Page 5 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Winter 2016

INTER WONDER
By Dorothy Crouch
WER 2016
Thredbo
conditions and unmatched views. Accessible only by over-snow vehicle departing from Perisher Valley, the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort offers ticket options for skiers and snowboarders that include transportation cost and fares for guests who simply want to travel up the mountain to enjoy the wintery atmosphere.
Within the Australian Alpine National Park lies Hotham Alpine Resort, located 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Hotham affords accessible snow attractions, such as skiing for all levels – including cross-country options, tobogganing, dog sled tours, snowmobile rides and three terrain parks. Instruction is available for skiers and snowboarders who would like to improve their skills through group or private lessons. Advanced ski and snowboard master classes, and instructor clinics are also available for guests who are passionate about their sport. The area is home to unique flora and fauna, such as crimson rosellas, whose vibrant hues of red and
blue bear a striking contrast against the pure, white Australian snow. Accommodations are available
in on-site apartments, chalets, lodges and motels, or six miles away at Dinner Plain, an alpine village that includes all the luxuries of a five-star getaway.
Guests of Dinner Plain are afforded access to
ski outfitters, a boutique, MYABI Hair Design – specializing in Aveda services, catering and medical facilities. Spa services are provided at the Onsen Retreat and Spa, which offers body and skin treatments, a gymnasium, sauna and the opportunity to soak in the outdoor pool, heated to 104 degrees
Fahrenheit. The site doesn’t lack dining options either, as guests can choose from the Dinner Plain Hotel, Tsubo Bar & Restaurant, Alpine Lodge, Alphutte Pizza & Bar and Mountain Kitchen.
AUSSIE ALPINE ADVENTURES
Catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all interests, Thredbo Alpine Village’s cold-weather options suit every type of adventure seeker. Located in the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo provides easy solutions for guests to maximize their adventure in true Aussie style. The village offers a variety of lodging styles, including apartments, hotel accommodations and lodge options, for singles or groups, couples or families. Denman Day Spa, located in The Denman Hotel within the village, offers indulgences including aromatherapy, sport massage, facials and waxing. Winner of 2013’s World Ski Award for Australia’s Best Ski Chalet, the property’s luxurious Rockpool Lodge allows guests
to enjoy secluded apartment-style accommodations, overlooking the Thredbo River, complete with kitchen, laundry appliances, barbecue, balcony, fireplace, Jacuzzi and sauna.
Boasting Australia’s five longest runs, Thredbo is also home to four terrain parks, all of which address the specific needs of different ski and snowboard levels. The resort aims to impress, and on Saturday evenings at dusk it hosts the Thredbo Fireworks and Flare Run. Following a fireworks presentation, advanced skiers and snowboarders fly down the Supertrail while waving flares, creating a flaming
mountainside snow show. On Family Fun Nights, held each Thursday, children travel down Friday Flat, illuminated by glow-in-the-dark accessories. After reaching the end of the run, families enjoy music, fire pits and face painting, and are joined by the resident Thredboland animals. Guests who have intermediate ski or snowboarding experience and
a valid lift ticket are invited to participate in complimentary Toyota Ambassador Tours. Led
by members of the guest-services team, the tour introduces visitors to different mountain areas.
Thredbo is much more than a ski and snowboard area, as guests are also able to embark on snowshoe adventures to Mt. Kosciuskzo through seemingly untouched natural terrain. Also available are avalanche awareness courses, for guests who
would like to pursue emergency preparedness training during their holiday. In the Snow Play Park, visitors can also toboggan, snow tube and build snowmen or angels.
The months between June and September can bring sweltering heat to North America. While Australia doesn’t always come to mind when considering ski destinations, many tour agencies offer comprehensive itineraries and can help tailor additional excursions to suit a customer’s needs. Outfitters Kensington Tours and Abercrombie & Kent offer itineraries to Australia and provide tour customization. This summer, enjoy a seasonal switch by changing latitude and trade swim trunks for snow-covered peaks with prime powder in an Australian winter.
56 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 • (408) 354-6531 • (800) 446-8644 • FAX: (408) 354-3871
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