Embarking on a family ski trip in Victoria’s picturesque High Country can be the adventure of a lifetime. Bright, nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery, serves as the ideal base camp for exploring some of Australia’s best ski slopes like Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Mount Buller. Here’s how you can plan a flawless and fun-filled ski trip with your kids, with tips on making the most of staying at a Bright holiday park like Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bright and Tasman Holiday Parks – South Bright.
Why Choose Bright for Your Family Ski Trip?
Bright is renowned for its beautiful autumn colours and charming village atmosphere, but it’s also the gateway to the Alpine ski resorts of Victoria. With several family-friendly Bright caravan parks and holiday parks offering comfortable and convenient accommodation options, it’s the perfect place to relax after a thrilling day on the slopes. Staying in a caravan park in Bright not only provides a cost-effective lodging solution but also adds an element of adventure to your trip, with facilities that children love, and enough serenity for adults to unwind.
The Best Ski Resorts Near Bright
Mount Hotham
Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Bright, Mount Hotham is known as the “powder capital” of Australia, boasting steep valleys and challenging runs. However, don’t let its reputation intimidate you; it also has plenty of options for beginners. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding schools for kids, which focus on making learning fun and safe. The daycare centre for toddlers allows parents to hit the tougher slopes knowing their little ones are well-cared for.
Dinner Plain
Just a bit further down the road from Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain is a quaint alpine village with gentle slopes perfect for beginners. If you’re introducing your kids to skiing or snowboarding, this is the place. The village is also home to sled dog tours and a tubing park, which provide outstanding snowy adventures for families looking to enjoy the snow beyond the skis.
Mount Buller
Though it’s a longer drive (about three hours from Bright), Mount Buller is one of Victoria’s most popular ski destinations and well worth the visit. It boasts over 300 hectares of skiable terrain with runs suitable for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. The ski school here offers a variety of programs for children and teens, ensuring that every family member has a great time on the slopes.
Planning Your Ski Trip with Kids
1. Accommodation
Book a stay at a Bright caravan park or holiday park. Options like Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bright or Tasman Holiday Parks – South Bright (situated just across town) offer cabins and cosy setups that are perfect for families. Coming with a group? No problem! Our parks have houses available that can accommodate up to 12 guests each with a full kitchen, laundry, lounge rooms and fireplaces perfect for coming together after an exciting day on the slopes. Relish in the world-class facilities available at our parks, enjoy sweet treats and barista made espresso coffee (or hot chocolate!) at our onsite cafes, playgrounds and recreation rooms as well as ultra-modern camp kitchens and amenities blocks for campers and caravans staying at our powered and unpowered sites.
2. Gear Up
Ensure that everyone is properly outfitted with ski gear. If you don’t have your own, ski rental shops in and around Bright, and at the resorts, provide everything from skis and snowboards to snowsuits and helmets. Fitting kids with the right-sized equipment is crucial for their comfort and safety on the slopes. Another thing to note, it’s a requirement to carry snow chains for your car when travelling to and from the ski fields. You can hire these from our friendly reception team who will show you how to fit them to your vehicle.
3. Ski Lessons
Consider booking ski lessons for your children, especially if they are beginners. Professional instructors know how to teach skiing and snowboarding in a way that is fun and understandable for kids, which enhances their confidence and skills on the snow.
4. Plan Non-Skiing Activities
While the focus of your trip may be skiing, it’s important to have some non-skiing activities planned as well. Bright and its surroundings offer beautiful walking trails, and there are plenty of outdoor spaces in our parks where kids can play during your stay. Exploring the township is also a delightful experience for the whole family, with its small bakeries, cafes, pubs and local specialty shops.
Try your hand at tobogganing at Dinner Plain, sample specialty brews at Bright Brewery, or head out to Wandiligong for a bushel of sweet alpine apples and locally made apple cider at Nightingale Bros.
5. Take Breaks and Enjoy
Skiing can be exhausting, especially for kids. Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and refuel. Hot chocolate breaks are always a hit with the kids, and they provide the perfect opportunity to relax and warm up.
A family ski trip to Victoria’s High Country can be as relaxing or as thrilling as you make it. By staying at Tasman Holiday Parks, you can enjoy the snow without the stress, knowing you have a cosy base to return to. Whether you’re all experienced skiers or just starting out, the ski resorts near Bright offer varied terrain that caters to all levels. With a little planning and flexibility, you can ensure that your ski holiday in Bright is an unforgettable adventure for your entire family. So pack your bags, gather your gear, and get ready to carve up some snow and create wonderful winter memories with your loved ones in Bright!
