Usually associated with beautiful beaches and long summer days, Australia also offers a decent ski season with plenty of snow-covered ski fields to choose from across its southern states. The duration of the ski season can change between region and weather, although it usually happens between July to October. No matter if you’re a skier, snowboarder or just have a knack for snowman-building, setting your sights on the slopes during ski season in Australia is a great option to have on your winter holiday radar.
Check out some of the best places for skiing in Australia below and start planning how you’ll spend ski season!
The Best Places for Skiing in Australia
- Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
- Perisher, Perisher Valley
- Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, Snowy Mountains
- Selwyn Snow Resort, Cabramurra
- Mount Hotham Alpine Resort, Hotham Heights
- Mount Buller, Mansfield
- Dinner Plain Alpine Resort, Dinner Plain
- Falls Creek Alpine Resort
- Ben Lomond
- Cradle Mountain
New South Wales
There are four ski resorts in New South Wales, many of them only a 4 to 5-hour drive from Syndey, and the state is home to the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciusko. The official season goes from mid-June to early October, but some resorts do slightly different seasons so be sure to check them before you book your trip to any of the best places to ski in New South Wales.
1. Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
Address: Friday Dr, Thredbo NSW 2625
Ski season: June long weekend until October long weekend
Pricing: From $169 for adults and $89 for kids*
Instagram: @thredboresort
Thredbo is one of the most popular ski resorts in New South Wales. Located in the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo Alpine Village caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Take advantage of the giant purpose-built beginner areas that are fitted with gentle slopes and even a designated space designed just for beginners and first-time snow bunnies. Sip a steamy hot chocolate from a café in the village and explore the range of extra activities available, including night skiing on Thursday and Saturday evenings, flare runs and family-friendly snow play.
2. Perisher, Perisher Valley
Address: Kosciuszko Rd, Perisher Valley NSW 2624
Ski season: June long weekend until October long weekend
Pricing: From $280 for adults and $156 for kids*
Instagram: @perisher_resort
The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher is a bustling ski resort set in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. With four resort areas and more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers four main ski parks that cover all ability levels. Smiggins Holes is ideal for beginners and an excellent place for kids, while Blue Cow is accessible via the Skitube and has a range of easy and medium difficulty runs. Perisher Valley has terrain suited to anyone, from first-time skiers to advanced riders looking for their next black run.
3. Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, Snowy Mountains
Address: Charlotte Way, Charlotte Pass NSW 2627
Ski season: July to October
Pricing: From $129 for adults and $79 for kids*
Instagram: @charlottepass_nsw
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort is Australia’s highest-altitude resort. The area receives some of the most consistent snowfalls during ski season, which makes it an ideal spot for those seeking slopes with incredible quality snow. There is a range of runs to cater to skiers of different abilities; beginners can head down the East Starter run, and more experienced skiers can tackle the medium difficulty Kosi Coaster or carve down the challenging terrain of Sidewinder and Guthrie’s Chutes. Book a chalet in nearby Jindabyne to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Jindabyne and Kosciuszko National Park.
4. Selwyn Snow Resort, Cabramurra
Address: 213A Kings Cross Rd, Cabramurra NSW 2629
Ski season: June to October
Pricing: From $114.30 for adults and $80.10 for kids*
Instagram: @selwysnow
Selwyn Snow Resort is home to a cosy, family-friendly ski resort, with slopes suited to a variety of skill levels. The family-owned and operated ski spot has long been a popular holiday destination in the Snowy Mountains. The resort offers a range of progressive terrains that allow you to test out your skills before tackling the more challenging runs. For non-skiers, Selwyn is also home to several toboggan runs and snow-tubing spots, perfect for those who aren’t quite ready to tackle the slopes.
Victoria
Those looking for the best places to ski in Victoria have a few resorts to pick from. Whether you’re planning to ski, snowboard or tobogganing, hit the slopes in Victoria and enjoy the stunning landscapes all around you. Equipped with all the gear you may need, these resorts are suitable for beginners and seasoned experts alike, so pick winter destination in Victoria and go on your snow adventure.
5. Mount Hotham Alpine Resort, Hotham Heights
Address: Great Alpine Rd, Hotham Heights VIC 3741
Ski season: Early June to late September
Pricing: From $174 for adults and $98 for kids*
Instagram: @hothamalpineresort
Often called the ‘Powder Capital of Australia,’ Mount Hotham Alpine Resort has been a popular ski hub for more than 125 years. With 320 hectares of ski terrain and runs suited for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders, the resort draws plenty of enthusiastic skiers and boarders each ski season. Mount Hotham is located within the Great Dividing Range, around a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne.
6. Mount Buller, Mansfield
Address: Mount Buller VIC 3723
Season: Early June to early October
Pricing: From $65.70 for adults and $50.40 for kids*
Instagram: @mt_buller
With more than 35 hectares of runs, a bustling village, great accommodation options and more, Mount Buller’s ski resort provides guests with an all-out winter sports experience. Try your hand at night skiing at the Twilight Sessions, or just sit back and enjoy live entertainment in the resort village. Families will love the many ski runs suitable for beginners, and guests can even enjoy dog sled tours and toboggan rides during the winter months!
7. Dinner Plain Alpine Resort, Dinner Plain
Address: Dinner Plain VIC 3898
Season: Starting early July
Pricing: No resort entry fee*
Instagram: @visitdinnerplain
Dinner Plain Alpine Resort is a great place to tackle a wide variety of gentle beginner slopes before moving onto the more advanced runs at Mt. Hotham, which is located just 10 km away. Dinner Plain is also home to the Dinner Plain Dog Sled Challenge, where powerful dog teams from across Australia compete for the top prize.
8. Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Address: Falls Creek VIC 3699
Season: Mid-June to early October
Pricing: From $142 for adults and $74 for kids*
Instagram: @fallscreek
Tucked away in Victoria’s High Country, Falls Creek Alpine Resort features a huge 450 hectares of skiable terrain – more than any other resort in Victoria. With around 90 runs and 14 ski lifts, the huge ski resort has something for skiers of all abilities. Around 60% of Falls Creek’s terrain is made up of intermediate runs, so the resort caters for those who have skied before too; try out a range of green, blue and black runs.
Tasmania
Tasmania may not be at the top of an Australian skiers’ winter travel list, but it certainly delivers – especially if you prefer skiing on uncrowded slopes with prime alpine views. Find the best places to ski in Tasmania and be sure to plan either half or a full day to glide through the snow.
9. Ben Lomond
Address: Alpine Ski Village, Ben Lomond Rd, Ben Lomond TAS 7212
Season: Early June to late September
Pricing: From $45 for adults and $35 for kids*
Instagram: @benlomondsnowsports
Located about 90 minutes drive from Launceston, Ben Lomond features a wide range of fun activities, including toboggan and snow play areas, downhill skiing and snowboarding facilities. Head to the Alpine Village at the foot of the ski hills for traditional winter warmers and a mug of hot chocolate.
10. Cradle Mountain
Address: Cradle Mountain, TAS 7306
Season: June to October
Cradle Mountain is home to some of the most amazing skiing adventures in Tasmania. The mountain has many steep areas ideal for more experienced skiers, and avid skiers will have to walk to the Cradle Plateau to get the best of the snowfall. Cross-country skiing on Cradle Mountain is a great way to check out the stunning Lake St. Clair National Park, which encompasses Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. While this area is gorgeous no matter the time of year, it’s particularly lovely with a soft blanket of snow.
It might be surprising, but Australia is a great destination for ski lovers (or those wanting to try it for the first time). With plenty of resorts to choose from in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, an Aussie ski trip should definitely go on your travelling bucket list – and why not start planning it now? Get your flights to NSW, Victoria or Tasmania and book your accommodation at the best price, with Webjet.
*These are indicative prices from 2021 and may vary from the time of this article.
