Why this new 'glamtainer' is the best value snow stay option yet

Past the NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park's people in caravans, tents and even cold little swags, you will find two new glamtainers - basically big shipping containers converted into chic accommodation. Open the door to yours and feel instant relief - two big air conditioners and a little fireplace keep the place warm, even as wild winds rage outside. In fact the whole setup is not as basic as "converted shipping containers" sounds. It even has a spacious verandah with a barbecue and views of the Jindabyne Lake and snow-capped mountains beyond.

Melbourne-based builders Glam eXperiences have done a good job transforming shipping containers into a light, modern and cosy family space. It's pretty compact for four of us, but with wise use of space, so it's an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers wanting to hit the slopes or, in summer, hike or ride the mountains. At $400-$450 per night for the four of us in peak ski season, it was one of the cheapest options we could find online.

A nearby two-bedroom hotel apartment fitting four was more than double that.

Also read: Found! The one place you can combine on-snow and fine dining

On one-and-a-half sides of the glamtainers, there are floor to ceiling windows, so it doesn't feel cramped.

There are rooms within - a nice bathroom and a small second bedroom - and a combined kitchenette/lounge with sink, microwave and small fridge on one side; lounge, dining table and TV on the other, and a queen bed off to the side.

There's no drying room - you'll have to head to reception for that; on the way, you will also find a games room, woodfired pizza oven and camp kitchen.

You could make new friends by the communal campfire, but Jindabyne's dining scene is a short stroll away and should be experienced.

Especially the excellent La Famiglia, featuring delicious and fresh food, from Mamma's lasagne to traditional pizzas. Best to book in advance though - super-friendly owner Valerio squeezed us in on a busy Friday night and we felt so lucky he did!

If you do miss out, there are dozens of other options: a Persian cafe; swanky Japanese; Mexican with yummy margaritas.

Of course, the main action is an easy half-hour commute to Thredbo: you can park right at the bottom of the mountain, just purchase a $29 a day National Parks pass on your way in.

Budget-conscious travellers should book their lift tickets online and try to ski midweek.

And take snacks! On-mountain food is expensive and substandard - save it for a nice dinner out.

Book a Discovery Tour at Thredbo - this three-hour guided tour costs just $35 a person and gives you access to express queues and all the secret stuff: the most plentiful snow, tips such as the best spot for a coffee and an interesting history of the resort.

The writer was a guest of NRMA Holiday Park Jindabyne, 6 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW. From $350 per night peak season; low season from $165 per night. Rates are cheaper for NRMA members.