There’s more to a snow holiday than skiing and snowboarding (I know, sacrilege right?).
What do you do when the chairlifts stop turning for the day or your thighs need some down time? Any of these seven totally cool snow experiences in Australia and New Zealand will suffice.
We think they’re pretty cool – helicopter to a snow peak and then go snow-mobiling, anyone?
Here’s our collection of unique snow experiences that will have your skiing and snowboarding friends wanting to ditch their downhill antics too and join you instead.
No ski or snowboard boots required, no kidding.
Exhilarate your senses with an action packed glacier heli hike (NZ)
Staying in New Zealand, the world-renowned Glacier Heli Hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that belongs on any avid adventure seeker’s bucket list. The thrilling combination of helicopter ride, awe-inspiring scenery, and two-and-a-half-hour hike through spectacular features of the Franz Josef Glacier (the fastest commercially guided glacier in the world) will have you mesmerised from beginning to end.
Put the pedal to the metal at 6000ft above sea level (NZ)
Trust New Zealand to offer a supercharged on-snow experience like no other. Queenstown’s Wilderness Snowmobiling Adventure delivers two and half hours of breathtaking alpine views whilst commanding your very own snowmobile at an altitude of 6000ft. If you’re not hooked just yet, did we mention it also includes a scenic helicopter flight back to home base?
Take a different perspective in the Aussie backcountry
If you’re looking to take it a little slower, then look no further than Thredbo’s Guided Backcountry Snowshoe Adventure. The scenic three-hour tour will take you hiking through the Australian Main Range. You’ll be spellbound by the sublime landscape of the Australian Alps with plenty of picture-perfect views and landmarks sprinkled along the journey. This is one half-day adventure worth ditching your skis and snowboard for.
Wine and dine on Thredbo mountain after dark
For those looking for a more indulgent on-snow experience, look no further than the Kareela Snowcat Dinners, hosted by none other than G.H Mumm. Who needs a limo when you can travel by snowcat, delivering you straight to the door of the famous Thredbo restaurant. There you will be treated to a mouthwatering four-course dinner and wine experience overlooking the twinkling lights of Thredbo Village.
Snow Moto in Queenstown (NZ)
For the newbie to the hard core, Snow Moto snow motorbikes will have you revving like a pro. Choose from a half day experience to a full overnight adventure. The Kingston operation has over 3000 hectares of terrain to ride the snow motor bikes with stunning views. You’ll need some prior motorcycle experience, be 16 years of age and confident on 450 cc of grunt. If you do an overnight expedition you’ll stay in cool mountain bunk huts that are toasty warm.
Picture perfect overnight adventure in the Snowy Mountains
Join professional Alpine Photographer Mike Edmondson on an utterly unique Alpine Photography Workshop in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Revel in this customised adventure where you choose to walk or snowshoe to specially chosen, secret locations in Kosciuszko National Park.
There you will capture fading light over mountain ridges, a star-lit Milky Way, and magic morning alpine light at dawn. Whether you opt to camp amongst the alpine wilderness or call lodge accommodation home, you’ll be treated to plenty of spectacular, picture-perfect moments that will stay with you forever.
Bring out your inner powder hound at Mt Buller
An experience suited to the animal lovers out there. Be treated to a truly heartwarming on-snow adventure with Mt Buller’s Australian Sled Dog Tours. Be pulled along scenic snow-covered trails by your very own team of fluffy companions whilst enjoying plenty of pats and happy snaps along the way. For those wanting a little more action, choose to ditch the passenger seat and learn to drive the Huskies yourself.
So whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled escape, a touch of luxury, or an opportunity to immerse yourself deep in alpine nature, there are plenty of experiences for you to choose from this 2022 winter season that won’t have you jumping on skis or strapping on a snowboard.
