The Denman Hotel

21 Diggings Terrace,

Thredbo Village, NSW

Phone: (02) 6457 6222

Web: thedenman.com.au

Built in the 1960s and recently remodelled by owners Ed and Judy Denny, the 36- room Denman Hotel is all you'd expect a cosy mountain boutique retreat to be.

An abundance of natural materials has been used, and warm, generous bursts of colour are everywhere – on walls, armchairs and in the chic Après Bar. Chef Karen Forsstrom, formerly of Sydney restaurant Kingsleys, serves fine food at the Terrace Restaurant, which offers views across the valley to Mount Kosciuszko and the Crackenback trail.

The top attraction at this time of year is, of course, the snow, with Thredbo offering slopes suitable for skiers of all levels (see thredbo.com.au for more on activities in the area).

Cost: winter rates, including continental breakfast, start from $316 a night for a double room with view (two night minimum stay).

Distance: 500km (6 hours' drive) south-west of Sydney. In winter, Aeropelican Air Services flies to Cooma and an airport shuttle connects with Thredbo.

- Good Weekend