Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its sun, sea and beaches, but it also has a ski season, which typically falls between June and October. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales are considered the Australian Alps due to their regular snowfall and are therefore ideal for skiing. There are 16 ski resorts in Australia, including Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlotte Pass, which are found within the Kosciusko National Park. The largest ski resort in Australia is Perisher, which offers 65 kilometres of slopes and 49 lifts. However, skiing in Australia can be expensive, with high lift pass rates and accommodation costs. Australia's ski resorts provide a unique ski experience, with a bushland backdrop and snow gums—a type of eucalyptus tree found only in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ski resorts | 16 |
| Highest mountain | Mount Kosciusko (2,228 m) |
| Longest run | Thredbo's High Noon, Cruiser and Village Trail (5 km) |
| Largest resort | Perisher |
| Largest vertical drop | Thredbo (672 m) |
| Highest ski resort | Thredbo (2,037 m) |
| Best time to go skiing | July and August |
| Ski season | June to October |
| Ski pass rate | AUD 187.50 |
| National Park Entry fees | AUD 55 per car |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing conditions and terrain
Skiing in Australia takes place in the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. The season usually begins in June, with the first snowfall in the Australian Alps recorded at the end of May. However, due to the climatic conditions, the snow in the mountains melts by the beginning of spring, in October at the latest.
New South Wales has the highest terrain and ski resorts. Thredbo has Australia's longest ski resort run, at 5.9 km, the greatest vertical drop of 672 m, and the highest lifted point in Australia at 2037 m. Perisher, which has the largest ski terrain in Australasia, is also located in New South Wales and boasts some of the best terrain parks in the country. Other high spots in New South Wales include Charlotte Pass at 1990 m and Mount Selwyn at 1614 m.
In Victoria, the highest lifted points are at Mount Hotham at 1845 m, Falls Creek at 1842 m, and Mount Buller at 1805 m. Falls Creek is the largest ski resort in Victoria and is a pedestrian-only ski village. Mount Hotham offers a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, as well as a separate beginners' area. Mount Buller has 80 km of beginner to advanced trails and the largest lift network in Victoria.
When conditions allow, Tasmania also offers cross-country skiers scenic terrain, notably in the UNESCO World Heritage area around Cradle Mountain. Tasmania has 28 mountains above 1,220 m and is subject to at least occasional winter snow.
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Resorts and accommodation
There are 16 ski resorts in Australia, with terrain for all skill levels and plenty of lodging options. Here are some of the best resorts and places to stay:
Thredbo is a popular ski resort in Kosciusko National Park, known for its swanky village with bars and restaurants, as well as ski-in, ski-out restaurants on the mountain. The Alpine Hotel is a cosy accommodation option, offering a comfortable and welcoming stay with a "lodge feel". The rooms are clean and come with all the necessary amenities, and guests can enjoy sitting outside on the terrace and taking in the views. Snowgoose Apartments offer modern, self-contained apartments with mountain and ski field views and free on-site parking.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australia and New Zealand, with 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort offers on-mountain accommodation without the crowds of a ski village, such as the Marritz Hotel and The Man From Snowy River Hotel. Peer Gynt Ski Lodge in Perisher Valley features a shared lounge, terrace, bar, and free WiFi, as well as a restaurant, garden, sauna, and hot tub.
Falls Creek is a picturesque, pedestrian-only ski village with ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. The village has many bars and restaurants and is perfect for intermediate skiers. Elk and Astra Lodge offer quality food by the slopes. Boonoona Ski Lodge provides a chic and rustic experience with a hot tub and sauna, as well as air-conditioned accommodation and free WiFi.
Mount Hotham is perched on top of the mountain, meaning skiers must start their day by skiing down to the chairlift. The terrain caters to all levels, with a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert slopes, as well as a separate beginner's area.
Mount Buller is a favourite among Melburnians, with 80km of beginner to advanced trails and the largest lift network in Victoria. The resort can get crowded on weekends, but it offers a range of restaurants and après bars.
Many skiers also opt to stay in the nearby town of Jindabyne, which offers classic country pubs, restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere.
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Cost and value for money
Skiing in Australia can be quite expensive. The price of a chairlift pass has increased significantly over the years, making it unaffordable for many people, including middle-class families. The cost of lift passes at Vail Resorts, which owns several Australian snowfields, is high, with day passes costing up to $458 at Whistler and Vail. A chairlift pass at Hotham costs about $232, and a lift pass at Perisher costs $46.
However, there are ways to make a ski trip in Australia more affordable. One way is to purchase a season pass, which offers better value for money, especially if you plan to ski multiple times. Some resorts offer discounted rates for advance bookings, and buying lift tickets online or on weekdays can also save money. Additionally, sharing costs with friends or staying in nearby towns or campsites can reduce accommodation expenses.
Compared to other popular ski destinations, Australia may offer similar overall costs when travel, accommodation, and equipment are considered. For example, lift passes in New Zealand can cost about $155, while in Switzerland, they average $130. However, due to the strength of the Australian dollar, some skiers opt for destinations like Japan, where costs are perceived to be lower.
While skiing in Australia may be costly, it offers a unique experience with fresh snow and a beautiful bushland backdrop. The largest ski resort in Australia, Perisher, boasts 65 kilometres of slopes and is considered the most snow-sure due to its altitude. Thredbo, another popular resort, offers a range of experiences, from beginner-friendly slopes to exclusive Sunrise Sessions. Falls Creek, a pedestrian-only ski village, and Mount Hotham, with its steep runs, are also sought-after destinations.
In conclusion, while the cost of skiing in Australia may be high, there are ways to make it more affordable. With its variety of slopes, unique scenery, and experiences, Australia offers value for money for skiers and snowboarders seeking fresh snow and a change from the traditional northern hemisphere ski destinations.
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Accessibility and transportation
Skiing in Australia takes place in the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as in Tasmania. The ski season typically runs from June/July to September/October.
The accessibility and transportation options for skiing in Australia vary depending on the specific ski resort and its location. Here are some details on accessing and reaching some of the popular ski resorts in Australia:
Thredbo, New South Wales:
Thredbo is located near Mount Kosciusko and is known for having Australia's highest lifted point at 2037 meters. In 1900, a hut was built at Bett's Camp above the Thredbo Escarpment, providing access for winter skiers. Today, Thredbo offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy lodges to ski-in/ski-out resorts. The River Inn, for example, offers direct access to Friday Flat, the meeting point for lessons and the location of the Thredbo Land Kids Club.
Perisher, New South Wales:
Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australasia, boasting the biggest terrain in the region. It offers both on-mountain accommodation and the option to stay in the nearby town of Jindabyne, known for its country pubs, restaurants, and laid-back vibe. Perisher is accessible via self-drive or bus trip packages, providing flexibility for visitors.
Mount Buller, Victoria:
Mount Buller, located in Victoria, offers 80km of beginner to advanced trails and the largest lift network in the state. It is a popular destination for Melburnians and has a range of restaurants and après bars. However, it can get crowded on weekends, with potential queues for equipment rentals, lift passes, and transportation.
Falls Creek, Victoria:
Falls Creek is a pedestrian-only ski village in Victoria, offering ski-in/ski-out access to accommodation, dining, and snow activities. It is the largest ski resort in Victoria and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and thriving ski school. Falls Creek is accessible via self-drive or bus trip packages.
Mount Hotham, Victoria:
Mount Hotham is perched on top of a mountain, providing skiers with immediate access to the slopes. It offers a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, as well as a separate beginners' area. Visitors can opt for self-drive or coach packages to reach the resort, with companies like Oz Snow providing transportation and trip planning services.
Selwyn Snow Resort, New South Wales:
Selwyn Snow Resort is the most northerly ski resort in Australia, with a base elevation of 1492 meters and a top elevation of 1614 meters. It caters to families and first-time skiers, with 88% of its terrain designed for beginners and intermediates.
Overall, accessibility and transportation to Australia's ski resorts have improved over time, with various companies offering self-drive and bus packages to reach the slopes. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, from cosy lodges to ski-in/ski-out resorts, depending on their preferences and budget.
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Activities and attractions
Australia offers a unique skiing experience with fresh snow and a beautiful bushland backdrop. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales are considered the "Australian Alps" due to their regular snowfall, making them ideal for skiing. The ski season in the Snowy Mountains usually starts in June and ends in October.
The largest ski resort in Australia is Perisher, located in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. It offers the largest terrain in Australasia and some of the best terrain parks in the country, with 65 kilometres of slopes accessed by 49 lifts. Perisher is known for its large size and is suitable for skiers of all levels, with short pistes for beginners and occasional skiers, as well as more challenging terrain for advanced skiers.
Thredbo, located in the Kosciuszko National Park, is another popular ski resort in Australia. Thredbo has the largest vertical drop of any Australian ski resort at 672 metres and offers a variety of slopes, including the longest run in Australia and New Zealand, the 5-kilometre High Noon Cruiser and Village Trail. Thredbo also boasts a vibrant village with bars and restaurants, as well as ski-in/ski-out accommodations.
Falls Creek, a pedestrian-only ski village in Victoria, is also a great option for families, with a thriving ski school and child-dedicated runs. Mount Hotham, known for its steep and deep runs, offers a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, as well as a separate beginners' area. Mount Buller, a favourite among Melburnians, features 80 kilometres of trails for beginners to advanced skiers and the largest lift network in Victoria.
In addition to skiing, Australia offers a range of attractions and activities during its winter season. The Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland rainforests, and Barramundi/offshore fishing are popular destinations for visitors. The Top End (Darwin, Kakadu) and Alice Springs, Uluru, are recommended during the winter months as they can be unpleasantly hot during other times of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular ski resorts in Australia include Thredbo, Perisher, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, and Mount Buller.
While Australia is known for its sun and beaches, it does offer a unique skiing experience with fresh snow and a beautiful bushland backdrop. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales are considered the "Australian Alps" due to their regular snowfall and are ideal for skiing. However, some people have noted that the snow conditions in Australia can be inconsistent and that it can get crowded on weekends.
The ski season in Australia typically starts in June and ends in October, with the best time to go skiing usually being July and August.
Skiing in Australia can be expensive due to high lift pass rates and accommodation costs. Additionally, there are National Park Entry fees that apply to certain ski resorts. It is also important to consider the snow conditions and plan your trip accordingly.
