Family guide to snow season 2025: how to save money and keep clothes toasty

A love of the Australian ski season could be 'exxy' but finding accommodation with a kitchen, parking in nearby villages, becoming a member of an Alpine club and loading up with groceries before a trip could save families a small fortune.

Mum Sue Hopkin travels with her husband and two kids to Falls Creek each year to ski. Membership was a game-changer.

"That basically changed our whole perspective on coming to the snow.

"It's hard to get accommodation when you want it, at an affordable price," she said.

"So becoming members made life so much easier because we always had accommodation, even though it's hard to get into during the season, but as a result of that, we have become part of an amazing community at Falls Creek."

Ms Hopkin said there were some great restaurants, walking activities and fireworks every Thursday, which was always a thrill.

Meanwhile, Canadian-born Dru Dundon grew up with a love for skiing so she was determined to give her son Angus a similar experience.

"When you've grown up skiing, there's nothing better than introducing your children to the sport and seeing the smiles on their faces as they discover the thrill of skiing for themselves," she said.

In August 2022, she and her son, as well as another family, set off from Adelaide to Thredbo.

She admits it wasn't a cheap holiday, particularly as a single mother.

"There is a big outlay," she said.

"From fuel, accommodation, national park passes, lift passes and lessons to appropriate ski gear and clothing (that is only worn for one week a year and then they grow out of it!), the costs add up."

But it was worth it.

The two families stayed in a chalet in the Friday Flat area. During the week, the kids went to ski school.

"This meant they were learning from trained instructors in a fun, age-appropriate environment," she said.

"It also meant the adults could enjoy themselves without worrying about keeping everyone safe and teaching the right skiing techniques.

"I was jealous when, at the end of day 2, my son was already mastering small jumps and skiing backwards down the hill!"

Angus is already begging his mother to come back, and Ms Dundon is off to Japan this year.

"We plan to alternate cheaper holidays, such as camping, with snow trips," she said.

Selecting the right accommodation is important for a good snow experience, Ms Dundon said.

"At the end of a long day of skiing, being in walking distance to our accommodation was a god-send and meant we didn't have to worry about driving in the snow for the whole time we were there."

Parking was also limited at Thredbo, so staying in the nearby Friday Flat area meant they didn't have to find a park each day.

Food could be expensive, so she recommends choosing accommodation with a kitchen.

And do a grocery shop beforehand.

"There is a small grocery store in Thredbo Village for emergencies, but the range is limited, so you wouldn't want to do a full shop there," she said.

"We'd go back to the chalet at lunchtime and make toasted sandwiches for lunch, which saved money, and we avoided the lunchtime rush in the on-mountain restaurants.

"We did have lunch at Eagles Nest one day - Australia's highest restaurant, with great views of the mountain and good, hearty meals.

"It was very busy, so be prepared to wait for a seat."

Conditions are generally quite mild at Australian resorts, so you don't need layers and layers of clothing, she said.

"Merino wool thermals and a good water-proof jacket and pants should be enough to keep [kids] warm.

"Don't forget to put all of your gear in the warming cupboard each night, so it dries and is toasty warm for the morning," Ms Dundon said.