Entertainment
| ENTERTAINMENT |
| Once the ski lifts close, there is still so much to do, from heading to amazing restaurants, and cosy bars and checking out the great entertainment. And for those who aren’t into taking to the slopes, there are plenty of daytime activities and lots of things to do with the kids. |
SHOPPING |
| You can buy anything you need at the snow. Well-stocked supermarkets and bottle shops are located at or near most resorts and will keep you going with all the essentials and little luxuries to treat yourself after a day on the mountain. Or take a day off and work on your ski bunny look shopping for well-priced winter fashions and the latest ski and snowboarding gear. There are some real bargains to be had later in the season. Or pick up something to show friends and family what they’ve missed out on with great snow souvenirs and trinkets. Once you’ve shopped all you can and you’re ready to drop, you’ll find that your accommodation has all the entertainment you’re used to at home, with most apartments offering DVD players as well as pay TV and all resorts are equipped with wi-fi, so you can always log on. |
DINING |
| A day out on the snow will work up an appetite for some sumptuous fare at some of Australia’s finest restaurants. Each resort or resort hotel usually has a fine dining restaurant as well as more budget-friendly family restaurants and cafés. Nearby towns and villages also have a wide range of great places to eat and, don’t forget, when you’re at the snow the view can be just as spectacular as the food. There’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste. |
NIGHTLIFE |
| The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In fact, some of the clubs and bars are still going when it’s almost ready to come up again. The snow is legendary for its nightlife and music scene and you won’t have to go far to enjoy some great après ski bars. It’s not all loud bars and busy pubs, though, there are plenty of quieter, more romantic spots to enjoy a glass of red or fireside schnapps. |
SPAS |
| If hurtling down the mountain isn’t your thing or you’ve just had enough for one day and you’re ready to pamper your body after all that exercise, you’ll find plenty of spas where you can enjoy a massage or jump into a steaming-hot sauna. There are spas within the resorts as well spa hotels off the mountains. Choose from a few hours of pampering to whole stays dedicated to your health, beauty and wellbeing. |
CULTURE |
| The snow season is a major event and people come from all over the country to be a part of the fabulous atmosphere at the snow resorts. There are plenty of major cultural events that go hand-in-hand with the winter season, as well as a real buzz that must be experienced. The landscape of Australia’s mountain regions has inspired many well-known artists to create works that have since become interwoven with the area’s rich cultural tapestry. Banjo Paterson spent time here and many of his famous works feature the snow, while Patrick White worked at Bolaro near Adaminaby; Dorothea Mackeller was governess at Coolringdon Homestead in Cooma; and Miles Franklin was born at Talbingo. With such a rich artistic history, you’ll find art exhibitions and museums in most major towns surrounding the snowfields. For example, the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre at the historic Lord Raglan Inn, Cooma, hosts local and travelling exhibitions. Or take the Arts & Artifacts walk in Mt Buller and visit local galleries at the resorts. There’s also no shortage of festivals, from food and wine to arts and film. Head along to Mt Hotham’s Mountain Fresh Festival, the Winter Festival at Charlotte Pass or a number of Christmas in July events across the resorts. Film buffs will love the Backcountry Film Festival and the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, both at Mount Buller. And with Australia’s sporting culture, you’ll of course find events throughout the season that you can head along to. Just check the resorts websites for details before you head to the snow as some events may be ticketed. |
EXPLORING NATURE |
| The natural wonder of our mountains is simply awe-inspiring, that’s why much of Australia’s snow region is national parkland. The alpine regions of NSW and Victoria are unlike any in the world, they’re heavily vegetated up to many of the mountain peaks and the unique snow gums contrast with the rugged rocky terrain and breathtaking lakes to create a landscape like no other. So don’t forget to take a good look around. It really is worth taking things a little slower with a daytime drive up to and around the mountains. Relax and make the trip a joy, rather than a chore. Once you’ve arrived, you could always take a guided mountain snowshoe tour or consider some cross-country skiing at the resorts to take in the incredible scenery and see why so many of our nation’s finest artists have been inspired by our snow. |
