As we head off for our first family break for months, we’re buzzing with excitement about reaching our destination – the Denman Hotel, a boutique mountain retreat at Thredbo in the stunning Snowy Mountains.
It was going to be a long car journey to Thredbo for our Snowy Mountains family holiday. We set out with one toddler, three-year-old Lucca, and my two teenage girls, Ruby-May, 12, and Georgia-May, 15, in the back.
We stopped on the way at Cooma to put chains on our car and hire ski gear at Rhythm Snowsports, where the helpful staff were great with all the children’s needs.
❄️ LEARN MORE: Why Thredbo is perfect for your first family ski trip
A winter wonderland at the Denman Hotel in Thredbo
After what seemed like an age on the road, arriving at The Denman Hotel in the late afternoon was a welcome relief. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Thredbo Village, only 200 metres from the ski lifts, the hotel boasts breathtaking mountain views.
Thredbo ski resort looked picture perfect as the sun was setting. Once settled in to our two-room suite (giving us some privacy from the kids) we were all keen to stretch our legs, literally, so geared up and headed towards the snow.
OAWK Tip: The Denman Hotel has multiple room types on offer. Our top pick for travelling with kids is the Family Room — featuring a double bed for parents, plus three single beds in an adjoining room.
Pizza and snow play for the kids
Everyone was so thrilled to see, touch and play with the snow. Lucca had a fast lesson in why you must always wear gloves when picking up snow!
We watched darkness fall over the village from the slopes —with twinkling lights and white cover of snow, it was like being in a fairytale land.
After sunset we headed to Thredbo’s local pizza joint, Alpine Pizzeria, for a fast and easy feast for all our tastebuds. Then it was just a five-minute walk back to the hotel.
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From teens to toddlers, everyone loved Thredbo's ski school
The next day we awoke to a breathtakingly beautiful morning filled with snowflakes. The children ran outside in their PJs and danced in the snow!
After fuelling up with a fantastic hot continental buffet breakfast at the hotel, it was on to Fridays Flat, Thredbo’s fantastic beginner area.
We dropped Lucca off at Thredboland, the resort’s ski program for three- to six-year-olds, while the girls joined us on the snow for the morning and lunch, before heading off for their two-hour lesson.
This gave us parents time to ski the mountain at our pace and visit Eagles Nest, Australia’s highest restaurant, for a Glühwein — a mulled wine drink popular at European ski resorts.
OAWK Tip: The Denman’s continental breakfast runs from 7.30 to 9 am during winter.
Apres-ski dining at The Terrace Restaurant
At 3pm we picked up Lucca and had a play in the snow before the girls came back raving about their handsome instructor and how much they had learned!
After a fantastic day on the snow, we were looking forward to steaming hot showers and dinner at hotel’s Terrace Restaurant after a quick drink at the famous Apres Bar.
Friendly staff helped us select our food quickly so as to get the children fed and there was lots of choice for everyone. The kids especially enjoyed the chocolate mousse!
OAWK TIP: The Denman Hotel is home to the Terrace Restaurant (open 6pm till late). It offers a kids’ menu as well as gluten-free, dairy-free and veggie options. Dinner bookings are recommended. Parents will also love the classic Apres Bar and new addition, the Library Bar.
Toddler Lucca finds his 'ski legs' thanks to Thredbo's instructors
Another day, and more amazing snow! The thrill of the day was coming down the mountain to Fridays Flat and seeing Lucca skiing down, arms out and making the most beautiful “piece of pie” (that’s kids speak for snow plough).
Just two days of ski lessons with Thredboland and he could balance and control his skis — well, almost.
After dinner and a stroll back to the Denman we enjoyed a relaxing evening watching movies, with the prince tucked away in the other room dreaming of snow and snowball fights.
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On our last day of skiing we squashed in as many runs as we could and enjoyed some more skiing time with Lucca. All that guilt of leaving him with ski instructors was worth it – the Prince could now stop on his own!
That night Georgia-May babysat while mum and dad went out for some serious après ski action and good old fashioned pub grub.
The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to the snow, exhausted but exhilarated. This winter getaway with the kids was just what the ‘family’ doctor ordered!
What to know about The Denman Hotel, Thredbo
Getting there
The Denman is located in Thredbo Village in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s about two hours by car from Canberra, under six hours from Sydney and about seven hours from Melbourne. See maps and directions here
Thredbo Village is typically accessible with a 2WD vehicle, but all 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains during the winter ski season. It’s easy to hire them at ski rental stores and garages in nearby towns like Cooma, Jindabyne and Berridale.
Accessibility
The Denman is located in a heritage building and rooms are only accessible via stairs. While the hotel’s staff can assist with luggage, it isn’t an accessible stay for wheelchair users or people with impaired mobility.
Childcare
While The Denman doesn’t offer in-house babysitting, the staff can help arrange a booking with a local babysitter – like Billy Button Babysitting or Kozzi Kids – to give parents some time off.
Amenities
- WiFi: The Denman offers free WiFi for guest use throughout the hotel
- Laundry: A coin-operated washer and dryer are available for guest use. Pick up laundry powder at nearby retail stores or at reception.
- Kitchen: Rooms have a small bar fridge, plus tea and coffee-making facilities.
- Ski gear storage: All guests have access to the Ski Equipment Room to store skis, snowboards and miscellaneous gear
About the author
Alyssa-Jane Cook is an Australian TV presenter, actress and media personality. Best known for her roles on E Street, Above the Law and Home and Away, Alyssa currently lives in Sydney with her husband and three children.
Article first published in Out & About with Kids magazine in June 2011. Updated July 2025 by Dan Campbell.
More inspiration for the winter school holidays
🧣 COSY THREDBO STAYS: A family getaway to Thredbo Alpine Hotel
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Start planning your own ‘winter wonderland’ trip! ☃️ Our ultimate guide to the Snowy Mountains with kids has it all, including the best NSW ski resorts and family accommodation in the Snowies.
