Why you should go to the snow this season (even if you hate skiing)

Living the après life.

Does the thought of hurtling down a mountain of snow and ice on two metal sticks seem insane to you? Don’t really consider anything under 25 degrees a relaxing holiday? Think again anti-snow bunnies, I’m here to tell you that sub-zero temperatures are your new best friend.

If, like me, you have a bunch of super-active friends who are keen to get out of the city and do things like camp (ew), surf (but sharks) and ski (see previous paragraph), then you should definitely recommend the Aussie snow fields this winter. But before you recoil in horror, read on…

Luxury après skiing isn’t a new endeavour. Fashionable klutz’s have been using it as an alternative winter activity since the beginning of time, aka the ’80s. But if you’re new to the après game, don’t worry girl. I got your back. 

Here’s my five-step course to becoming a pro-level après champion this winter.

Step One: Fake it till you make it

This may seem obvious… but it’s freezing at the snow. Literally. So you need to be adequately dressed – and stylishly, of course.

If you don’t want to invest in actual ski gear, pick up a set of thermals (long sleeve top and legging-style pants that you can wear under your clothes) to keep you warm. Warning: Don’t wear them under skinny jeans, lest you want to cut off your circulation. Never a good look…

Of course, you’ll need après boots – a set of warm, thermal lined, waterproof boots with enough tread to take you up the mini-slope for a late-night toboggan. I picked up some great cheapies at Rebel Sport for $49, in all-black to boot. Tick!

If you’re a NSW ski bunny who can’t go a day without shopping, you’re in luck – Thredbo now has a styling lounge within a stones throw of the snow. At the brand new Birdsnest boutique, the lovely stylists will work with you to find the ultimate outfit from a choice of up to 250 different labels and it will be waiting for you the very next day. Easy!

Step Two: Don’t skimp on the digs 

You’ll need amazing accommodation at the slopes. After all, if you’re après-ing you’ll be there a LOT. 

If you’re a Victorian bunny, and you’re looking to live the luxe life (after all, it’s only once a year, right?), head for the new QT Falls Creek. We stayed in a three bedroom apartment, and it was truly lush. The key takeaways here were heated flooring (which I clearly need in my life more), a full kitchen, wifi, and a hot tub on every balcony. Yep, EVERY BALCONY. 

How’s that for the luxe #aprèslife: Sunset champers in your very own hot tub overlooking the slopes? Yes please.

If you’d like a NSW based option, Elevation Apartments in Thredbo overlook the gorgeous Eagles Nest mountain top, and these luxury apartments contain everything you could need. Along with the best view at the snowfields. Totally insta-worthy. 

Step Three: Spas and saunas and scrubs

SpaQ at QT Falls Creek offers the ultimate après treatment for those who have been feeling the burn on the slopes. Or not (we won’t judge you if you tell the girls a porky). 

We tried the 1hr Après Recovery Treatment: A magnesium scrub and wrap, with shoulder, head and foot massage which was the ultimate detox for our tired limbs. The magnesium salts replenish muscle fatigue – plus we got exfoliated and moisturised from head to toe, and left feeling silky as an arctic seal.

If you’re in NSW, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is the place to go, set in the alpine wilderness near Thredbo. We recommend the Activate Spa Package to give your body a kickstart before heading to the slopes.

Step Four: Night time après skiing, aka adult beverages

If you are looking for the ultimate après experience in NSW, Rekorderlig has you covered at Thredbo this year: Not only does the winter playground have a bar stocked with cider and hot pools (bring your swimmers!), they will also be hosting free gigs during the season with bands like Client Liason. 

Wait… Tunes, cider and hot pools?  *starts packing*

For those in Victoria, if you’re headed to Falls Creek your watering hole of choice should be the Stingray Lounge, located right at the bottom of the slopes. With great tex/mex and A+ cocktails (the espresso martinis were a godsend), the awesome staff will refill your tank day and night. 

Plus, a little bird told us they may have some cheeky toboggans out back for some midnight fun if you find yourself the last man standing. Just mention the secret password: ‘I’m here for the QT Cup’…

Step Five: Laughing at your friends who can’t walk after a week of skiing

Suckers.