Ruqayyah Snyder
Skiing in Australia takes place in the Australian Alps across New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as in the Australian Capital Territory. The country has five major downhill ski resorts, including Perisher, Thredbo, Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham. In addition, there are smaller downhill resorts such as Selwyn Snow Resort and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales, and Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Tasmania. While skiing and snowboarding are popular among Australians, the cost of gear and resorts can be expensive, with some opting to travel overseas to destinations like New Zealand or Japan for better slopes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locations | New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory |
| Ski resorts | Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn Snow Resort, Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Baw Baw, Ben Lomond, Mount Mawson |
| Ski season | June/July to September/October |
| Popularity | Mixed reports, some say it's popular, others say only a small proportion of Australians do snow sports |
| Cost | Considered expensive by some, but others say it's attainable for the middle class |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing in Australia is expensive
Skiing in Australia is a costly affair. While the country has a lot to offer in terms of ski resorts and terrain, the expenses can quickly add up, making it an expensive hobby.
One of the main factors contributing to the high cost of skiing in Australia is the limited number of ski resorts and their locations. The majority of Australia's ski resorts are located in the Australian Alps, spanning New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. With a limited number of resorts in these regions, the demand for accommodation is high, driving up prices. Additionally, the resorts in Australia often have higher prices compared to those in other countries, with a week-long stay costing upwards of $1000. For example, at Perisher Ski Resort, a one-day lift ticket costs $112, while similar experiences in Queenstown, New Zealand, and Niseko, Japan, are significantly cheaper at $90 and $66, respectively.
The cost of accommodation in Australia's ski resorts is another significant expense. At Perisher, rooms for four people can range from $300 to $500 per night, with some deals starting at $150 per night. In contrast, Niseko offers more affordable options, with spacious accommodations just minutes from the slopes averaging $70 per person per night. Queenstown also offers a wider range of options, with mountain accommodations averaging $150 per night and studio apartments for four people starting at $230.
The high costs of skiing in Australia have led some enthusiasts to opt for overseas locations like New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and the USA. These destinations often provide better value for money, with cheaper lift tickets and more affordable accommodations. For example, a family ski trip to Canada, including flights and accommodations, can cost less than a similar trip within Australia.
Despite the high costs, there are ways to make skiing in Australia more affordable. Some skiers choose to stay in nearby towns or caravan parks and drive to the ski fields each day, reducing accommodation costs. Additionally, purchasing bulk lift tickets and bringing your own food and gear can help keep expenses down.
While skiing in Australia may be expensive, it offers a unique experience with extensive terrain and a rich history dating back to 1861. The Australian Alps provide a range of well-serviced resorts, such as Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, and Selwyn Snowfields, offering diverse skiing opportunities during the Southern Hemisphere winter.
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Ski resorts in Australia
Australia has skiable terrain in three states: New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as in the Australian Capital Territory. The ski season typically runs from June or July to September or October. There are 16 ski resorts in Australia, including both major downhill ski resorts and smaller resorts that provide a more relaxed experience.
Perisher Ski Resort
Perisher Ski Resort is Australia's largest ski resort, with 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain and 47 lifts. It is also the largest ski resort in New Zealand. It is very family-friendly and has a lot of intermediate terrain. The resort is almost entirely ski-in and ski-out and is known for its super pipe and terrain parks.
Thredbo
Thredbo is Australia's highest ski resort, with a top elevation of 2,037 meters. It offers 480 hectares of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 672 meters, the largest in Australia. Thredbo is considered the elite mountain of Australia and has a swanky village with bars and restaurants, as well as eleven ski-in, ski-out restaurants on the mountain.
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass is Australia's highest ski village, with a base elevation of 1,760 meters. It is a small, quaint, and old-fashioned ski area that is accessible by snow cat from Perisher Blue. It is a lot of fun for families and has relatively comfortable access to Australia's highest terrain.
Selwyn Snowfields
Selwyn Snowfields is a small ski resort with only 45 hectares of skiable terrain. However, it is a great place to learn to ski, with few crowds and mostly beginner and intermediate terrain. It is well-suited for families and first-timers, with 88% of the terrain catering to beginners and intermediates.
Mount Hotham and Falls Creek
Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are owned by the same company and are linked by a helicopter ride. Mount Hotham has a top elevation of 1,845 meters, while Falls Creek reaches 1,842 meters.
In addition to these major resorts, there are also smaller downhill resorts such as Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Tasmania, which provide a more relaxed experience and are popular with novice skiers and families. Cross-country skiing is also popular in Kosciuszko National Park, the Alpine National Park, Yarra Ranges National Park, Baw Baw National Park, and Mount Buffalo National Park.
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Australia's ski history
Skiing in Australia has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The sport was first introduced to the country in 1861 during the gold rush in the town of Kiandra, New South Wales. Three Norwegians, Elias Gottaas, Soren Torp, and Carl Bjerknes, formed the Kiandra Ski Club, now recognized as the first alpine snow ski club in the world. The club held ski races and organized the world's first "International Ski Carnival" in 1908, with participants from America, Australia, and England.
In the early 20th century, skiing began to develop further in Australia. The first ski tow was constructed on the Mount Buffalo plateau in Victoria in 1936. The sport gained popularity, and Australian skiers competed in the Winter Olympics for the first time in Oslo in 1952. Since then, Australia has participated in all subsequent Winter Olympics, winning medals consistently since 1998. Australian skiers have achieved notable success, with Malcolm Milne becoming the first non-European to win a ski race World Cup in 1969. Other Olympic medalists include Zali Steggall, Alisa Camplin, Dale Begg-Smith, Lydia Lassila, David Morris, Torah Bright, and Scotty James.
The country offers extensive skiable terrain during the Southern Hemisphere winter, particularly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as the Australian Capital Territory. Australia boasts five major downhill ski resorts: Perisher and Thredbo in New South Wales, and Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham in Victoria. These resorts offer varied terrain, with Thredbo, near Mount Kosciuszko, having Australia's highest lifted point at 2037 meters. Smaller downhill resorts, such as Selwyn Snow Resort and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales, provide a more relaxed experience for novice skiers and families.
Cross-country skiing is also popular in Australia, with several national parks offering ideal terrain, including Kosciuszko National Park, Alpine National Park, and Baw Baw National Park. The sport has a dedicated following, with clubs and enthusiasts celebrating the 150th anniversary of Australian skiing in 2011. However, some Australians have expressed that skiing is an expensive sport, often requiring travel to resorts or overseas destinations, making it more accessible to those with higher incomes.
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Australian ski culture
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 during the Southern Hemisphere winter, which falls between June/July and September/October. The country's ski fields offer a unique experience for skiers and boarders looking for fresh snow with a beautiful bushland backdrop.
The sport of skiing began in Australia in 1861 in the gold rush town of Kiandra, New South Wales, when Norwegian gold miners introduced the idea to the frozen hills around the town. The first ski tow was constructed on the Mount Buffalo plateau, Victoria, in 1936. The country's first and longest-surviving ski club, The Kiandra Snow Shoe Club, was formed in 1861.
Today, Australia has five major downhill ski resorts: Perisher and Thredbo in New South Wales, and Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham in Victoria. Perisher boasts the largest ski terrain in Australasia and some of the best terrain parks in the country. Thredbo has Australia's longest ski resort run, the 5.9-km-long Karel's T-Bar to Friday Flat, the country's greatest vertical drop of 672 meters, and the highest lifted point in Australia at 2037 meters. Smaller downhill resorts such as Selwyn Snow Resort and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales, Mount Baw Baw in Victoria, and Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Tasmania provide a more relaxed experience than the busy major resorts and are popular with novice skiers and families.
Cross-country skiing is popular in Kosciuszko National Park, the Alpine National Park, Yarra Ranges National Park, Baw Baw National Park, and Mount Buffalo National Park. The ski village at Mount Hotham is perched on top of the mountain, meaning skiers have to take their first ski down to the chairlift. The mountain offers a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, as well as a separate beginner's area. Falls Creek, the largest ski resort in Victoria, is a pedestrian-only ski village, where all the accommodation, dining, and snow activities are ski-in/ski-out.
Australian skiers have competed in the Winter Olympics since 1952 and have won medals at every Games since 1998. Notable Australian skiers and snowboarders include Malcolm Milne, Zali Steggall, Alisa Camplin, Dale Begg-Smith, Lydia Lassila, David Morris, Torah Bright, and Scotty James.
While skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in Australia, they can be expensive. The sport requires specialized gear, and the country's ski fields are hours away from cities, making it difficult for those who cannot afford the time or cost of travel. However, some skiers choose to stay in smaller towns that are within driving distance of the ski fields to save money on accommodation.
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Australian ski destinations
Australia has 16 ski resorts across the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as in Tasmania. Skiing in Australia is generally considered an expensive activity, with many Australians opting to travel overseas for their snow holidays. However, there are still plenty of ski destinations to choose from in Australia, ranging from major resorts to smaller, more relaxed options.
Thredbo, located near Mount Kosciusko, is the highest ski resort in Australia, with a vertical drop of 2,037 meters. It offers the longest ski run in Australia and New Zealand, and has a swanky village with bars and restaurants, as well as ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Perisher, also in New South Wales, is the largest ski resort in Australia and New Zealand, with the biggest terrain in Australasia. It offers a wide range of terrain parks and on-mountain accommodation.
Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham are three of the major downhill ski resorts in Victoria. Mount Buller is known for its social scene, ski-in/ski-out chalets, ski clubs, and ski and snowboard schools. It is a popular destination for Melbournites, as it is only a three-hour drive from Melbourne. 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.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, smaller downhill resorts such as Selwyn Snow Resort and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales, Mount Baw Baw in Victoria, and Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Tasmania are great options. These resorts are popular with novice skiers and families. Cross-country skiing is also an option in Kosciusko National Park, Alpine National Park, Yarra Ranges National Park, Baw Baw National Park, and Mount Buffalo National Park.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear how many people ski in Australia, but skiing is a popular activity in the country. There are several ski resorts in Australia, and some skiers opt to stay in the towns near the ski resorts, which are more affordable.
Skiing in Australia takes place in the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Skiing is also possible in the mountains of Tasmania, during the Southern Hemisphere winter, from June/July to September/October.
Australia has five major downhill ski resorts: Perisher and Thredbo in New South Wales, and Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham in Victoria.
Some affordable options for skiing in Australia include staying in towns near the ski resorts, such as Cooma or Jindabyne. Buying bulk lift tickets, bringing your own food and gear, and staying in caravan parks near the snow fields can also help reduce costs.
Yes, according to a 2022 report by Tourism Australia, 45% of those interested in snow sports are considering a holiday to Australia in the next four years, and 19% are actively planning to visit in the next two years.
