The Mountain’s Only Half the Story

Why the smartest turnoff from the Snowy Mountains leads straight to NewActon.

Somewhere on the Monaro Highway, with aching legs and a boot full of wet ski gear, the same question shows up every single year: why don’t we just stay?

The alpine day trip remains one of Australia’s favourite self-inflicted traditions, spanning pre-dawn alarms, two hours behind the wheel, six hours carving up Perisher, and a very quiet, exhausted drive back.

Perisher delivers cold air, world-class snow, and high energy. But when the boots finally come off, the best part of the journey begins: a hearty post-ski meal, a proper wine list, and the luxury of having nowhere else to be. That’s where Canberra steps in. Sitting right between the mountain and home, the city turns a gruelling commute into a proper winter escape.

A great day on the slopes deserves to linger—transitioning seamlessly from fresh powder to a neighbourhood sanctuary built around exceptional design, great dining, and a blissfully slow morning.

At Ovolo Canberra in NewActon, we sit right where the capital’s creative scene comes alive. Design-led, full of personality, and packed with rock-and-roll soul, our hotel acts as your ultimate winter pitstop. Unpack the gear, sink into a plush bed, and let our dining and bar spaces take care of post-slope recovery.

So book the snow, take the long way home, and let Canberra do the rest.