Our First Snow Trip: That Time We Went to the Snow (And Everything Went Slightly Sideways)

A not so happy son on his first sled ride in puddle-proof pants over layers of leggings.

We’d planned it. A day of snowy magic, sledding, and memory-making with the kids. The idea was to head to Mount Donna Buang for our first-ever family snow trip—but when we got there, it was closed.

Undeterred, we rerouted to Lake Mountain Ski Resort via the Black Spur—one of the most winding mountain roads around. Beautiful? Yes. Carsick child before arrival? Also yes.

When we finally reached the resort, we joined the long line of hopeful families waiting to pay entry. An hour later, we made it to the car park and began the great transformation: kids changed into makeshift snow outfits in the back seat, layering thermal tops with school jumpers and borrowing gear from every friend we could. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was resourceful.

With everyone geared up and rosy-cheeked, we hit the snow. Two sled rides later, the kids were “cold, wet and done.”

In a last-ditch effort to keep the day alive, I handed out hot chocolates like a woman clinging to a dream. “We’re not going home, we’re going to have fun!” I said—half for them, half for myself.

We lasted another 30 minutes before heading back to the car, where the combination of exhaustion and more chocolate milk led to (you guessed it) more car sickness.

It was short. It was expensive. It was chaos. And yet, we’ll never forget it.

What would’ve made it easier? Access to proper snow gear—without the last-minute scramble, cost or waste.

That’s why Mums of the Hills offers free snow gear hire for kids (and some limited sizing for adults too). Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, we want to help make your trip easier, more affordable, and just a little bit warmer.

Because the snow might be cold, but the memories don’t have to be.