Avalanche of offers to keep skiers Down Under

AUSTRALIA'S major ski resorts are dropping the price of multi-day packages and introducing more flexible pricing this year to attract skiers.

Skiing Falls Creek

AUSTRALIA'S major ski resorts are dropping the price of multi-day packages and introducing more flexible pricing this year in a bid to encourage holidaymakers to stay longer and shun New Zealand.

While most resorts have increased the price of day tickets this year, the cost of some multi-day passes has actually fallen.

Falls Creek in Victoria has three passes which are cheaper than they were in 2011, including a five-day lift ticket which cost $482 last winter that will be $424 this season.

A two-day weekend lift ticket has also been reduced from $212 to $185.

"Our value priced packages have paid off with bookings above year to date figures, which is a positive outcome for Falls Creek,'' a resort spokeswoman said.

"We believe there's every reason to ski here at home and this seems to be ringing true.

"There's a real positive vibe for this season and we've already had some snowfalls, with more forecast for Monday.''

Perisher in NSW is offering a five-day lift ticket that can be used over seven days for the first time.

It has also introduced free afternoon lift access on the day before all multi-day passes of three days or more and has introduced midweek multi-day passes during July and August.

Perisher has divided pricing into six travel periods throughout the season and is selling some passes cheaper if you buy online.

"This allows guests to compare seasonal prices, bundle and pre-commit from the comfort of their home and save depending on various travel dates,'' a spokeswoman said.

Buller in Victoria has a fourth day free deal, with a package at the Mt Buller Chalet Hotel & Suites including breakfast and lift passes costing $743, down from $1060.

A spokesman for family-friendly resort Selwyn in NSW said it has reduced the price of all its packages this season and is offering discounted packages during peak season for people who arrive mid week.

They include a five day ski package peak season for a family of four from $1918, including accommodation, lift passes and equipment hire.

Perisher is the most expensive Australian resort for day passes at $112 over the counter, followed by Thredbo at $110, Mt Buller at $108 and Falls Creek and Hotham at $106.

In comparison, the major ski areas in New Zealand South Island charge $NZ95 (around $AUD 78).

Eight of New Zealand's independent ski fields, including Cardrona and Treble Cone, have also joined forces to offer an interchangeable pass called OnePassNZ.

It can also be used at some of NZ's most popular attractions, such as the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing and Skyline Gondola in Queenstown.

Australian ski resort prices from 2011 to 2012 (peak season)

NSW

Perisher + $3 to $112 over the counter ($109 online)
Thredbo + $3 to $110
Selwyn + $4 to $82
Charlotte Pass + $2 to $95

Victoria

Falls Creek = $106
Mt Buller + $4 to $108
Hotham = $106
Mt Baw Baw + $3 to $72 on weekends, + $2 to $67 mid-week