By Rama Gaind.
Turn picturesque into adventurous as you ski down the slopes in the Snowy Mountains.
One’s objective should be to build on travel memories, not just dreams, so, don’t listen to what people say. You just have to go and see for yourself. Just be patient.
It won’t be long now as lockdown restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic are eased further. Australia’s Coronavirus limitations are being relaxed under a three-step framework to reopen the nation’s economy.
Prospects for regional and interstate travel are more promising, although it has been made clear that any hopes of an overseas adventure should be shelved for “the foreseeable future”.
Until the green light is given, there’s no harm in indulging and letting our imagination take over as we look to the future and start planning. We need to. Many of us are pensively dreaming of our first opportunity to head out for a well-earned holiday. After being stuck at home for several weeks — with the likelihood of more to come — the road back to domestic travel becomes a little clearer.
Discover. Explore. Dream. In fact, the time is right to return back to the future!
Reminisce … and why not warm your heart as winter approaches next month. Think about the wonderful times you’ve spent on previous getaways to the Snowy Mountains, Australia’s only true alpine wilderness, a must-visit destination for all ages. Early indications are promising. Blizzard conditions blasted Perisher with heavy snowfalls, strong winds and freezing temperatures last week.
Children have fun in the Snowy Mountains.
Winter has certainly arrived early. It was thrilling to see significant snowfalls so early. You’d better believe it … blizzards in May!
The snow resorts are located in the Kosciuszko National Park, home to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. The Australian Alps are amongst some of the oldest snow-covered alpine landscapes in the world and the twisted snow gums that feature during winter are spectacular.
Top reflections
There are four unique ski resorts: Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selywn Snow where you can stay on-snow or choose to set up base at any number of nearby local towns in the region. Whether you’re a family of beginners, expert shredders or somewhere in the middle, there’s an alpine resort to suit all your skiing and snowboarding needs.
Those aren’t the only ways you can spend your snow holiday as there are plenty of winter activities you can participate in. Snow-tubing, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, scenic chairlift rides, terrain parks, a snow-ball fight with mates perhaps, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty that is unique to the Snowy Mountains.
The region also offers plenty of things to do off-piste like mountain biking and bushwalking. The area is also famous for award-winning cold-climate wines and there are several cosy wine bars and cellar doors featuring offerings from local vineyards, as well as Australia’s ‘highest’ schnapps distillery. The Snowy Mountains region also has a bevy of fine dining options and farm-gates for a great culinary experience.
Stay at the award-winning Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.
I also have wonderful recollections of my stay at the Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in the Snowy Mountains. While the resort is unable to accept any holiday bookings due to current enforced travel restrictions, I can’t help but look forward with optimism to my return soon.
Only a two-hour drive from Canberra, it’s conveniently positioned just
15 minutes from the snowfields of both Thredbo and Perisher. Heavy snowfalls have set the right chill factor for when guests arrive to partake of in-house hospitality. Winter can be an unpredictable time, so turn it to your advantage even though the temperatures are plunging … because the backdrop is picturesque in the Snowy Mountains!
How memorable were those spectacular series of world-class winter regional dinners and romantic getaways. It is not the time for a traditional white Christmas, but the opportunity is ripe to utilise some idyllic winter pursuits like skiing, ice skating, getting to build a snowman, having a snowball fight or just curling up by a roaring fire to read a great book.
Then there were the indulgence wellness packages; so relaxing!
Prime location
The myriad of activities on offer is unbelievable. Relax by the lake and absorb the scenery or experience the huge selection of activities available at the resort and the surrounds.
Heavy snowfalls have set the right chill factor in the snowfields at Thredbo.
It is the perfect base to explore all facets of the Snowy Mountains from snow sports in the winter months to the many summer activities available including river sledding tours, walking to Australia’s highest peak and trout fishing.
Whichever one you decide to take, there’s no doubt your time in the snow will be memorable as you also take advantage of the resort’s free activities including archery, tennis, nine-hole golf course, trampolines, canoeing, bocce, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium, fitness track and travelling along 25km of mountain bike and walking trails.
Located on the border of the Kosciuszko National Park, the Lake Crackenback resort is a natural playground nestled in the Thredbo Valley surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountain ranges. Thredbo is 15 minutes along the Alpine Way from the resort and requires entering the park. Perisher is accessed via the skitube that is 800 metres from the resort.
Every once in a while you have to get away from urban pressures, unwind and indulge in surrounds that create pictographic memoirs … in your very own winter wonderland.
Take Elsa’s advice from Frozen — and don’t let the cold bother you in any way. After all, ‘snow is … a beautiful reminder of life and all its quirks’!
DETAILS BOX
Check each alpine resort’s websites, including Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, for when accommodation package options become available.
