Victorian skiers, snowboarders to cop some of the highest lift ticket prices in the world this snow season

Victorian skiers and snowboarders will be slugged with some of the highest lift ticket prices in the world this snow season. See the prices and how they compare to big-name resorts overseas.

Victorian lift ticket prices are more expensive than some big-name resorts in New Zealand, Japan and Canada.

Victorian skiers and snowboarders will be slugged with some of the highest lift ticket prices in the world this snow season, even when compared to big-name resorts in New Zealand, Japan and Canada.

Snow-goers at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller have had plenty to celebrate since the season opened over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with the state experiencing well “above average” snow depths.

In Hotham alone, pictures posted to their social media showed revellers in knee-deep snow in the village following a 51cm dump.

But it may come as a surprise to skiers and snowboarders just how expensive it is to get their hands on lift tickets this season, with prices $300 more expensive than some overseas resorts.

The Herald Sun collated and compared the price of lift tickets for one day and seven days at Victorian resorts to popular resorts overseas frequented by Aussies.

Lift ticket prices in Victoria are more expensive this season than some overseas resorts. Picture: Falls Creek.

Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are some of the most expensive tickets in the state, with a seven-day lift pass costing hundreds more than in NZ, Japan or Canada.

At Falls Creek and Hotham – about a four and a half-hour drive out of Melbourne – a lift ticket for one day, purchased on the day, will cost $243 during the peak season months of July and August.

A seven day lift ticket will set you back as much as $1,528 at both resorts, unless you book online, where you can find discounts up to 30 per cent.

In comparison, popular New Zealand resorts Cardrona and The Remarkables – which is also enjoying a good start to the season – are offering significantly lower prices.

A seven-day lift ticket at both Cardrona and The Remarkables will cost about AU$780 for adults and just over AU$160 for one day.

Looking ahead to the snow seasons in Japan and Canada, which is set to start in December this year, listed prices were much cheaper than Victorian resorts yet again.

Cardrona and The Remarkables outside of Queenstown in New Zealand. Photo: iStock.

On the Japanese main island of Honshu, about three hours 40 minutes from Tokyo, Hakuba attracts thousands of Aussie skiers and snowboarders each year.

Prices there for a seven-day lift ticket are set at AU$696 and $104 for a one-day ticket.

At the equally popular Niseko resort on the northern island of Hokkaido, prices are more expensive, with seven days costing AU$866 – still $209 cheaper than the discounted prices at Falls Creek and Hotham.

In Canada, prices are closer to that of the Victorian resorts, with a seven-day lift ticket at Whistler Blackcomb costing AU$1006.

There are cheaper options to be found in Victoria however, with Mt Buller offering $737 for a seven-day lift ticket and between $126 and $210 for a one-day ticket from June through to August.

Prices are even more competitive at Mt Baw Baw in the state’s east, where tickets cost just $89 a day.

Victorian prices rival that of the comparatively bigger Whistler Blackcomb resort in Canada.

Niseko in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.

Snow Resorts Australia Chairman and Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry said it was important to consider that ticket prices in Victoria were affected by additional state government charges not generally seen in international markets.

“Gate entry is one with cars being charged $67 a day for resort entry, mandatory chains and bus charges are extra others that you don’t see overseas,” Mr Landry said.

He also referenced the pressure of the 7.5 per cent Airbnb tax affecting accommodation and the lack of statewide public transport subsidies for Victorian ski resorts as extenuating factors.

According to Mr Landry, it is estimated the Victorian ski season has a $21.b economic impact, forecasting over 1.4m people will ski, ride or toboggan at resorts around the state this season.

While Victorian resorts do incur expensive lift tickets, they are cheaper than those at Thredbo and Perisher in New South Wales.

A seven-day ticket will cost between $1,142 and $1,211 in Thredbo and over $1,440 in Perisher.

Victorian skiers and snowboarders will be slugged with some of the highest lift ticket prices in the world this snow season. Picture: Visit Victoria

According to figures from the Australian Ski Areas Association, close to 1.686m people visited snowfields around the country last year.

Visitation has steadily declined following a Covid-19 bounce back year in 2022, which saw approximately 2.594m people hit the slopes.

But this season will prove pivotal for ski resorts across the country, none more than those in Victoria, who are banking on a snowy few weeks ahead.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said Victoria had enjoyed well “above average” snow depths to start the season, adding the alpine region would likely receive below average rainfall heading into next month.

The Bureau said forecasting snowfall more than a week in advance was “difficult” and affirmed that there was no link between early snowfall and the amount of snow or length of the snow season.