I love this time of year when the snow season winds down, blue-bird days take precedence and there’s always hope of a last minute spring dump or two.
Australian resorts received 20 centimetres of snow this week, returning the landscape to winter after a rather dry August. There is also talk of a front hitting New Zealand next week that will either bring powder or fizz out and die or worse, rain.
We're hoping for powder for our buddies across the Tasman to make up for a less than stellar year. New Zealand is known for late season snow dumps so keep an eye on the forecasts.
Spring is also the time when ski resorts offer up some serious deals to lure skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the last days of the season and the last opportunity to hit the snow before the northern ski holidays or the southern season next year.
End of season madness takes over with Pub-to-Pub races, music festivals and fancy dress ski racing. In other words it is party time as seasonal weary workers let their hair down and sun loving tourists join in.
There is still time to get in some snow action at cheaper prices. Thredbo serves up skiing and boarding for less than $68 a day during September when you buy your five-day lift-pass seven days or more in advance. Stay at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel for $410 per night mid-week including two adult lift-passes and breakfast (valid until October 5).
Saving pennies? The YHA Youth Hostel at Thredbo is offering shoulder rates in September till the end of the season from $57 for dorm accommodation, $168 for double ensuite rooms and $190 for family rooms up to five people.
One of the best accommodation deals on offer is in Jindabyne. Stay at The Station before September 19 for $97 a day including a lift-pass when booking five nights accommodation with a five and a half day lift ticket. Kids also stay for free on a separate deal at The Station in September when accompanied by two paying adults.
Prefer to stay on the mountain? The ski-in-ski out Perisher Valley Hotel has both a prime location and a bed and breakfast spring special from $149 per person per night. And with Perisher extending it's season to October 10, there is more time to soak up this bargain.
It pays to be a Dad in Victoria. Dads ski or ride for free at Hotham and Falls Creek on Father’s Day, September 7 when a child’s lift-pass is purchased.
It also pays to buy online. Save 15 per cent on lift-passes throughout September when you buy two or more day lift-passes online. Plus, teens between 15 to 18 years of age ski at kids prices throughout September.
Do you have a friend you want to introduce to the snow? Then Falls Creek has a BFF Plan, bring a first time skier or boarder to Falls Creek in September and they ski or board for free.
Closer to Melbourne, Mount Buller has some big discounts with up to 30 per cent on Spring lift passes from September 9. Choose from one-day passes for $83 or pay $110 (adults) and $61 (children) for a Discover Spring pass including lift-pass, ski/board hire and a two hour lesson.
Save even more at Buller Backpackers with accommodation from $55 per person mid week or the ABOM Hotel from $250 per night when you book through Buller Holidays.
Across the ditch in New Zealand, Cardrona has launched a Spring Season Pass for $A356 for adults and $A160 for kids with unlimited skiing and riding till closing day in October. Ski just four days and you’ve already broken even on winter prices.
Need somewhere to stay? Wanaka Alpine Lodge has rooms from $A206 in a deluxe queen room with cooked breakfast for two, afternoon wine, ski and snowboard hire discount vouchers, free wi-fi with a two-night stay minimum until September 29 through Edgewater Resort, also in Wanaka, sits on the edge of the lake and has rooms from $A22 a night throughout September. There is a catch though, you must book a second night at standard rates in conjunction with the $22 night to secure the deal.
Over near Queenstown, Ski Express has a five day Spring Lift Pass deal valid for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mount Hutt from $A345 per pass or $A414 for six days.
Looking for a lift and accommodation package? Ski Express also has a seven-night September Super Saver package from $A929 per person in Queenstown staying at the Heartland Hotel, five-day lift-pass for Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, mountain transfers and airport transfers.
What do you love about spring skiing? Where will you be skiing in spring ?
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