As winter descends on Australia, the snowy mountains and the country’s ski fields open to treat their travellers. In this article, you will get an idea about where you can hit the slopes in New South Wales and Victoria. Australia’s skiing experience is one of its kind where you can enjoy the classic Aussie scenery-schussing through snow-laden forests. Despite the country’s relatively modest peaks, the Aussies have set the bars high with respect to the winter sports. The nation has offered world-class competitors in the sports including snowboarder Torah Bright and aerial skier Alisa Camplin, both winter Olympic medalists. Here are the best Ski Resorts in Australia that you should give a shot.
Most of the country’s ski areas are tucked in the Snow-capped mountains of New South Wales and the Victorian Alps. These locations are located in less than a day’s drive from Sydney or Melbourne. Apart from snowboarding and downhill skiing, the resorts usually offer tobogganing, tubing, terrain parks, cross-country trails and much more. They also provide you with night skiing and extensive snowmaking capabilities. Australia has some of the world’s best ski resorts and to know more about them, read on!
Best time to visit
The ski season in Australia begins in the month of June and ends late in September. However, the bumper snowfalls persist until the month of October. The perfect time to experience skiing in Australia is completely dependent on the snowfall. July and August are the recommended and reliable months for approaching the ski resorts in Australia.
Also Read: Hotels in Australia
1. Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Perisher is one of the most popular ski resorts in Australia and it is located comfortably in New South Waves at a six-hour drive from Sydney. It positively fizzes with activity during the peak season. This resort which is currently owned by Vail Resorts boasts to be the largest snow resort operation in the Southern Hemisphere. The Perisher houses four interlinked ski resorts namely Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Perisher. The skiers heading to these resorts can access with one pass.
The high peaks and whopping 3,076 acres of terrain attract the skiers from all parts of the world. The resort covers seven iconic peaks in its terrain. Mt. Perisher and Mt. Piper are two remarkable peaks suitable for both beginners and professionals. Catch the Skitube Alpine Railway, a Swiss-designed train that takes skiers from Bullock Flats, where you can park your car.
Also read: Best time to visit Australia
2. Falls Creek, Alpine National Park, Victoria
Falls Creek is about a five-hour drive from Melbourne. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The lovely walking village, well-designed runs and best snow coverage of all victorian resorts grab attention from tourists all around the globe. Falls Creek also offers amazing cross-country skiing with more than 65 kilometres of trails.
The highpoint of stay, classic alpine ambience and excellent dining and accommodation options makes this place the best pick for skiing.
3. Thredbo Alpine Resort, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
In about a six-hour drive from Sydney, you will reach Thredbo. It offers an amazing European-style village atmosphere and some of the best vertical runs and steeps. The Supertrail here is the Longest in Australia boasting approximately 3.7 kilometres. Thredbo has dedicated terrain for beginners, intermediates and professionals. The resort also offers access to Mt Kosciuszko on the Kosciuszko Express chairlift. Do not miss trying out the trendy shops, restaurants and giant pools.
4. Mt. Hotham, Australian Alps National Park, Victoria
Drive from Melbourne for about 4.5 hours to reach Mt. Hotham which is the best choice in Australia for expert skiers. You will find some of the steepest runs and the highest proportion of black runs. The most spectacular feature of Mt. Hotham is that it scores more natural snow than most of the other Victorian resorts. However, the terrain filled with tree glades and chutes is not recommended for beginners due to the difficulty level. The village is gifted with high altitude that offers beautiful views of the charming alpine peaks. Dog sledge rides, day spas, snowmobiling and tobogganing activities offered by Mt. Hotham are ideal for Non-skiers.
5. Charlotte Pass, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Tucked at a height of 1,765 meters, Charlotte Pass is the highest and oldest ski resort in Australia. It is situated at a distance of 8 kilometres from Perisher. Draped by snow during the winter months, one can access the resort only via snowcat from Perisher Valley. Apart from large terrains for beginners and intermediates, the place also offers a splendid view of Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. This age-old resort also offers ski-in and ski-out access when conditions favour.
6. Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Baw Baw National Park in Victoria
Mt. Baw Baw is the closest skiing resort to Melbourne. Located only at a distance of 120 kilometres from Melbourne, the resort offers some of the best skiing in Australia for beginners and intermediates. The Gentle slopes prepped by gum trees and snow play areas makes the resort favourite for families. There’s a dedicated space for trained skiers and freestyles.
7. Selwyn Snow Resort, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Selwyn Snow Resort is an authentic family-owned and operated property. It is a two-hour drive from Canberra and stands as the best option for beginners as it has gentle slopes. If it is your first-time snow experience, head to Selwyn Snow Resort without second thoughts. Do not miss experiencing the tubing and toboggan runs, freestyling on the mini-terrain park. You can rent equipment in a ski shop on-site. There’s also a cafe and a property to stay near the skiing location.
8. Dinner Plain, Victoria
The charming alpine village of Dinner plain is at a distance of 10 Kilometres from Mt. Hotham. If you are on your skiing trip with your family, Dinner plain is the best option to choose. The resort offers a small 175-meter downhill ski slope that is apt for kids and beginners. There’s also an exclusive kids park to keep the children engaged. This rustic town with incomparable elegance lies outside the national park. So you are free from paying a parking fee at this place. You can either drive your way or catch a shuttle to reach the Dinner Plain. The accommodations in this quaint village are mostly apartments, houses and chalets that offer you with peace and privacy.
9. Ben Lomond Ski Field Area, Ben Lomond National Park, Tasmania
Head to the Ben Lomond Ski Field Area which is about an hour and a half by car from Launceston. It is the only ski area in Tasmania accessible by car. If you are a beginner or intermediate level skier, this is the best pick as it has seven lifts with which you can escape the long lift lines.
In order to access the resort sitting at 1.453 metres, visitors must traverse through switchback-riddled Jacob’s Ladders and a serpentine two-lane road. But It is always said that we get the best view only after the hardest climb. The spectacular views will be worth it for sure. Tourists can also catch a shuttle from the parks and wildlife services registration booth. Kids can enjoy the sheltered toboggan run and snow play areas here.
Buckle up your shoes, peak the cliffs and kick some wax. With the best set of ski resorts in Australia, you will definitely have an enjoyable winter season. Its time to rise and glide for the mountains are ready to dance with you. Head tot he Pickyoutrail and start planning your trip to Australia right away with the help of our Australia Tour Packages. See you on the slopes!
