THREDBO

Where is it?
Thredbo is a buzzing alpine village nestled in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. It’s about a six-hour drive from both Sydney and Melbourne.

Kids will love
Thredbo offers a variety of age-specific programs for children aged from three. Thredboland ski classes for little ones, three to six years, will set them up for a life on the slopes and Thredbo Freeriders for older kids, seven to 14 years, allows skiers and snowboarders to consolidate their skills.

You’ll love
If you’re having a day off the slopes, you can get to know Thredbo a little better with a self-guided walk. You can take a history, art, memorial or environmental-themed walk and explore inner Thredbo. Free maps are available from the Thredbo Resort Centre.

Where to stay
For more information call the Thredbo Resort Centre on 1300 020 589 or visit  www.thredbo.com.au/stay and make sure you ask about the great value packages.

Budget Alternative
Budget conscious skiers can stay 35km away in Jindabyne. What it lacks in convenience it more than makes up for in cost saving, with a good range of accommodation and food available. When you’re ready to hit the slopes just hop on the underground Skitube and you’ll be there in minutes.

To go
For more details or to book your ski holiday, visit www.thredbo.com.au or  www.discoverjindabyne.com.

INSIDER’S TIP
Get a Thredbo Club Card! For only $46 the Thredbo Club offers members huge benefits all year long. You’ll get discount accommodation, movie tickets, kids’ ski school and save $13 a day on adult lift passes, plus a stack of deals in the village.

QUEENSTOWN

Where is it?
Situated on the South Island, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. The beauty of skiing in this town is that you can always count on excellent snow conditions.

Kids will love
The perfect time to experience Queenstown is for the annual Winterfestival. The kids will love the family fun day with clowns and music and the dog barking competition. And don’t miss the teddy bears’ picnic for the little ones.

You’ll love
The drag race puts the ‘queen’ in Queenstown. Pillars of the community frock up in their wives’ best and compete in an obstacle course. If you like your entertainment a little smoother, head up the Skyline Gondola for jazz. With stylings by New Zealand’s up-and-coming groovers, it’s a night to remember.

Where to stay
Offering views of Lake Wakatipu, Crowne Plaza Queenstown is the perfect family base – it’s within walking distance to everything. Visit www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz.

Budget Alternative
There’s a wide array of budget backpacker accommodation available from $18 per night.

To go
The American Express Queenstown Winterfestival runs from June 26 to July 5, 2009. For details, visit www.winterfestival.co.nz. For more information about Queenstown, visit www.queenstown-nz.co.nz. To fly with Air New Zealand, visit www.airnewzealand.com.au.

INSIDER’S TIP
Be sure to try the famous bungy jump while you’re there. You’re never too old to experience the thrills – the oldest person to bungy at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is 94.

SNOW SAVERS

• Avoid peak season. It’s cheaper and there’s often great snow to be had. Look for family packages and avoid school holidays.

• Go with friends. You can ski in groups according to your skill levels and it really helps keep the cost of accommodation and petrol down.

• Take a mid-week trip. They often offer much cheaper packages on accommodation and lift passes.

• Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Ski resorts have loads of special deals in different venues throughout the week; $10 steak and chips, free wine tastings and ladies’ nights with free champagne can all be found around resorts.