The gear you can’t hire and you can’t go without is gloves, goggles and socks.

• If you have a friend with a Perisher pass you can get a mates pass,but you have to book this in advance. Get them to go onto theirdashboard and send you an invite for a cheaper ticket.
  

•  Leave early, get up there and enjoy the whole day, you’ll see thedifference in the snow from morning to afternoon. And if you get toPerisher before 10:30 head straight to Mid Station and grab a hotchoccie for $2.50.
  

• Keep your ski/snowboard boots in the front of your car, near your feetunder the foot heater if possible.

• At Thredbo there are tissues in the lift lines. So handy, chuck a fewin your pockets.

• Get snow chains. Chains for your car are often not necessary but it isillegal not to take them if you aren’t driving a 4WD. It is anunnecessary risk to take. Chains are $30 to hire for a day, $35 for 2days… it is a cost that really isn’t avoidable.

• Book your hire in advance. The earlier you book the bigger discountyou’ll get. Same with your accommodation. If you can't afford theaccommodation on the mountains consider Jindabyne or Cooma.

• Dry everything, make extra effort to ensure your ski equipment andclothes are dry for the next day. You may be tired by the end of theday, but hang up your gear then relax.

• Pack lots of snacks. There is plenty of time on the chairlift to breakout a snickers, anything that can fit in your pockets. But also, packsnacks and drinks for the drive.
  

• Slip, slop, slap. You need to protect your skin from the sun itself butwhen the sun is reflecting off the snow it becomes even stronger.

• Pop some anti-freeze into your windscreen liquid and in the radiator.- Fill your car up locally. The local petrol stations, from Coomaonwards, will have alpine diesel.

• Get yourself some thermals! They keep you toastyand when the weather warms up they are far better than a cotton top.Thermals start from $39.99 for the 360 Polypro thermal but if you can stretch your budget the Le Bent thermals are a Merino, Bamboo blend and are incredible. They are $99.99 but worth every cent. The Mons Royale thermals start from $99.99 too and are also so amazing. They are colourful and warm, they can just be worn as a normal top.

Lastly, have a killer day. Laugh when you fall over and enjoy having achat on the chairlift. Take in the views and remember that nowhere elsein the world with snow gums!