Yes, you can ski in Tasmania
It’s not the first place you’d consider hitting the slopes, but with a revamped ski field and all the hospitality trimmings, is it time to book a Tasmanian skiing holiday?
Australia’s ski fields have had a slow start to the season, but with Thredbo and Perisher celebrating fresh dumps of snow this week, things are starting to look up. Further south, Tasmania’s Ben Lomond Ski Resort is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of the white stuff for this year’s ski season. The ski field, which was bought by Stewart Hosken and Ben Mock in 2021, has been kitted out with four high-powered snow machines as part of its revamp, which will be on show for the first time this winter.
While the snow capped landscapes of France, Switzerland and Austria may come to mind first, you may not have known that Tasmania hosts its own ski scene. Known for its majestic mountain, lake and coastal scenery, and for the world’s cleanest air, could Tasmania be a new option for Aussies looking for a family skiing holiday?
Home to Mount Ossa, Tasmania offers two key ski locations for skiers of all levels accompanied by pristine views. If you’re looking for an opulent ski experience filled with local food favourites and luxurious stays, then Ben Lomond is the ski resort for you. You can expect to wake up in bed overlooking rivers or gardens before skiing on the blankets of snow at Ben Lomond and ending the day at an upscale restaurant serving fresh local produce and wines.
For skiers who wish to opt for a more natural and communal ski experience in one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, then look no further than Mount Mawson. At a winter getaway in Mount Mawson, you’ll see yourself enjoying a morning coffee overlooking the slopes from your ski lodge before enjoying steep ski runs at some of the most affordable prices.
Tasmania may not have been on your mind until now, so here, we break down everything you need to know about the Tassie slopes.
Where to ski
Tasmania has two distinct and breathtaking ski spots to boast — Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson.
Located in Northern Tasmania, the Ben Lomond National Park area covers approximately 16,527 hectares including Tasmania’s second highest mountain. The Ben Lomond Alpine Resort provides 30 hectares of ski runs, perfect for skiing, snowboarding and even cross-country skiing. The Alpine Village at the foot of the ski slopes offers all the amenities you need from food to ski lessons and equipment hire. While the slopes are not as steep as some of other resorts, with minimal crowds and unique scenery makes Ben Lomond an unforgettable experience.
Found in the Southern Tasmanian Mount Field National Park, Mount Mawson hosts a smaller yet stunning ski experience. Featuring one of Australia’s steepest ski runs, Mount Mawson stands at an altitude of 1,250m, with the area regularly receiving reasonably consistent snow cover. Community is at the heart of Mount Mawson with its ski resort fully serviced by volunteers, catering to all levels from beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders. Find yourself on the ski lifts enjoying absorbing the spectacular views of the Tasmanian wilderness during a full day of skiing for only $45.
For avid cross-country and back-country skiers, Cradle Mountain opens its slope when conditions permit. Located in Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area, Cradle Mountain is revered for its impressive scenic terrain featuring deep river gorges, snow capped mountains and glacial lakes.
When to visit
Tasmania typically sees cooler temperatures year round compared to its Australian counterpart states and territories providing an optimal winter season for a memorable ski experience. Tasmania’s ski season generally runs from the months of June to October though for optimal ski experiences, mid June to late September is ideal.
Stay
Both Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson host a variety of unique accommodation options. If accessibility and convenience is your goal, then look no further than the local ski lodges and mountain hubs located in Ben Lomond’s Ski Village. The Rovers Retreat Ski Lodge at the Tasmanian Rover Ski Club and The Lodge at the Northern Tasmania Alpine Club offer comfortable accommodation and communal facilities with the snowy slopes at your doorstep.
For a luxurious hotel stay, consider the vast array of luxury offerings in Launceston, located 50 minutes from the top of Ben Lomond. The Hotel Grand Chancellor, Mercure Launceston and Hotel Verge are popular stays surrounded by notable local attractions including the City Park, Tasmanian Design Centre and the Queen Victoria Museum. The Peppers Silo Hotel and Peppers Seaport Hotel boast its river and marina views, heritage reformed buildings and in-house restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Quamby Home Luxury Accommodation offers luxurious farm stay experiences in a newly renovated 1870s building situated on acres of English gardens and farmland. Staying at Launceston strikes the perfect balance between luxury, local culture and access to the slopes.
At Mount Mawson, serenity of nature becomes the centrepiece, with accommodation options ranging from Government Huts and camping grounds at Mount Field National Park. Nestled among snow gums, the Mount Field National Park Government Huts houses six visitors each and provide basic communal amenities for a comfortable stay. Affordable and accessible, staying at Mount Mawson will see you waking up to crisp clean air while casually cooking your meals in front of a panoramic view of alpine moorland. Quiet and calm is unmatched at Mount Mawson.
Eat
Apart from its scenic beauty, Tasmania is known for serving its fresh local produce and wine. At Ben Lomond, enjoy the eateries conveniently located in the ski village or get a taste of Tasmania’s proud culinary moments in Launceston. Restaurants in Launceston are all about heritage, views and fresh produce. Stillwater, Novaro’s Restaurant and Rupert & Hound for example, serve local wines and dishes from revamped flour mills, Edwardian homesteads and shipyards perched on the water. The cafes are no different with Bread and Butter serving coffee and flaky pastries made using butter from its onsite butter factory all from a converted motorcycle storehouse. Bars are plentiful to say the least with Tasmania being a world-class producer of wine, gin and whiskey. Perhaps enjoy a glass of wine at Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant or a cocktail at Bar Two.
