Your guide on the 9 best ski resorts you can visit in Australia.
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During the Australian winter, powderhounds make a beeline for New South Wales and Victoria to catch some of the nation's best snow.
Between the 2 states, there's a healthy handful of resorts to choose from. If you're stuck on where to head this year, our guide compares 9 of the country's best (including 1 in Tasmania) to get you on the right slopes.
Thredbo is home to the longest ski run in Australia. But despite this, its main claim to fame is its off-piste action.
With 11 ski-in ski-out restaurants on the mountain and plenty of cafes and bars in the village, Thredbo has you covered for cold nights in front of warm fires with a schnapps in hand.
Location: Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales
Made up of 4 different resorts (Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega) there is more than enough terrain to keep everyone busy at Australia's largest ski resort.
Perisher doesn’t have a late-night village atmosphere, but caters more for families with its self-sufficient lodges that contain their own restaurants and bars.
Location: Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales (5.5-hour drive from Sydney)
This isolated resort is only accessible via ski cat from Perisher. As the highest resort in Australia it has more reliable snow conditions than other resorts due to its altitude.
It is also entirely ski-in ski-out, allowing you to avoid the awkward routine of lugging your equipment to and from the mountain daily.
Location: Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales (5.5-hour drive from Sydney)
The convenient 3-hour drive makes Mt Buller a favourite for Melbournians. As you can expect, the resort gets very busy on weekends.
But if you don't mind the crowds, this resort is worth the effort. Not only does it offer over 80 runs, but its high-tech lift facilities make moving around the mountain extremely easy.
Location: Alpine National Park, Victoria (3-hour drive from Melbourne)
If you’re looking for a more thigh-challenging ski holiday, Mt Hotham could be for you. It's a purpose-built ski resort renowned for its steep verticals and challenging terrain.
The village is unique as it's located on top of the mountain, instead of at the bottom like traditional resorts. This not only means that you ski down for the first lifts of the day, but you're also staying up in the clouds.
Location: Australian Alps National Park, Victoria (4.5-hour drive from Melbourne)
Falls Creek takes first prize for having the prettiest alpine village which is full of restaurants, cafes and bars.
While there's plenty of cross-country skiing this really is a resort for all. Unlike other mountains, here beginners are not relegated to the lower slopes with more than 80% of the mountain dedicated to beginner and intermediate skiers.
Location: Alpine National Park, Victoria (5-hour drive from Melbourne)
The closest ski area to Melbourne at just 150km away, Mount Baw Baw sits in a vast national park and is surrounded by alpine walking trails and gum trees.
The resort offers a small, intimate village and access to snow play areas, toboggan hills and 10km of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Location: Baw Baw Plateau and National Park, Victoria (3-hour drive from Melbourne)
Runs and terrain: 17 (25% beginner, 64% intermediate, 11% advanced)
Skiable terrain: 35 hectares
Vertical: 104 metres
Pros
Easily accessible from Melbourne
Good number of runs and terrain suitable for all levels
Has 10km of groomed cross-country ski trails
Walking and biking trails for those who don't want to ski or snowboard
Cons
Small skiable terrain
Low vertical makes it heavily susceptible to run closures due to poor weather
Nestled in north-eastern Tasmania, Ben Lomond is the highest and largest ski resort in Tasmania. This makes it the premier destination for skiers and snowboarders wanting to hit the powder on the Apple Isle.
You can stay on the mountain at Rover's Retreat or in Launceston and drive up.
A shuttle runs from the lower carpark to the slopes. If you do drive in, snow chains are required for the final 8km journey up the steep and winding road known as Jacob's Ladder.
Location: Ben Lomond National Park, Tasmania (1-hour drive from Launceston)
One of the smaller resorts on the New South Wales side of Kosciuszko National Park, Sewlyn is hailed as a premier learn-to-ski area.
The resort was rebuilt in 2021 to include the nation's largest toboggan park, an 81 metre snow carpet and upgraded chairlifts. Improved snowmaking facilities also mean more open days in the season.
Location: Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales (5.5-hour drive from Sydney)
With 133 to choose from, Perisher offers the highest number of ski runs in Australia.
With 8 green runs, Charlotte Pass is ideal for beginners. The smaller resort means fewer guests on the slopes giving beginners more space to manoeuvre.
Not only does Perisher boast the largest number of ski runs in the country but 60% of them are for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. This gives those at this level plenty of powder to try out without getting bored.
Uncrowded, with steep verticals and over 40% advanced runs, experts will have the best time at Mt Hotham.
At 1,245 hectares, Perisher has the largest amount of skiable terrain in Australia.
At $55 a day for a lift pass, Mt Baw Baw has the cheapest lift pass prices, nearly half the cost of any other resort.
Because of its small size and a high number of beginner runs, Selwyn is an ideal place for learner skiers.
With one of the largest ski villages in the country, Mt Buller is a great place for friends to come together at the apres ski.
While there's plenty of 'on the run' fun to be had at Thredbo, advanced skiers can enjoy plenty of off-piste action.
For ski-in/ski-out you can't get much better than the resort at the top of Mt Hotham.
From fast trails to off-piste terrain, Falls Creek is the self-proclaimed home of cross-country skiing.
A reasonable 3-hour drive from Melbourne and a good mix of runs for all levels makes Mt Baw Baw great for short trips to the snow.
Just 1 hour's drive from Launceston you'll find Ben Lomond is the fastest resort to get to.
Selywn is a smaller resort that is popular for learner skiers. This means less busy slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers.
How much does it cost to ski in Australia?
The cost of transport, accommodation, gear and ski passes in Australia depends on where and when you're skiing as well as how close you wish to stay to the slopes.
Larger resorts are typically more expensive due to their facilities and popularity. For example, a day at Thredbo will set you back close to $200 for a lift pass. Smaller results, such as Mount Baw Baw, are substantially cheaper with passes from $55 a day.
Peak dates, including weekends, are generally more expensive due to demand across the board.
To keep costs down, ski the small resorts, look for discounted multi-day or early-bird passes and book accommodation in nearby towns. Ski deals and packages can also get the most for your money.
Thredbo, NSW – $179
Perisher, NSW – $139
Charlotte Pass, NSW – $107
Selwyn, NSW – TBA
Mt. Buller, Victoria – $107
Mt. Hotham, Victoria – TBA
Falls Creek, Victoria – $102
Mt Baw Baw, Victoria – $55
Where can I ski in Australia?
Most of Australia's ski resorts are in the south-east corner of the country in the Snowy Mountains.
What should you wear at a snow resort?
When at the snow, layer up to keep warm and dry. You don't need expensive or branded clothing so long as the clothes you take do the job.
Thermal tops
Thermal bottoms
Warm socks
Warm pants
Warm top
Winter jacket
Gloves
Helmet
Goggles
It's also a good idea to wear sun protection. Winter sports may be a cold activity but UV rays can be more powerful at higher altitudes and also reflect off the snow.
When is the best time to ski in Australia?
The snow season runs from June to September in Australia, with specific dates depending on the snowfall per resort.
The best time to arrive for snow and price is mid-June to mid-July or August which are shoulder seasons.
Up to 46% off 7-night ski escape at Charlotte Pass
Verified 5 days agoExpires 31 Aug 2022
Available on select dates until 1 October 2022. Includes stay at Lucy Lodge, breakfast, lift pass and return over-snow transport from Perisher Valley to Charlotte Pass.
Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Rottnest Island, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Byron Bay, Uluru, Canberra, Jindabyne, Great Ocean Road and more.
Available for travel on 28 August – 1 October 2022 in NSW. Includes Lucy Lodge accommodation, 8-day lift passes, return transport, continental breakfast and more.
Up to 10% off Mount Buller snow tour from Melbourne
Expires 31 Aug 2022
Available on select dates until 23 September 2022 when you purchase 2 or more voucher. Includes transfers from Melbourne CBD, entry onto the mountain and 20% discount on hire equipment. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates from June – September 2022 and June – September 2023. Destinations include Queenstown, Wanaka, The Remarkables, Christchurch and more.
Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.
Bad weather, ski lift closures and injuries can leave you with medical expenses, unused ski passes, and lost or damaged equipment. The risks involved in ski holidays are unique, so it's a good idea to invest in snow specific travel insurance.
In the event of a serious accident, snow travel insurance can cover emergency evacuation to the hospital, including helicopter rescue.
If you are forced to cancel your trip due to extreme weather such as blizzards and snowstorms, snow travel insurance cover can let you to recoup prepaid costs and expenses.
Ski equipment is expensive, especially in Australia. Winter sports travel insurance will ensure that if your equipment is lost or damaged, you can claim to cover the costs. Cover can apply for your own equipment and hire equipment. Some policies provide an additional benefit to cover the costs of hiring new equipment depending on your circumstances.
Resorts are often quite remote and transport time can be long. If the weather is poor when you arrive, many snow travel insurance plans will cover your transport and accommodation expenses if you are forced to travel to a new resort.
Depending on your cover, you may be able to claim the cost of unused ski passes, equipment hire and lessons if you are unwell or as a result of loss or theft.
Many providers offer additional cover for single-trip heli-skiing for an additional premium loading. This cover can be purchased after starting your holiday, provided it is taken out at least 24 hours before your heli-ski trip. Most insurers will not provide cover for any event that occurs while travelling in or disembarking from a helicopter. The inclusion of this option on your policy will generally require an additional excess to be paid in the event of a claim.
Some providers will cover the cost of transport to a new resort and the cost of additional ski passes in the event that you are forced to move to a new resort due to lift systems being closed. This can be on account of:
Courtney Edwards is an associate travel publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and sub-majoring in English from Western Sydney University and a Certificate II in Tourism. She discovered her love for travel while completing a semester abroad in England and travelling around Europe. Outside of work, you’ll find Courtney visiting new brunch spots and planning her next adventure.
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