A snow trip isn’t necessarily all about skiing. For families looking to spice up their itinerary with a little adventure, there are lots of activities that fit the bill.
Take to the slopes of the world’s longest floodlit toboggan run at Austria’s Wildkogel-Arena Neukirchen & Bramberg. Zoom across the powder for 14 kilometres down to the valley. As you drop 1,300 vertical metres, little jaws are sure to do the same. For an extra thrill, take on the floodlit run at night.
At Les Menuires in France’s Les Trois Vallées, kids will love the family-friendly twists and turns of the Roc’n Bob run. You can also try Speed Mountain, unique in that the ‘toboggan’ runs on rails, offering a fun, safe way for little powderhounds to ride tandem with a parent.
There are nearly 40 different sledding trails to suit every experience level in the Italian Dolomites, including Italy’s longest, on Monte Cavallo. More advanced adventurers might head to the RudiRun at Plose ski resort.
Thredbo is gearing up for a busy winter with some fun family events, new programs and, of course, the many things that families love such as the Thredbo Leisure Centre, the choice of dining, the amazing lessons and the famous fireworks spectacular.
There will be two Kids Snow Festivals. Then there is the Torah Bright Mini Shred for young park rats. Families can tuck into a Bavarian Feast at Merritts Mountain Haus Feast, riding Australia’s only alpine gondola to get there.
As well as some of the world’s most coveted slopes, the French Alps are home to the world’s highest zipline. Take on the Tyrolienne challenge at Orelle-Val Thorens, where you will glide nearly 1.5 kilometres in under two minutes with some incredible views.
In Canada, try flitting through the forest with Whistler‘s Ziptrek Ecotours. You will see creeks running through the trees from above and learn all about the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. You can even turn upside down on some of the longer lines! Tours run from two-hour sessions through to half-day events, with family packages available.
Perisher is big. Really big! With 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain serviced by 47 lifts, it is the largest snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere. There are four separate ski areas that are linked, and it is so much fun to ski or snowboard at Perisher Valley, ride over to Smiggin Holes, then mosey up to Blue Cow and across to Guthega. There are many great options for people of every ability level and also for varying weather conditions.
Winter camping does have several perks and a few challenges to embrace (but really, this nation’s wintry weather is exceptionally mild). Many Australian campsites drop their fees in the off-season, spaces are less crowded and – best of all – if you pick the right spot there’s even the elusive opportunity for your kids to experience snow.
How cool is it that the only way reach Charlotte Pass is by snowcat! The highest resort in Australia, Charlotte Pass is completely snowbound in winter, and being smaller than Perisher and Thredbo, has a special quality that appeals to families. There are no long lift lines here, and all accommodation is ski-in, ski-out. Kids are treated like VIPs. Charlotte Pass holds a weekly kids’ race and every Wednesday the slopes are covered with weird and wonderful onesie outfits.
Dinosaur World Live is bringing lifelike dinosaurs, prehistoric adventure and plenty of family fun to stages across Australia this summer.
A chilled-out tropical resort town in North Queensland.
At Steamboat, North America’s longest coaster awaits you. Dip, weave and corkscrew over the snow-capped mountain at speeds of over 40 kilometres an hour on an elevated track. The ride lasts around 10 minutes and is open to kids as young as 3 if they meet the height requirement of 97 centimetres.
The Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster at Heavenly Ski Resort is another great option, where up to two passengers can coast down the mountain through forest and rocky ridges with incredible views.
At Snowmass, the Breathtaker alpine coaster features curves, turns and hairpin bends over 1.6 kilometres through a gorgeous forest.
Hotham is different in that the village is located on top of the mountain, with absolutely spectacular views across the alpine region. In the mornings, you ski or snowboard down the mountain to the lifts, and then can explore the many different areas of the resort – my favourite is the Orchard area.
At the end of the day, we recommended a sunset backcountry sled tour. The hour-long tours go up to the summit with kids aged five years and over welcome.
The perfect blend of action and education. Guided snowmobile tours are a great way to discover snow-dusted peaks while learning about the resident flora and fauna.
In Telluride, Telluride Outside and Telluride Outfitters offer half- or full-day tours dashing through glades, across parklands and between some of Colorado’s tallest peaks. You can even visit Alta Ghost Town! The groomed trails are appropriate for all abilities, and you can choose to drive or be a passenger.
Little adventurers are also well catered to at SilverStar Mountain Resort, where kids as young as six can ride special mini snowmobiles on a fenced track. Families can go exploring together on guided backcountry tours.
Head to Canada’s family-favourite Sun Peaks Resort for a guided experience with Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures. The tours are open to kids four years and up. Tours last around
1.5 hours and even offer the opportunity for guests to take a turn at mushing themselves.
Jackson Hole in Wyoming is famous for its animal encounters – including the legendary bison – and dog-sledding tours are another unmissable event to add to the bucket list. Along the way, you may spot the region’s deer, elk, moose and bald eagles, topping off the experience with a soak in the natural hot springs.
At Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Dog Teams offers tours of 50 minutes or one hour 45 minutes, through the stunning scenery of the Eastern Sierras
Mount Buller has 22 lifts and all the bells and whistles that add up to a wonderful family snow holiday. Bourke Street is the hub of the resort – a snowy ski and snowboard highway lined by accommodation – some with slopeside bars and restaurants. The terrain is terrific, whether it be around the Summit, Boggy Creek and Grimus, or around Bull Run, Wombat or Federation chairs on the southern side.
Off the slopes, go dog sledding with Australian Sled Dog Tours. You will fall in love with these beautiful Siberian huskies and the magical terrain.
Fabulous Falls Creek entices with its European-style village, varied terrain, excellent snowsports school and fun activities from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to cross-country skiing. Ski or snowboard down Wombat’s Ramble (green) or one of three blue runs to the base near Halley’s Comet chairlift and stop for a sweet snack at Snonuts Donuts and Street Kitchen. The gourmet milkshakes are divine, as are the freshly made-to-order donuts – will you choose a hot cinnamon, a Snonutella or a jam-filled treat?
Mt Baw Baw is a fun resort to get your snow legs, with first-timers sure to love the intimate resort and its family-friendly atmosphere. While at Baw Baw, fire up for the Japanese sport of Yukigassen – snowball fighting! There is even a championship event held in September.
Baw Baw has dog sled tours with Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours, plus you can meet the dingos Rowdy and Warragul at the Dingo Resource Centre and maybe take them for a walk.
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is the closest resort to Melbourne and is great for first-timers. It is home to some of Australia’s best cross-country skiing with more than 35 kilometres of groomed trails. You can get lessons for all levels and you can also fly through the trees on the 240-metre dual flying fox, make a snowman or tackle the three toboggan runs.
80 kilometres from Melbourne is the Yarra Valley’s Mt Donna Buang, a free spot for family barbecues, snow play and tobogganing.
This article originally appeared in Ski & Snowboard with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.
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