For those that have grown up skiing or snowboarding down Perisher or Thedbo’s mountains since they were in Milo lessons, gathering your crew and heading down to the slopes is a great week away. But for those who find the idea of skiing exhausting or maybe find their abilities to be far less advanced (or non-existent), the situation is a little more complicated. You want to enjoy a week away with your mates but does that mean you teach yourself how to ski in a day and straggle behind the rest of the crew, or do you sit at the accommodation waiting for everyone to return?
The truth is, there are lots of things to do at the snow whether you’re up for giving skiing a go or not. Here are some exciting things you and your little group of non-skiers can do during the day that’ll make the skiers and snowboarders wish they’d spend the day with you instead.
Firstly, try and stay in Jindabyne
Jindabyne is a beautiful town right in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. Filled with great shops, cafes and restaurants. If you’re going to the snow chances are you’re visiting Jindy at some point in the trip.
Staying in the resorts at either Perisher or Thredbo is much more convenient for those taking to the slopes because you can ski almost to and from your doorstep. But if you’re travelling with a few non-skiers, you’ll want to try to stay in Jindabyne.
While the skiers in the group will have to commute to and from the mountain each day, it does make it easier for the non-skiers to make the most of the beautiful towns, walks and countryside. Things which you can all enjoy together as a group in the evenings as well. The benefits of staying in Jindabyne is that it’s often much cheaper than staying on the slopes, plus you have more options for food and drinks in the town, compared to the limited, more expensive options of the resorts. Check out the accommodation options on Booking.com to find a place that suits everyone’s needs.
You’re going to need a car
Public transport is sparse to say the least when it comes to the Snowy Mountain region. Having your own vehicle is definitely something you’ll want to have when it comes to making the most of your days exploring. Obviously this can become a tricky coordination problem when it comes to getting people both to the slopes and out and about.
However you manage to organise things, you’re going to want to make sure the vehicle you’re driving is ready for the snowy conditions. It’s worth considering getting a service before you go to make sure everything is working properly (particularly your heating).
If you’ve got an older car you might need to add a special coolant to your radiator to protect against freezing. It’s also probably a good idea to get a set of snow chains for your tyres whether you have a 4WD or not. Pop into your local Repco and they’ll be able to provide you with everything you need plus you’ll get cashback on any in-store purchase as long as your card is linked to your Cashrewards account and you activate the offer.
If you’re looking to skip the fuss, hiring a car is something that you should consider. Rentalcars.com, Europcar, Avis and Budget all have great deals and will make sure your vehicle is ready for the alpine conditions. Book early with Cashrewards you’ll be able to secure your vehicle early and get a percentage of your purchase back in cash!
Make the most of the Kosciuszko National Park
Now that you’ve got your accommodation and transport sorted it’s time to make the most of the incredible Snowy Mountain region. First on the list is the Kosciuszko National Park. Home to dozens of trails, walks and vistas, this place is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy the mountain with a pair of boots instead of a pair of skis.
If you’re looking for an easy bushwalk and maybe even a bit of birdwatching, The Waterfall walking track is your best option. Just a 6km walk that takes between 1.5 - 2.5 hours, this track is conveniently close to Jindabyne. Great for most weather conditions, we’d still recommend you pack a light hiking jacket or puffer jacket to be sure!
Starting the walk at the Kosciuszko Education Centre, you’ll be blown away by the rugged beauty, tall eucalypt forest and outcrops of hefty granite boulders. For more information and trails, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Day trip to Cooma
The self proclaimed capital of the Snowy Mountains, Cooma is a town that’s set amongst the rolling plains, legendary rivers and snow-capped peaks. Hometown to the start of the gold rush and one of the first Australian railways, the town has a rich history dating back to early 1827.
There is lots to see and do in Cooma. If you’re interested in learning more about the historic Snowy Mountains Scheme, then a trip to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre should be at the top of your list. Or perhaps you’d like to visit the NSW Corrective Services Museum, where you can walk through Australia’s long history of gaols and listen to the incredible first-hand stories from tour guides who were also former minimum security inmates.
Finally, grab a coffee and make your way up to the Mount Gladstone Lookout and you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous view of the surrounding areas.
Get your adventure on
If you’re jealous of the adrenaline rush your friends are getting as they glide face first down a mountain, there are plenty of ways you can get your fix of adventure while you're on your non-ski trip.
Redballoon offers a scenic helicopter flight around Lake Jindabyne and surrounds with epic views of the Jindabyne Dam Wall, township and lakeside suburbs. You’ll also get access to a perspective of the Snowy Mountains that’s hard to see from anywhere else.
Or if you’re up for adventure where you're in more control, jump on an all-terrain Segway and tour the beautiful alpine lake. The tour takes you through the 150 acre resort at Crackenback and it’s so much fun.
Recreate “The Man from Snowy River” tale with a horseback ride through the mountains. Groupon has an incredible experience that includes a saddlebag lunch on the trail, riding close to the beautiful brumbies, stunning snowy mountains views, scenic creeks, and mountain wilderness.
Relax and Unwind
For those looking to kick back, relax and stay warm, here are some of the options you can fill your days with while the others (let’s be honest) are probably cold, sore and exhausted.
Treat yourself to a two hour Snowy Mountains spa package. You’ll be treated to a private bath before a 90 minute hot stone massage. Feel the tension melt away as you lie back and relax under the warmth of the hot stones. If that isn’t a good enough reason to indulge in this experience, book with Redballoon and Cashrewards and you’ll earn cashback. How relaxing!
Known for some of the best gin and beer in the country, nothing says relaxing like distillery or brewery tastings. If you’re into craft beers, Jindabyne Brewing is where you should head to first. They have a huge selection of beers on tap, you won’t know where to begin! With a beautiful view of Lake Jindabyne and close proximity to the snowfields, it’s a great place to catch up with the rest of the gang after a day on the slopes.
But if you’re more into your spirits, you really have to make the time to visit Wildbrumby Distillery. They use pristine alpine water, organically grown fruit and native mountain botanicals to create a stable of award-winning schnapps, gin and vodka. Quick tip, if you’re planning on visiting - book in advance. They are often really busy during the holidays and on weekends.
Excited for your non-ski trip?
Just because you’re not skiing doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time at the snow. No matter what you decide to do, there are plenty of fun, relaxing, exciting and interesting things to fill your day with. As you make plans for you and your friends, make sure you shop with Cashrewards so you can earn cashback on all your accommodation, travel and experience purchases. Unlike learning to ski, becoming a Cashrewards member is free and easy, sign up here today!