Holiday parks close to the slopes

WITH the winter skiing and boarding season starting, we check out five holiday parks close to the slopes.

escape ski aprks

WITH the winter skiing and boarding season starting, we check out five holiday parks close to the slopes.

-- BIG4 Wangaratta

North Cedars Holiday Park, Victoria Wangaratta is a snow-lover's base camp to paradise. The only problem is, which ski field do you choose?

Mt Buffalo is 91km from Wangaratta, Mt Hotham is 130km away and Falls Creek is 141km. And for those days when the muscles are shouting "let me rest", there are world-class wineries and gourmet food adventures in the northeast Victorian Alpine Valley to help you recharge.

BIG4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park owners Derek and Tanya Richmond are busy preparing for what they believe will be one of their best seasons yet.

"Being the gateway to some of Victoria's best ski fields, we're looking forward to another bumper ski season," Derek says. "We're in a great spot for families wanting a ski adventure or couples after a quiet weekend getaway."

To welcome in ski season 2012, the couple have put together a deal: two nights for two adults in a deluxe unit with a continental breakfast. Those who take up the offer can use the park's tyre chains and toboggans on the day of their choice and enjoy free DVD hire each day, along with discount vouchers for restaurants and attractions. You get this for $250, or $220 if you are a BIG4 member. 

See northcedars.com.au 

-- BIG4 Bright ,Victoria

Gloriously picturesque in autumn with its falling leaves, Bright is also a perfect winter base to explore the alpine region.

Set in beautiful gardens on the Ovens River, the BIG4 Bright offers a peaceful retreat after a full day on the slopes. The park's luxury villas and cedar cabins offer privacy and comfort for family groups, each with their own bathroom, kitchen and living area.

BIG4 Bright is offering family package deals over the ski season. Try five nights' accommodation for two adults and two kids, along with chain hire for the car and toboggans for the kids, for $795, normally $1018. 

See alpine-cabins-holiday-park.vic.big4.com.au 

-- Lake Hawea Holiday Park

New Zealand

This park is a 15-minute drive to Lake Wanaka, which boasts four world-class ski areas Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Snow Park, with Coronet Peak and The Remarkables not far away.

This campground, with its beautiful lake and mountain views, is an ideal skiing holiday base. There are private, sheltered tent camping areas, powered and unpowered motorhome and caravan sites, as well as cabin and cottage accommodation.

Fishing, hiking and mountain bike trails are on your doorstep and children under five stay free. 

See haweaholidaypark.co.nz 

-- Jindabyne Holiday Park

NSW

Thinking about hitting the slopes of Thredbo or Perisher? Jindabyne Holiday Park is a short drive to the Snowy Mountains ski resorts and sits on the foreshore of man-made Lake Jindabyne, just across the road from the town's retail centre. Renowned as one of the state's best trout-fishing locations, Jindabyne is also a great spot for sailing, windsurfing or canoeing.

Nearby you can go white-water rafting, mountain biking, horseriding, trekking or driving to one of the many lookouts along the Alpine Way, such as Scammels Spur or Geehi, to see historical mountain huts. 

See jindabyneholidaypark.com.au/snow-season 

-- Longford Riverside Caravan Park

Tasmania

Ben Lomond is Tasmania's principal downhill ski field. But while the runs are not as steep or as fast as some of those in other states, the relative lack of crowds, the park's beaut scenery and the diverse wildlife make up for it.

There is some camping available at Ben Lomond National Park, otherwise, Longford Riverside is less than 35km away. Situated on the banks of the Macquarie River, the Longford Riverside Caravan Park is a 20-minute drive from Launceston and 10 minutes from the airport.

As well as being close to the ski field, this park is a good base for day trips to the northern region, Tamar Valley, and some of the best cool-climate wineries in Tasmania. 

See longfordriversidecaravanpark.com