If you’re anything like me, the search for family activities that are device free that the kids won’t think is “SO BORING MUM” often ends with me throwing my hands in the air in despair.

It seems that no matter where you go, any child/tween/teen with a phone has already discovered the free Wi-Fi before you’ve even blinked.  They’ve whipped out those phones and with a thumb stroke and a few swipes, they’re on.  Posting their streaks (because they’re on 100+ days), adding a Boomerang to their Insta story and updating their status.

Talk to us? Perhaps once all of the above is done we’ll have them for a few minutes but then they’re off (to get on) again.  Constantly in touch with friends that aren’t there and in my opinion, missing out on the experience of where we are.

And it seems the more beautiful or unique the location, the more they feel the need to record.

We are actually pretty strict when it comes to devices – especially when we’re on a holiday together that we’ve been saving for.  The kids kind of get it but it’s a constant battle to stop the sneaky peeks at devices!

I have to say though that no matter how many times we go to Thredbo, they never get tired of it, or bored or feel the need to constantly check in with those back home.  I end up being the only one taking photos because I marvel at their beautiful smiles, the fact that my kids are all having an awesome time together and we’re all out and about together.

Thredbo truly is a holiday like no other … there’s a buzz in the village – in particular for kids of every age.  Toddlers waddle around like Mini Michelin Men – beanies, mittens, booties and goggles keeping them toasty; tweens are all hanging out in ski school with new found friends that they can’t wait to meet the next day and the teens open up and chat to everyone.  Perhaps it’s the layer of ski gear that unifies everyone – no batwing eyeliner and caking in the snow – just lip balm and sunscreen. And certainly no need for straighteners or putty.

And their phones? Well if they stop long enough and can be bothered to de-glove and dig through a pocket, they might snap a selfie or pop in a new friend’s contact.  Other than that, it’s buried.  Forgotten about as they either fall about laughing or race each other down the slopes (depending on their skiing ability).

Speaking of you absolutely do not need to be a massive ski hound to adore Thredbo.  Out of every location we’ve ever skiied, Thredbo understands best how to make a holiday perfect for everyone …

Feel the cold? Think you won’t like the snow? Think again! Everywhere you go in Thredbo, there are log fires and central heating toasting up the air to a snuggle temp.  And dressing for the weather is totally in – beanies, gloves, scarves, neck warmers – you can have so much fun dressing for the cold.  I love it! There’s something quite romantic (yes even for this old duck) about wandering through the village in the evening to grab a glass of red wine while the kids have a pizza or burger.

Going with just your family? Think the kids won’t enjoy it? Kids in Thredbo are on tap – everywhere you look there are kids just like yours all there for a fun time.  They’ll be laughing and skiing with 4 new friends within half an hour and they’ll definitely never want to leave.

Ever apres skiied? If you haven’t, you have to!  Apres Ski is basically the drinks after you’re skiied.  But be assured you can still partake even if you’ve just been browsing the beautiful shops in the village, thinking about what’s for dinner or you’ve been curled up on the sofa iin your chalet or room reading!

Thredbo hot choccies are to die for – be sure to ask for cream and a cherry on top! Oh and giggle when the Mumma next to you orders a hot choccie with a shot of peppermint schnapps!  The first time I overheard this, I had to rush back to the bar, buy myself a shot and tip it in.  Peppermint is good, Caramel is amazing … Frangelico is heaven!  And if you’re after something hot that doesn’t include milk you could go straight for the schnapps or order a hot Rekorderlig Cider or a Gluweiin (hot mulled wine).  Both will warm your body and your heart.

And guess what? The kids are sitting there with you – talking to you!

Do do a lesson – everyone! Thredbo is so well set up to give you the very best experience, every single time.  Lessons are available for every skier at every level – from 3 years old in Thredboland right through to 83 (if you’re still up to skiing).  The best way to ensure you’re skiing safely and skiing well.  Lessons make for the best experience … they also make for a pile of new friends!

Still got energy left after a day on the slopes? Burn off that last bit of energy to ensure the kids go straight to sleep with a visit to the Thredbo Leisure Centre!  A super cheap way to keep the fun going – especially if you buy your pass with your ski lift tickets. Play a game of squash, go to a gym or yoga class, pump some weights, swim some laps, ride the water slide or climb the inflatable obstacle course.  Or for those who want some specialist training for their tricks on the slopes, book into a class with qualified instructors.

So 5 nights in and I can honestly say, there would have been perhaps 10 minutes a day where the kids picked up their devices to look at a few photos or perhaps put up one quick post about their hols.  The rest they were device-free, worry-free and filled with a fresh energy only a holiday in the snow can bring.

If you’ve never skiied or you do all the time, think about Spring this year! The snow is absolutely pumping – it’s a bumper season.  So there are weeks and weeks of Spring skiing left to be lapped up.  And with Thredbo offering KIDS SKI FREE*, there’s never been a better time to go.  It’s a place of the most wonderful memories. It’s a place for everyone!

ps. You’ll think this sounds as though Thredbo paid me to write this.  They didn’t. We covered all our travel, food and accommodation costs.  Thredbo sprang for 3 days of lift tickets for us.  I was under no obligation at all to write this post but I wanted to.  I didn’t realise until I looked back over the photos, what an awesome time we always have when we’re at Thredbo!

By the way, the kids are begging us to get back to Thredbo in September … hopefully we’ll run into you on the slopes.

Much love,

Nikki x