Sumptuous Snowy Mountains accommodation for a winter wonderland break

If you’ve ever dreamt of snowy mountains accommodation where you can ski right up to your hotel’s door, check out the Perisher Valley Hotel. You can swish and swoop from the slopes straight into the lodge (think fireplaces and mountain-view windows) with the coveted ski-in, ski-out experience.

Enter your cosily carpeted family suite to find home comforts in every room, including a well-stocked minibar and a personally-controlled heating system. When you want some entertainment without a chairlift, you can send the kids to burn off extra energy in the games room while you take some time for yourself in the on-site spa and sauna. There’s also an in-house masseuse to sort out any slope-related niggles.

At any time of day, herd the brood out of the snow and into the signature on-site restaurant and bar, Snow Gums. Bring a deck of cards with you for a game of Go Fish next to the crackling fire while you wait for your dinner of pan-seared wild barramundi to arrive. We recommend chasing your main with sticky date pudding before turning in for a solid night’s sleep in preparation for your next session on the slopes.

Boutique bed and breakfast Pure Chalet will tempt families seeking a slightly more upscale ski break. Nestled in the heart of Thredbo, this north-facing gem offers spacious rooms with eye-popping mountain views and ensuite bathrooms with tootsie-warming underfloor heating.

Start your day off right with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, a true feast of fresh fruits, cold meats, homemade breads or a gut-busting breakfast wrap (a winter special). Then take on the easy 10-minute stroll to Kosciuszko Express Chairlift where you’ll get direct access to the slopes for a fun-fuelled adventure.

The chalet conveniently has its own snow boot dryer, along with a roomy drying foyer for dropping your snow-heavy equipment after an energetic day. You’ll be eager to retire to your room and crawl under king-sized sheets for a quick (or not-so-quick) siesta, after which you can take advantage of the hotel’s eat-in option. Chef-prepared meals can be purchased, re-heated and enjoyed in the comfort of the chalet’s lounge or dining room.

If you crave a home-away-from-home when holidaying, then Alpine Gables is going to please. This super convenient resort offers fully equipped apartment-style accommodation right in the heart of snow-capped Jindabyne. Whisk the whole clan away to a Family Loft and entice the young ones out of bed each morning with a hot, fresh breakfast prepared in your sleek kitchenette.

You can spend long days exploring the mystical mountains or tackling the sparkling slopes of nearby Thredbo and Perisher Valley. Thaw out on your return in your warm, cheery room, then set up the troops with free Wi-Fi and Foxtel so you can slip out to the steamy bliss of the hotel’s sauna.

There might even be time for a warming Kraken mule cocktail at the on-site bar and bistro, The Brumby Bar, before you’re joined by the brood for a hearty feast of melty four-cheese bread and spiced rum barbecue pork ribs. When the kids are finally dozing and the night is creeping close, curl up under blankets on your private balcony and finish off the evening with a sip of something strong.

Australian or Swiss Alps? You’ll be asking yourself this question at the rustic and warm Candlelight Lodge, where cosy wood-panelled rooms overlook magnificent mountain runs. There’s everything you’ll need here for a wild time whizzing through the snow-covered landscape, including a handy drying room for any soaked ski apparel and an open fireplace to snuggle around after a chilly day in the elements.

If the weather outside is frightful, hunker down in the well-stocked Schnapps bar while the kids take each other on at table tennis. Evening meals will be taken care of in the à la carte restaurant, where warming dishes like braised lamb shoulder will serve as your guard against winter chills. For a kid-pleasing (and let’s be honest, also parent-pleasing) option, dole out pillowy marshmallows to plunge into gloopy chocolate fondue. Then when the kids have succumbed to an early night’s sleep, you can visit the in-house masseuse for some muscle-mending relaxation.

Experience Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, with a stay at the Rydges Thredbo Alpine Hotel. Located in the heart of Thredbo village and directly at the base of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, the hotel is perfectly situated for skiing and snowboarding the country’s longest runs. The two-kilometre chairlift ride takes you to the closest access point to reaching Kosciuszko’s summit or the more adventurous can challenge themselves to reaching the peak from the village by way of snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Enjoy scenic rides on Merritts chairlift and see the ski slopes light up at night on the weekends when they hold lighted flare runs as well as fireworks displays. Thredbo Village’s entertainment doesn’t end when the sun goes down, as you’ll find energetic bars and restaurants laying down the latest beats under the winter stars.

Snuggle up by the fire pits or dive into the heated outdoor pool surrounded by snow drifts. Relaxation days can be spent in the spa or sauna and you can enjoy shopping for new snow gear in the village’s shops while seeking out a cafe for a warm cup of coffee. Visit the Thredbo Leisure Centre for heated indoor pools when the weather gets a bit too rough and play some indoor basketball, netball, squash, and table tennis while you’re there. Kids will enjoy the centre’s trampolines and climbing walls.

Those not wanting to decide between Thredbo and Perisher (both incredible Australian ski resorts), can choose to stay in the town of Jindabyne. Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains is conveniently located equidistant from the two prime ski locations, which can both be reached in less than a 30-minute drive.

Be rewarded at Rydges with uninterrupted views over Lake Jindabyne from the comfort of your self-contained apartment. Take advantage of a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a washing machine and dryer, to clean up after a day on the slopes.

Embers Fireside Grill is there for when you’d rather not cook, allowing you to taste local rainbow trout and sample beers including Kosciuszko Pale Ale and Mountain Goat Organic Steam Ale. Visit the award-winning Wildbrumby Distillery on the way to Thredbo’s ski slopes to taste incredible schnapps produced from pears, apples, and raspberries sourced from the Snowy Mountain region. Find relief from any sore muscles you may get skiing on the mountain by paying a visit to the hotel’s Wellness Massage Centre.

The legend of the Man from Snowy River comes alive out here, where you can enjoy your own guided horseback riding adventure in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, possibly passing wild brumbies in the countryside. Hope that your horse’s horseshoes bring you luck when it comes to taking on the runs at Perisher Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy over four dozen lifts with runs catered to all skill levels. You’ll also find an exciting snow-tubing park.