Before you know it, the fresh powder will be settling on the ski resorts of Australia and New Zealand. Here’s our guide to some of the best for families. 

HOTHAM

Where is it?
Regarded as the ‘powder capital of Australia,’ Hotham is situated in the Victorian Alps, approximately 360km north-east of Melbourne. It’s the highest resort in the country. There’s a huge range of slopes, making it perfect for beginners right through to extreme shredders!

Kids will love
Kids Snowzone runs classes for Mighty Mites aged three to six and Kids Klub for seven to 14-year-olds. With walk-on slopes that are extremely gentle for even the tiniest of tots, your child’s confidence is bound to soar.

The kids program at Hotham is hugely popular with parents, safe in the knowledge that their kids have free use of a helmet for the duration of their ski school program. Any child lift pass ticket of five or more days, commencing on a Monday, can now be collected from the ticket office from 1pm on the Sunday afternoon prior.

You’ll be able to ski all of Sunday afternoon for free! This fantastic arrangement will also apply to tickets that include rentals but not to lessons.

You’ll love
If you’re worried about aching muscles or want to forgo the slopes altogether, there’s a range of spa facilities on offer in Hotham for a massage or pampering session.

Where to stay
Offering sweeping views of the Victorian Alps, Zirky’s offers spacious ski in/ski out apartments that are both luxurious and convenient. With a fully equipped kitchen, your family has the option of saving money by eating in. Should you want to eat out, you don’t have to go far. Within the building is a restaurant, cafe and bar, plus specialist ski hire. From $1323 per adult or $1073 per child, peak season. (Based on eight sharing, and valid from June 26 to August 29. Check in on Sunday.)

The deal includes five nights’ accommodation, a five-day all-mountain lift pass and equipment hire, plus a free half day from 1pm, five adult group lessons or five half days at Kids Snowzone plus night skiing.

Budget alternative
If you’re on a tight budget, the Brush Ski Lodge is ideal. The spacious 40-bed lodge is located close to ski access areas and the free village bus and features open fires, TV/kids room and a home cinema with a large screen. Including a full continental breakfast, the Brush Ski Lodge is incredibly affordable from only $46 per adult per night.

To go
Getting to Hotham is easy, it has its own airport, giving you even more time on the slopes. QantasLink flies direct to Hotham from Sydney with easy connections from other cities. For bookings, call Qantas on 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com. If you drive, it’s four and a half hours from Melbourne and around nine from Sydney. For more details or to book, call 1800 468 426 or visit www.hotham.com.au.

INSIDER’S TIP
If you’re 65 or over, you can ski for half price, and your lessons and equipment hire are also half price. And if you’re over 70, you can ski for free!

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