. The sweetness of hot chocolate, the crackling fire place, not to mention winter wardrobe shopping. But there’s one thing that always leaves me wanting more every year… the snow!

The best thing about it? It’s in our very own backyard.

To help get you in the mood for a rugged up winter, we’ve compiled a list of MUST visit ski destinations that don’t involve a 20-something-hour flight to get to.

NSW
New South Wales is the ultimate winter playground for ski bunnies and snow angels alike. With world class ski resorts (and restaurants and cafes galore), you’ll just need to worry about what to pack!

I absolutely love Thredbo. Not only does it have Australia’s longest ski runs, but it also has shops and a nightclub (you can’t ski 24/7 after all). The nightlife is particularly buzzing during the peak season, just make sure you save enough energy after a day on the slopes.

Perisher, the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, is a winter wonderland. With a tube town, tobogganing, night skiing and live music at ‘The Station’ throughout the season, it’s high up on the bucket list. To make it even more appealing (yes, it’s possible), the resort opened a week early this year thanks to a huge dump of snow – sounds like a promising ski season to me!

To get to Perisher you can either go by road or by the Skitube – Australia’s only underground rack railway.

For accommodation off the slopes, Jindabyne is the place to be. It’s only a snowball throw away from all the action of Thredbo and Perisher, and it is absolutely beautiful. The area is a ski resort paradise, with heaps of cafes, shops and accommodation options to explore.

VIC
Victoria is another state in Australia blessed with skiable snow. Ski resorts are only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, so it makes the perfect place to escape for a wintry weekend getaway. Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham are some of the more popular ski resorts. I haven’t had the chance to hit up Falls Creek or Mouth Hotham yet, but if they’re anything like Mt Buller then get me on the next plane out!

I first visited Mt Buller for a family trip about 10 years ago and it was where I learnt to ski, not to mention the first time I saw snow. If you’re starting out for the first time, I highly recommend booking into a few lessons before shooting down the mountain.

My eager attitude made me learn the hard way – but how was I to know that getting the lift to the top of the mountain without knowing how to snow plough could end so badly? (To the lady I knocked out that day, if you’re reading this… I am EXTREMELY sorry).

NZ
New Zealand has SO much to offer as a holiday destination, but where it really shines is up the mountain. With the strong Aussie dollar, and flights to New Zealand as cheap as chups, now’s the perfect time to cross the ditch and hit the slopes in NZ.

One of my fave places to ski in NZ is Mt Hutt. It’s just over an hours’ drive from Christchurch and if you’re trying it out for the first time they have a ‘magic carpet’ lift for beginners. Luckily for me (and the entire Mt Hutt population), I had a little bit more experience before venturing down the mountains this time around.

The alpine air is so fresh, and there is accommodation nearby, making it extra easy to get up and go in the mornings.

The Remarkables are another must see ski destination. Located in Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, this drop-dead-gorgeous ski field is one you just HAVE to check it out. Complete with a snow tubing AND terrain park, the Remarkables are well worth a visit.

Queenstown is less than an hour away so you can commute daily up the mountain if that’s more your style. The impressive backdrop of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown makes this the perfect postcard snap shot, so make sure you pack your camera.

If you’re planning a trip to the snow this season, we’ve compiled the best ski deals just for you. Check them out here.