Which Ski Resort Is Best Value in Vic/NSW?

nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 07:06
Last edited 08/05/2023 - 10:22 by 1 other user

Hi, I want to go skiing, in Vic or NSW, preferably Victoria. Which ones are the best value?

Ski lift prices seem expensive, and I've done a brief comparison, but I'm unsure what the vehicle access fees are like also. Or the quality of the results for what you pay. If I want to go for a couple days, do any of them offer batter value weekend/multiday passes? And can I get coupons/vouchers etc for cheaper passes, any tricks etc?

Alternatively:

Perhaps there's some temporary jobs that are easy to get, which will pay for access? If there's any jobs there for just a few hours per day, for a week or so, maybe that could be good, if it comes with a perk of free passes, or has decent pay to cover it. I could work for a few hours, then ski the rest of the day. But I'm just brainstorming ideas here. I've heard of some people doing it, but unsure if it's a longer term thing or requires experience, or even what is available.

Thanks!

Sports & Outdoors Ski

Comments

  • elgrande on 08/05/2023 - 07:29
    +4

    Perhaps there's some temporary jobs that are easy to get, which will pay for access? 

    lol

    • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 07:47
      -2

      Thanks for the helpful information.

      • Muzeeb on 08/05/2023 - 07:52
        +5

        Do you honestly think that job exists?

        Snow sports are either expensive or really expensive.

        • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 08:02
          +2

          Well idk, hence why I'm asking…
          And I have heard about people working while on a ski holiday, so it gave me a hunch, which was enough for me to ask about it.

          • boomramada on 08/05/2023 - 08:51
            +7

            @nuttapillar: About 10y ago, it was actually cheaper to ski in NZ (inc flights) than in Aus. Since you are a first-timer, a snow patch in Belco would do.

            If you thinking lift passes are expensive, skiing isn't for you. You need lift passes, jacket, pants, gloves, skis, boots and goggles.

            As a beginning, you can try some smaller places with lift and hire packages such as http://www.corin.com.au/ with a day visit. I bet there are similar places in Vic or NSW.

            • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:44

              @boomramada: I have actually been skiing before. It was on a school trip, but I picked it up super quickly, and was soon going down the most difficult slopes with no trouble. I think only on my second or third day, I started doing the black diamond runs, I think they're called.

              • boomramada on 08/05/2023 - 11:46

                @nuttapillar: Well in Australia, most of the accommodation is at the resort, that's where most of the money goes, NZ you drive to the resort. The best value for money would be getting a ski package.

                • samfisher5986 on 08/05/2023 - 11:58

                  @boomramada: The accommodation prices in the NZ town are quite expensive though. You will save money but not that much, and you still have to drive to the resort.

                  • boomramada on 08/05/2023 - 12:40

                    @samfisher5986: You do save money. If it's a group booking, can get a hire car or there are coach service. Plus duty-free liquor to keep you warm or a sheep or two ;)
                    I think value for money on 7-day tours, usually includes 5-day lift passes.

                • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 21:21

                  @boomramada: I've been skiing before, and we stayed at accommodation in Harrietville, not on the mountain. I'm happy to drive up each day. And I've already done research and found plenty of cheap/free campgrounds within driving distance.

          • Ghost47 on 08/05/2023 - 20:56
            +1

            @nuttapillar: It's definitely a thing. I met people a while back who worked at the resort (I think they were on the lifts) and they said they get to snowboard for free. Can't recall if they got free accomodation but I doubt it. Think it was Mt Buller where they worked for a season.

            • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 21:20

              @Ghost47: Yeah I've definitely heard of it before, hence me considering it. but people here are quick to assume, and shut me down.

              • boomramada on 08/05/2023 - 23:19

                @nuttapillar: I'm not sure what you after, free lift passes?
                Perhaps working there?
                https://www.snowseasoncentral.com/australia
                https://au.indeed.com/q-ski-resort-jobs.html

                There are plenty of sites for jobs but there is no free lunch. I did came across people who works around the world in ski fields as well.

                • nuttapillar on 09/05/2023 - 08:13

                  @boomramada: I was thinking maybe yeah, free lift passes, or even if not free, the pay could cover costs. But I was hoping for something temporary like a week or so, nothing more. Doesn't look like there's anything suitable. They all want someone for the whole season.

                  • Muzeeb on 09/05/2023 - 08:41
                    +1

                    @nuttapillar:

                    Doesn't look like there's anything suitable. They all want someone for the whole season.

                    Exactly. I wasn't quick to assume and shut you down as you suggested. Your fantasy one week job of working 2 hours a day, skiing the rest with free lift passes does not exist and never will.

        • jollibot on 09/05/2023 - 08:41

          Many Ski Resorts around the world are happy to hire people just for seasonal work; I recently looked into an extended working holiday in Japan up North and accommodation and access to the slopes was included.

          It's actually a pretty common arrangement.

  • Adredocto on 08/05/2023 - 07:53

    Good luck. Great that you are looking to get best value but you prob need to accept its going to cost some coin. Premium activities, captive audience etc.

    Can you split costs by hiring accommodation with a group?

    • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 08:03
      +1

      I was planning on camping, so not paying for accommodation. I'm curious to see how cheap I can possibly get such a trip.

      • Nutrino on 08/05/2023 - 08:07

        you think you are the first person to come up with the idea?….

        • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:53
          +1

          No. Did I suggest that I think I am?
          Do you think it's impossible to do?

      • Ramennightmare on 08/05/2023 - 08:24
        +4

        If you get frost bite from camping, it would be ended up as the most expensive trip you ever made.

        • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:53
          +1

          Why is everybody getting so caught up in the camping idea? I've already camped below zero and been very warm, with barely even trying. It's not an issue.

      • EightImmortals on 08/05/2023 - 08:30

        Camping….in a snowfield?

        Maybe take up surfing instead?

        • star-ggg on 08/05/2023 - 09:37

          It'll cost at least 2 years worth of ski passes more to buy all the camping gear required to not freeze to death

          • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:51
            +2

            @star-ggg: Why do you assume I haven't already got cold camping gear? You're getting too sidetracked. I'm simply looking for the best value ski resort. I have camping sorted. I've got all the cold camping gear, and I'll be alone with a large car, so no shortage of space to bring warm bedding etc. I can do an overnight hike in close to zero with what I've got. So id be even more comfortable with the car. And I already did similar to this just last year.

            • Grunntt on 09/05/2023 - 10:01
              +1

              @nuttapillar:

              You're getting too sidetracked. I'm simply looking for the best

              Unfortunately many on this site, over the past year or two, have lost sight of the purpose of OzBargain.
              Previously, you could ask for help/advice and most responses would be ontopic with a few snarky comments.
              Lately it's gone in the exact opposite direction.

              Looks to me like the ones who were on Whirlpool came over here and then continued with the approach they complain about happening there.

        • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:48
          +2

          You've made too many assumptions. I plan to camp at the bottom of the mountain, not in the snow. Also, I'm no stranger to cold camping. I've got winter camping gear, a good tent, a really good mattress, a good sleeping bag, thermals, the lot. I've already camped below zero, and been comfortably warm, with barely even trying. So I could probably actually camp in the snow and be okay. I was camping just out of Thredbo last year, and there was loads of snow around. Ended up driving through the snow too.

  • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 08:05
    +1

    Just remember, the working idea is just an alternative/side note thing. The main question here is which resorts are best value, considering lift passes and vehicle fees.

    • Muzeeb on 08/05/2023 - 08:34

      Compare prices on their websites.

      • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 08:50
        +1

        Value is more than just the cost, but also what you get out of it. I'm hoping some people who have been, and know what the resorts are like, could offer some insight on the value. Like some resorts might be cheaper, but barely have any slopes or chairlifts.
        Also, their sites mightnt make it obvious if there's some coupons/deals going around. But I'll still take a look. Thanks.

        • Muzeeb on 08/05/2023 - 09:06
          +2

          I suggest you just go to Buller or Hotham and just accept the fact that it's going to cost a bomb. You might save a few dollars by spending hours researching but don't overthink it. It's like buying an awesome sports car and worrying about the fuel consumption and costs. Just pick a resort, go and have fun and embrace the experience.

  • astroboy38 on 08/05/2023 - 09:07
    +1

    As others have alluded to here, skiing in Australia is a very expensive hobby. There are no cheap places to go skiing as far as I'm aware, I find you get much better value overseas (Japan, Europe). Having said that, its free at Mt Donna Buang, no entry fee… but they don't have chair lifts. In terms of relative value, for VIC, you can try Lake Mountain (mainly cross country skiing) or Mt Baw Baw (limited number of t-bars). Otherwise you're looking at Mt Buller, Falls Creek or Hotham (more for advanced skiers). Costs for these three will be comparable.

  • joshjosh210 on 08/05/2023 - 09:40
    +1

    Have been to the snow a few times, it's defiantly an expensive hobby and there isn't much you can do about it.

    I think you will find that Mt Baw Baw seems to be one of the cheaper destinations, we did Mt Hotham for a few years and caught a bus up from Harrietville as well as organised our gear hire there it seemed quite a bit cheaper than doing so on the mountain and staying up their too.

    On the other hand last year we stayed up on Falls Creek with friends it was defiantly more expensive with accommodation, chains for the car and gear hire but it was a better experience and next time I go again I'd do the same.

  • Seraphin7 on 08/05/2023 - 09:47
    +1

    Value and skiing (at least in Australia) are just mutually exclusive terms.

    It's really just a choice between expensive, really expensive, and hideously expensive.

    The above then roughly correspond to a PITA to go to and from the snow every day, staying in the snowfields, but likely a short walk/drive to the actual snow, and "ski in/ski out" arrangements.

  • altomic on 08/05/2023 - 09:57
    +5

    my friend owns a lodge at Bulla so I stay there for free.

    so, get a friend with a ski lodge.

    click on the link below to follow me for more cost saving hacks

    • nuttapillar on 08/05/2023 - 09:57

      That's a pretty sweet gig

    • Muzeeb on 08/05/2023 - 10:16
      +2

      You still good for your booking in the last week of June? Just leave a bottle of scotch on the way out. Cheers pal.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 08/05/2023 - 11:21
        +2

        You still letting him stay after he left that Aldi bottle last season?

        • Muzeeb on 08/05/2023 - 11:29
          +2

          I know he's got no money so I let it slide.

  • dtc on 08/05/2023 - 15:58
    +3

    Mt Selwyn is the cheapest (lift passes $109 vs Perisher at over $200) but also the smallest; however if this is your first time then its perfect. You can't stay near it (no accom) but you can probably find a camp site somewhere not too far away (well 'vacant side road').

    For lift tickets there arent really any deals outside of organised trips which can offer a bit of a discount if you book them for travel and accom (eg $389 for 3 day pass vs $364 for a 2 day pass from Perisher itself - but its $500 for travel, accom, a few meals, ski hire - see oz snow). You can get a discount on the pass by buying early (eg 30% at perisher I think for 7 days in advance) but its still close to $200 per day

    If you want accom, try Jindabyne in one of the hostels (eg 8 bed rooms) mid week or even stay in Cooma, Much cheaper than on the snow. But travel outside of school holidays and ideally mid week

    • Grunntt on 09/05/2023 - 10:05
      +1

      Now this is how you respond to a request for advice/help.

      Thank you dtc

  • omguleh on 08/05/2023 - 16:24

    If you want to camp there is camping spots in Bright and that is close to Mt Buffalo and Falls Creek.

    Accommodation on the mountain is very very expensive. This year we’re taking the kids to Myrtleford and staying there then driving up to the snow every day.

  • garffi on 08/05/2023 - 17:03
    +1

    I personally prefer this order: Hotham > Falls Creek > Mt Buller > Mt Baw Baw.
    - I like Hotham because their black runs usually have good snow coverage before the rest of the mountain. This mountain is good for intermediate/advanced skiers.
    - Falls Creek is good for beginner/intermediate.
    - Mt Buller is just tourist town. Ski runs are great but just way too many people to enjoy it. You'll spend more time waiting and sitting on the lift. I also hate having to take the bus to get to the village. Or having to pay for taxi if you have luggage. Both Hotham and Falls creek village are accessible by car. I think entry is a bit more though because of this.
    - I would not go to Mt Baw Baw to ski.

    There's no deals for lift passes, you will save a little if you purchase early and buy multi day passes. If you plan to ski for many days, I think there's epic season pass available to purchase.

  • nekro on 08/05/2023 - 20:16

    Falls creek… see if you can get some cheapish accom in mt beauty and drive up everyday.

  • Shutterfish on 14/05/2023 - 20:11
    +1

    Hi OP, book Epic pass early + camping + bring own gears + staying longer(1-2 weeks) each trip is my trick. I've also rented camping car(Japanese term) in Japan doing similar. But I prefer tent to campervan.

    Really enjoy winter camping and now rarely camp in warm weather. No sandflies, humidity or crowd. A good wood stove and hot tent really make camping/skiing a great experience. Never camped in Vic. Do you have any good alpine campsite to recommend?

    • nuttapillar on 14/05/2023 - 21:33
      +1

      I checked out some campsites in the area. If I'm skiing at Mount Buller, then there is Carter's Mill campground, and buttercup campgrounds nearby. if skiing at falls creek, there is Mountain Creek campground nearby at Mount beauty. And there's a couple other campsites down the other side of the mountain, but think that road closes in winter. if skiing at mount hotham, there is victoria falls campground, or Smoko campground, which I actually stayed at last year - it was nice. Most of these are at lower elevation though - not in the snow. Except maybe victoria falls campground, at 1000m. so if you wanna camp in snow, that could work.

      • Shutterfish on 15/05/2023 - 09:51
        +1

        Thanks for the tip, mate. I'll try Victoria Falls one day. I assume it'll have to be the right temperature to have snow there. Camp in snow will be perfect. Unfortunately, very few campsite here offers that. Therefore, I am planning for a snow camping skiing trip to Hokkaido early next year. I found skiing in Japan a lot less expensive if you pick local ski resorts. For example, $50 day pass is very common. The food is also reasonable priced and healthy. Camping is very popular in roadside stations with great facilities.

        • nuttapillar on 15/05/2023 - 10:09

          If you're willing to do hiking-camps, then there's hundreds of snowy campsites all over the mountains. Or if you have a 4x4, then you can drive on many tracks in the mountains, and camp almost anywhere, including in the snow.

  • lgacb08 on 19/05/2023 - 23:02

    Cheapest option would be find cheap accomodation around mt beauty (camping like you said), drive up Falls Creek at 4.30pm from Thursday to Saturday, by the time you get to the resort you don't have to pay entry fee, and buy one of the night lift pass that only cost you $10-15 for 4 hours of night skiing, but if you're advanced skier you'll find it boring very soon because only the beginner track Wombat Ramble is open and you probably done it 3 times over within an hour.

    • nuttapillar on 20/05/2023 - 01:59

      Oh wow, I didn't know they did night skiing.

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