There is nothing quite like rugging up and warming yourself by the fire with a lovely glass of red wine.  In days gone by I would relax accompanied by a good book, now days my book is replaced by junior monopoly or snap or reading the adventures of Paddington bear.

It’s winter after all and whilst cold, we have been fortunate that most of our winter days in Sydney have been blessed with sunshine and clear blue skies. Our son is currently learning about the seasons at school and this got us talking about winter and the snow.

Our children are five and two and a half years of age and are yet to see snow. I have fond memories as a children getting up early in the morning and travelling down to perisher for a long weekend at the snowfields. It was so much fun learning to ski and tobogganing down the slopes and making snow angels and snowmen!

Here some ways to enjoy the snow in NSW with your family, this snow season…

Perisher Blue is the largest ski resort in Australia attracting more visitors than any other ski resort in the southern hemisphere. They have two ski programs for kids.  The junior ski kids club for 3-6 year olds and the explorers kids club for 6-14 year olds. For babies and toddlers from 6 weeks to 3 years there is an excellent crèche facility so mum and dad can take advantage of what can be quite an expensive family holiday and enjoy the ski slopes themselves or a hot chocolate or two.

Perisher has four ski areas; Perisher, Smiggin Holes, Guthaga and Blue Cow so there is plenty to explore. Perisher is by far the best with smaller children.  Apparently these days toboggans are only permitted on the designated toboggan slope, which is beside Perisher Valley car park – doesn’t sound too great but its still lots of fun and a lot safer.

In saying all this, Perisher is not the only available resort; friends of ours are in  love with Thredbo and have a villa down there, which they go to every year.  Thredbo is a beautiful little village and they have just launched a new initiative on specific weekends whereby kids ski free. 67% of Thredbo’s terrain is dedicated to intermediates so if you are a comfortable skier this is the places for you with plenty of runs to choose from.

Another great activity for families at Thredbo is the Fireworks and Flare Run.  Every Saturday evening guests are treated to a fireworks display and riders snaking their way down the mountain with flares. There are also family fun nights on Thursday nights in July and August which takes place on Friday Flats, you can enjoy face painting, snowman building competitions, twilight riding, music and enough food and beverages to keep everyone entertained.

There are a number of accommodation options across the resorts from budget accommodation starting at $79 per night right through to reasonably priced properties around the $200 per night range and it goes up from there with luxury apartments, hotels and chalets also available.

A lift pass at Perisher will set you back $79 a day for an adult and $43 a day for children (mid week). Thredbo is generally $99 a day for Adults and $57.60 for children. Both offer discounted multi-day passes and various packages to suit your holiday requirements.