7 best places to ski and snowboard in Australia
It's that time of year again, so dust off the gear and prepare for the powder.
Looking for the best places to ski in Australia? You're in the right place.
Here we've curated the best ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria to make it easy for you to choose the best one for you, whether you are looking for a family friendly holiday or a full blown shred fest.
Best ski resorts in Australia
Thredbo, NSW
Billed as Australia’s premier alpine resort it has five of the longest runs in the country and the largest village at the base of the slopes with over 30 cafes and restaurants and accommodation for more than 4000 guests. Over two-thirds of the runs cater to intermediate skiers but there are also enough black runs to challenge the experts and generations of Australians have found their feet on Friday Flat.
We can’t wait to try: the Thredbo Alpine Coaster - the first in the Southern Hemisphere.
Perisher, NSW
Four resort areas – Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega – combine to offer Australia’s largest skiable terrain under one ticket. We’re talking 47 lifts, over 100 trails and more than 3000 acres to explore. Restaurants and accommodation are more spread out than Thredbo, but Perisher has the best value multi-destination ticket. From beginners to advanced skiers, there's something for everyone here. Oh and if the on-mountain accommodation is full, check out the cheaper accommodation in Jindabyne or even Cooma to save some dollars.
We can’t wait to try: this year’s new six-person chairlift, which will see Perisher reclaim the title of having the highest lifted point in Australia. We're also more than happy to explore all five terrain parks - more than any other alpine resort in the country (including one under lights).
Charlotte Pass, NSW
Charlotte Pass in New South Wales is both Australia’s highest resort at 1765m and one of the smallest. If you’re after something that’s family friendly, laid back and uncrowded this is for you. Bear in mind though, that while its altitude delivers consistent powder there are just 19 runs. There is a Freestyle Terrain Park and play park for little visitors. Stay at the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel and there is a complimentary kids club.
We can’t wait to try: The Mount Stillwell Snow Experience for sunrise and carving the first tracks of the day down the mountain.
Falls Creek, Vic
One of Australia's ski-in ski-out villages, it also features Australia’s longest green run, Wombat’s Ramble (2.2km). It's great for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders with 60 per cent of runs rated blue. Although it is our pick for the most romantic ski resort in Australia, there are also lots of family friendly diversions such as tobogganing, the Snonuts Donuts viewing platform and cross country trails. The apres is tops too with 27 bars and restaurants - the Chophouse for North American faves.
What’s can’t wait to try: the major redevelopment at the Cloud 9 Restaurant at the top of Halley’s Comet chairlift with a beautiful new semi-enclosed area overlooking Spion Kopje to enjoy coffee or lunch while admiring the views.
Mt Hotham, VIC
Come for the on-mountain accommodation, stay for the runs with 40 per cent graded at intermediate and 40 per cent graded at advanced (making it great for advanced skiers). There are 13 lifts and crucially, an airport 20 kilometres away if you want to do the jetset thing. There’s also night skiing at Mt Hotham on Wednesdays and Saturdays and 38 hectares of snow making if the real stuff is sparse.
We can’t wait to try: the Big D ski area that has become a dedicated progression focused freestyle and terrain park to include a huge variety of jump and rail lines, a permanent mogul course and a mini boarder x course.
Mt Buller, VIC
Convenience is a big drawcard here as Buller is just a three hour drive from Melbourne. But that also means crowds. Which the resort is amply equipped to deal with: 19 lifts (the largest network in Victoria), three terrain parks, two toboggan parks (with snow guns) and more than 7000 on-mountain beds. There’s always something a bit spesh about ski-in, ski-out accommodation and what’s not to love about Australia’s highest day spa, The High Alpine Spa retreat? Perfect for dealing with those muscles you haven’t used since last season. Photography: Andrew Railton
We can’t to try: the pressed pork croqueta, 14hr braised Ottways pork, dijon aioli, charred pearl onions, sauce gribiche at The Villager.
Selwyn, NSW
The cheapest resort and ideal for families and beginners. Progressive terrain makes it easier for first-timers to learn and improve but there is no accommodation on-mountain at this new south wales resort.
We can’t wait to try: simply experiencing the mountain again. It reopened last year after a devastating bushfire.
FAQs
When is the Australian snow season?
This year's snow season is scheduled to start on June 9. It can last up until September depending on snow falls.
How much are lift tickets?
Day passes at Thredbo start at $154 and a day pass at Hotham is $177 if bought online. The best value is buying a season pass or an Epic or Ikon pass.
See also: 6 ways to save at the snow in Australia
Do you need snow chains in Australia?
Unless you're travelling in a four wheel drive, err on the side of caution and hire a set. Many servos and ski hire stores on the way to your resort will rent them to you. And if conditions demand them or rangers insist you don't have to schlepp back down the mountain to retrieve some.
Is Perisher or Thredbo better?
If you're after a bigger ski area, Perisher is the pick (and slightly cheaper). If you're after something more intimate, Thredbo is for you.
Which Australian ski resort has the best après and bars?
Falls Creek and Thredbo have good après scenes, as does Mt Buller and Mt Hotham.
See also:
5 tips to save on a snow holiday this winter
5 tips for taking kids to the snow for the first time
When is the best time to ski in Australia?
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Originally published as 7 best places to ski and snowboard in Australia
