5 Snow Road Trip Tips

words by niall roeder

Wax your boards and skis, shake off the thermals and submit your annual leave to Karen in Payroll – the snow season is now and the white stuff is falling. Once you’ve organised gear, dates and lift passes, the only thing left is to designate a driver and prepare for the voyage to the snowfields.

We look at the 5 things you must consider when planning your snow road trip.

Spotify Playlists
Despite the fact you love each others company, you’re going to need tunes to get through the journey – music keeps you awake and excites the crew.

You’ll probably have your own playlists, but if not we recommend 90’s R&B, 90’s Rock, 70’s Hits or the only Hip Hop playlist you’ll ever need. Classics and sing-a-longs always go down a treat because everyone can get involved.

Make sure you download the following Spotify playlists to your phone when on Wi-Fi, that way you won’t leave yourself data-less and unable to post a ceremonial rub-it-in-everyone’s-face chairlift photo.

Podcasts
You’re going to need to break from all the singing off-key and rapping incorrect lyrics at some stage – and when that time comes (if you don’t feel like chatting), a podcast is an entertaining and informative option.

We recommend listening to the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, preferably an episode with the hilarious THC-induced, Joey Diaz; the mind-blowing astrophysicist, Neil DeGrasse Tyson; or the encyclopaedic biochemist, Dr Rhonda Patrick.

For an addictive real-life murder mystery, check out Serial season 1 or 2, and for some curious trivia chat, tune into Dr Karl’s podcast.

Snacks
Some claim that sustenance is needed, but we all know the truth is when travelling we unashamedly graze with the tenacity of three plump heifers, i.e. we eat even though we’re not hungry.

Trail mix, coconut water and avocado on corn thins are great snacks for the health-inclined. For the pigs out there; Mars Bar Pods, Natural Confectionary snakes and Kettle Chilli Chips are the go-to munchies.

Damn Good Coffee
Located in the middle of Canberra, The Cupping Room is cafe owned by Sasa Sectic – the ex-Australian Olympian who won the 2015 World Barista Championship in Seattle – so you know his brew is going to be top notch.

If you’re driving down to the snow, The Cupping Room is a prime spot to stop and caffeinate with what might be the best espresso you’ve ever sipped.

Sleepover

If you really want to break up the trip, staying the night in Canberra is a wise and relaxing option – a place where the beds are comfy, the steaks are mean and the bar flows like Niagara Falls. The Ski Stop Over package will get you a night at QT Canberra, overnight parking and breakfast packs for the following morning.