Australian Skiing: Top 5 Resorts for an Exciting Aussie Winter!

When most people think of Australia, they think of sunny beaches and scorching deserts. 

But Australia is a big country, and if you head to the high-elevation regions of the southern states in the winter, you’ll find snowy mountain tops! 

In fact, did you know that Australia has more snow-covered mountains than Switzerland?! That blows my mind...

Australia’s ski slopes have the benefit of being relatively new and well-equipped. Plus, there aren’t many other places in the world where you can catch glimpses of kangaroos as you navigate tricky terrain on your skis.

Australia offers some of the best southern hemisphere skiing that you’ll find. 

So if you’re intrigued, you’ll want to read my inclusive guide on when to go, the best ski resorts, and essential must-know information before hitting the Aussie slopes.

Don’t forget to read our guides to the best skiing in Germany and the best slopes in Denver as well.

When to Go Skiing in Australia

Since Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, the winter skiing season runs from June to October.

In the southern regions of the country where ski resorts are located, it snows in the winter in the mountain regions. However, the snow is unpredictable. Australian ski resorts have invested heavily in snow-making machines to ensure they get good coverage every year.

This means the slopes are predictably good annually, and the resorts can guarantee five months of skiing.

All the resorts also have web cameras set up to monitor the snow, so you can visually check in on conditions before you book or leave the comfort of your warm hotel room.

Where to Go Skiing in Australia

Below are the top five skin resorts in Australia, all located in the southern areas of New South Wales and Victoria. Melbourne and Canberra are the closest big cities to the resorts.

5. Perisher – New South Wales

Perisher is a relatively new resort that aims to compete with the European and American super ski resorts. It’s four ski villages in one and covers more than 1200 hectares. The ski resort is so big that you need to use an underground alpine railway to commute.

That said, Perisher is mainly designed for beginners, families, and friends looking for a fun weekend. There is a limited selection of intermediate slopes and a single terrain park for experts. But you can spend a week at Perisher as a beginner and never do the same run twice.

The amenities around the slope feel more Australian than the other European-inspired slopes down under. Check out the Pub Bar at The Man From Snowy River Hotel, Wildbrumby Distillery, and Jindabyne Brewery for drinks.

4. Mt Buller – Victoria

Mt Buller has the attraction of being just three hours from the center of Melbourne, making it the ideal weekend ski getaway. The resort is also a great place to visit as a group. There are beginner and intermediate slopes, plus some of Australia’s most challenging terrain slopes.

Some visitors never hit the slopes and just ski along Bourke Street between cafés, restaurants, and bars. Experts can head out and find a vast range of tree runs a little beyond the groomed slopes.

In the evening, there are ski-in and ski-out bars like the Arlberg Bar. Austrian-style drinking houses, like Herbies Bar, also offer schnitzel accompanied by schnapps in front of an open fire.

3. Hotham – Victoria

The Hotham slopes are considered as challenging as any you’ll find in Europe or the United States, and it attracts serious international skiers. But don’t worry... There are also easy slopes for those who are just learning!

There is a range of side and backcountry options for those seeking variety. For instance, the Extreme Zone is a bit further out that features deep gullies, steep cliffs, and tree skiing.

Hotham’s alpine-style village is a short 15-minute glide from the slopes. You will find open fires, Japanese-inspired spas, and fine dining, including the Jack Frost Restaurant, with excellent views of the mountains. There are lots of accommodation options, including Australia’s igloo camping village.

2. Falls Creek - Victoria

Falls Creek is a “pedestrian-only” snow village for skiers and snowboarders who want to get away from it all for a while and enjoy the slopes. Walk or ski between resorts, restaurants, and slopes.

This region is famous for its high-quality cross-country skiing, with around 450 hectares of trails. There are more than 90 runs and 65 kilometers of accessible cross-country trails. Most runs are for the intermediate level, with a few beginner and advanced options.

This village is family-oriented, with many affordable chalets and beginners’ slopes. But an increasing number of restaurants and bars are encouraging couples to visit. Try Apartment 3 or the Astra Bar for drinks, and the QT Falls Creek’s Stingray Bar by award-winning French chef Janis Mallet for a meal.

1. Thredbo – New South Wales

A group of homesick Austrians designed the Thredbo ski village in the 1960s. So, it should be no surprise that it feels like a taste of Europe down under. The village approach means that there is more to do “off-slope” at Thredbo than at many of Australia’s other ski resorts.

Thredbo is designed for serious skiers seeking a challenge. It has Australia’s highest vertical drop and its longest run. Still, there are excellent beginner areas for those just starting out, and everything is close to the slopes and the lifts.

When off the slopes, the Alpine Bar offers a heated pool and afternoon DJ. The Apres Bar at the Denman Hotel is known for its alpine-inspired cocktails. The Terrace is considered the best restaurant in the area, and one of the best in the south of the state.

What You Should Know about Skiing in Australia

Most Australian ski resorts are designed to resemble European ski villages with wood chalets and open fires. That is part of the fun! But you’ll find essential Australian features, especially regarding the gum trees, the wildlife, and the relaxed Australian attitude.

Resorts offer many facilities for families, including chalet accommodation, beginners’ slopes, and classes for kids. But this means they can be swamped during the winter school holidays, which fall in the first half of July.

Getting to Australian Ski Resorts

All of Australia’s ski resorts are between a three- and six-hour drive from Sydney, Canberra, or Melbourne.

There are bus services that run between the cities and each of the resorts. The local Australian airline Rex also runs flights to Cooma or Albury, which are close to the best resorts and offer bus transfers.

Ski Lessons

You’ll find instructors offering a range of lessons at all of Australia’s resorts. You can join group lessons or sign up for one-on-one training.

These should always be booked in advance and usually include a lift pass package.

Purchasing a Lift Pass

You’ll need to purchase a lift pass to access the slopes. But they’re sometimes included in package deals with accommodation and classes. They range from as little as AUD60 a day at My Buller to as much as AUD200 a day at Perisher.

Suppose you plan to ski at several resorts. In that case, you can purchase an Australia Pass, which costs approximately US$1,049 a season. It gives you access to Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham, as well as some ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies.

The pass also comes with benefits, including “Bring-A-Mate” tickets, a 20% discount on lessons, and a 15% discount on hire and purchases.

Ski Equipment

Renting is the norm when it comes to equipment, and you will usually find new-season equipment available.

You can rent jackets, pants, helmets, and anything else you might need. But remember that you can’t hire goggles or gloves. Bring your own or buy that at the resort.

Find our list of other skiing packing essentials here!

Hit the Southern Slopes!

Now that you know the skiing secrets of Australia, it’s time to start planning your next skiing holiday with Pilot!