Australia may be a nation of beach lovers, but in the winter months we don't mind a slide down the slopes, either, spending almost $2 billion in the process.
For most of Australia, though, getting to the alpine regions is a challenge that mostly involves many hours in a car.
Whether you're heading north or south, there are ways to make the trip easier.
Bigger, more luxurious cars typically make for a more comfortable drive, especially if there are lots of you along for the trip.
But there are many features that can make it all the more enjoyable.
Heated seats
It's an obvious one but something that makes a big difference if you're trying to increase your core body temperature.
Seat heaters have elements in the base that quickly make for an all-round warm experience.
Many luxury cars have seat heaters in the front, although not all extend up the back of the seat.
Some of the larger ones – and even most Jeep Grand Cherokees – include heated rear seats to keep all the family cosy.
Heated steering wheel (and armrests)
Not much use in sunny Queensland, but the heated steering wheel – surely the ultimate mid-winter indulgence? – is a ripper in snow country.
Flick it on and suddenly the tiller oozes a toasty warmness that makes you want to keep both hands on the wheel.
It's available on plenty of cars, including Mercedes-Benzes and Porsches and the Grand Cherokee.
If you're buying something like a Mercedes E- or S-Class you can even option heated armrests front and rear.
Multi-zone air-conditioning
The left side of the car doesn't always agree with the right when it comes to the ideal temperature, which is where multi-zone climate systems come into play.
Most luxury cars now have at least a dual-zone system, while many – such as the Audi A4 and Porsche Macan – have a tri-zone system, allowing those in the dial up their own micro-climate.
At the top end – including most Range Rovers - quad-zone systems are common.
Rear seat entertainment
Keeping those in the back entertained can make the difference between an easy or challenging drive.
TV screens are priceless, even better when there's one on either side. Just make sure the wireless headphones have enough battery charge – and that you bring enough material to keep everyone content.
Jaguar and Land Rover go one further with a clever dual-view screen in the front, which allows the front passenger to watch a movie without distracting the driver.
Heated windscreens
Keeping windows fog free can be a challenge in the alps, especially when snow is falling.
Most cars blast the dry air-conditioning air directly on to the windscreen, but the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Jaguar XJ have fine heating elements built into the windscreen, making for better demisting.
Heated exterior mirrors
When leaving the ski fields you also need to know what's going on behind, which is where the trusty heated exterior mirror comes into play. They're common fare on luxury cars.
All-wheel drive
Having a system that sends drive to the front and rear wheels means you'll almost never have to fit snow chains.
And in the NSW snowfields you won't even have to carry snow chains, unless you feel you may need them (in Victoria, though, even the most hard core off-roaders need to carry chains, although they almost typically won't need to use them).
Plenty of regular passenger cars come with AWD; from the Volkswagen Golf R and Porsche Panamera to the Mercedes-Benz C43 and E43 to any Audi with Quattro.
Conversely, don't think that because you're driving an SUV it's AWD; most city-friendly SUVs sold these days drive only the front wheels.
Snow driving modes
Many SUVs and some luxury sedans and wagons have a snow mode or "second start" button. Each typically reduces throttle sensitivity and forces the transmission to start in second gear, reducing the chance of wheelspin. Some even tailor the traction control system to snow, making it easier and more comfortable to drive in low-grip conditions.
Pre-heating the cabin
There's nothing worse than stepping into an icy car only to have to wait a few minutes for everything to heat up before you can defrost your fingers.
Some new cars, including the Holden Commodore/Calais, some Range Rovers, Jaguar XJ/F-Pace and BMW 5-Series, can be started remotely, allowing the engine to heat up so the heating is toasty by the time you've unclipped the skis.
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids also have electric heaters, which distribute heat almost instantly.
Many also allow pre-heating of the car, either by pre-programming or, with the likes of the BMW i3, from a dedicated smartphone app.
Top tunes
The latest Mark Levinson systems in various Lexuses are among the best in the business, with incredible clarity, depth and volume.
Or you could opt for the Burmester system in the Porsche Panamera. With 21 speakers pumping out 1455 Watts it makes for a phenomenal sound studio on wheels.
Head and neck warmers
Just because you're heading to the coldest part of Australia don't think a convertible is out of bounds.
Modern convertibles have multi-layer roofs and excellent heating systems, making them almost as comfy as a regular hard-top (some even have fold-down rear seats, so you can even pack your skis).
Even with the roof down, some will pamper in cool conditions.
All Mercedes-Benz convertibles, for example, can be optioned with a system called Airscarf, which feeds warm air out of the head rest. Just the thing to take the ear-freezing sting out of a clear alpine sky.
Audi offers a similar system, albeit with a more straightforward name: Head-level heating.
Most modern convertibles are also pretty good at diverting wind away from heads, especially those in the front seat. And Merc takes it a step further with the Aircap system; it's an additional deflector that looks ridiculous perched on the top of the windscreen but further reduces unwanted in-cabin gales.
Go fuel-free
Electric cars aren't immune to a snow blast, provided you have the range to make it there. That typically means a Tesla, some of which are claimed to travel more than 500km between charges. Keep in mind, though, that more weight and extensive use of heating will reduce that driving range.
Still, there are numerous Tesla "destination" charging stations in the alpine areas, from Dinner Plain and Falls Creek to Crackenback and Perisher. Most are in hotels and many are can only be used if you're staying there, so check before you roll up.